In a heartwarming announcement that has sent shockwaves through the tennis world and beyond, Rafael Nadal and his wife, María Francisca Perelló, are preparing to welcome their second child, a baby girl, due this summer. The couple, known for their fiercely private lifestyle, stunned fans by revealing not only the impending arrival but also the extraordinarily unique name they’ve chosen for their daughter—a name they say is “a tribute to our origins and our dreams.” The revelation has ignited a global buzz, with fans, celebrities, and media outlets dissecting the name’s meaning and celebrating the Nadal family’s growing legacy.
The news broke on social media when María Francisca, affectionately known as Mery, shared a rare glimpse into their personal life with a glowing Instagram post. The photo showed the couple on a serene beach in Mallorca, Nadal’s arm wrapped protectively around his wife as they smiled radiantly. The caption read, “Our hearts are full as we await our daughter. Her name is a tribute to our origins and our dreams.” Accompanying the post was a handwritten note revealing the name: Estrella Mar—a poetic combination meaning “Star of the Sea” in Spanish.
The announcement comes less than three years after the birth of their first child, Rafael Nadal Jr., in October 2022. With their second child on the way, the Nadal family is poised to grow, and the choice of such a distinctive name has captivated fans who admire the couple’s deep connection to their Spanish heritage.
The name Estrella Mar has sparked widespread fascination for its lyrical beauty and cultural significance. In Spanish, “Estrella” evokes the brilliance of a star, symbolizing hope and guidance, while “Mar” reflects the sea, a nod to the Mediterranean waters surrounding their beloved Mallorca. Sources close to the couple say the name was chosen to honor their island roots and their shared dreams for a bright future for their children.
“Estrella Mar is a name that feels like home to us,” Nadal reportedly said in a private family gathering, according to a family friend. “It’s a tribute to our origins in Mallorca, where the sea and sky have always inspired us, and to our dreams for our daughter to shine in her own way.” The name’s uniqueness has drawn comparisons to other celebrity baby names, but fans argue it stands out for its heartfelt authenticity.
The announcement triggered an outpouring of love on social media, with #EstrellaMar trending worldwide on X within hours. Fans flooded the couple’s posts with congratulations, many marveling at the name’s poetic charm. “Rafa and Mery always do things with such grace—this name is perfect!” one fan wrote. Another added, “Estrella Mar is going to be a star, just like her dad!”
Fellow tennis stars also joined the celebration. Roger Federer, Nadal’s longtime friend and rival, commented, “What a beautiful name! Congrats, Rafa and Mery!” Serena Williams posted a heart emoji with the message, “Can’t wait to meet little Estrella Mar!” Even celebrities outside tennis, like Spanish actress Penélope Cruz, chimed in, calling the name “absolutely magical.”
Nadal and Perelló, who married in 2019 after 14 years together, have always guarded their personal lives, making this public announcement all the more significant. Despite Nadal’s global fame as a 22-time Grand Slam champion, the couple has maintained a low-key existence in their hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. Their decision to share Estrella Mar’s name before her birth marks a rare moment of openness, which fans have embraced as a gift.
The couple’s devotion to family is well-documented. Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, has spoken often about his desire to prioritize fatherhood and his Rafa Nadal Academy. Perelló, a philanthropist and director at the Rafa Nadal Foundation, is equally committed to their shared values. “Family is everything to us,” Nadal said in a 2024 interview. “Every choice we make is for our children’s happiness.”
The arrival of Estrella Mar adds a new chapter to Nadal’s storied legacy, which extends far beyond the tennis court. As the “King of Clay,” Nadal redefined the sport with his relentless spirit and record-breaking 14 Roland Garros titles. Now, as a father, he’s poised to shape the next generation with the same humility and passion that defined his career.
Speculation is already rife about whether Estrella Mar and her brother, Rafael Jr., will follow in their father’s footsteps. While Nadal has said he won’t push his children into tennis, he hopes to instill in them the values of hard work and respect. “I want them to find their own path, whatever that may be,” he told reporters last year.
As the world awaits Estrella Mar’s arrival, the Nadal family’s announcement has reminded fans of the power of love and heritage. The name, with its celestial and nautical imagery, feels like a beacon of hope in uncertain times. For Nadal and Perelló, it’s a deeply personal choice that reflects their journey as a couple and their dreams for their daughter.
“Estrella Mar will light up our lives,” Perelló reportedly told friends, her words echoing the sentiment of millions. As the tennis legend and his wife prepare for their next adventure, the world watches with bated breath, ready to welcome a new star into the Nadal constellation.
