In a touching announcement which caused a shock wave in the world of tennis and beyond, Rafael Nadal and his wife, María Francisca Perelló, are preparing to welcome their second child, a little girl, planned for this summer. The couple, known for their very discreet lifestyle, surprised their fans by revealing not only the imminent arrival, but also the extraordinarily unique first name they chose for their daughter – a first name which they call “homage to our origins and our dreams”. This revelation aroused a global buzz: fans, celebrities and media have dissected the meaning of the first name and celebrated the growing inheritance of the Nadal family.
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The news broke out on social networks when María Francisca, affectionately nicknamed Mery, shared a rare overview of their private life in an elogious Instagram publication. The photo showed the couple on a peaceful beach in Mallorca, Nadal tightening his wife in his arms to protect her, while they sported a radiant smile. The legend said: “Our hearts are full of hope while waiting for our daughter. His first name is a tribute to our origins and our dreams. The message was accompanied by a handwritten note revealing the first name:State Mar, a poetic formula meaning “sea star” 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 about to grow, and the choice of such a distinctive name captivated fans who admire the couple’s deep link with their Spanish heritage.
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The name Estrella Mar aroused a general fascination for its lyrical beauty and its cultural meaning. In Spanish, “Estrella” evokes the brilliance of a star, a symbol of hope and guidance, while “Mar” reflects the sea, a nod to the Mediterranean waters that surround their dear majorcan. Sources close to the couple say that this name has been chosen to honor their island roots and their common dreams of a bright future for their children.
“Estrella Mar is a first name that reminds us of our home,” Nadal said at a private family meeting, according to a family friend. “It is a tribute to our major origins, where the sea and the sky have always inspired us, and our dream of seeing our daughter shine in her own way. His unique character has aroused comparisons with other names of celebrity babies, but his fans say that he is distinguished by his sincere authenticity.
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The announcement sparked a wave of love on social networks, the hashtag #Strellamar becoming a global trend on X in a few hours. The fans flooded the publications of the congratulations couple, many marveling from the poetic charm of the first name. “Rafa and Mery always do things with so much grace!” This first name is perfect! “Wrote a fan. Another added: “Estrella Mar will become a star, just like her father!” »»
Other tennis stars have also joined the party. Roger Federer, a longtime friend and rival of Nadal, commented: “What a beautiful first name! Congratulations, Rafa and Mery! “Serena Williams published an emoji heart with the following message:” Look forward to meeting the little Estrella Mar! ” Even celebrities external to tennis, like the Spanish actress Penélope Cruz, rallied the crowd, describing this first name as “absolutely magical”.
Nadal and Perelló, married in 2019 after 14 years of common life, have always kept silent on their privacy, which makes this public announcement all the more significant. Despite Nadal’s world famous, 22 times a big slam winner, the couple led a discreet existence in their hometown of Manacor, in Mallorca. Their decision to share the name Estrella Mar before its birth marks a rare moment of opening, which fans welcomed as a gift.
The couple’s attachment to their family is well known. Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, often spoke of his desire to give priority to authorship and his Rafa Nadal Academy. Perelló, philanthropist and director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, is just as attached to their common values. “The family is our priority,” said Nadal in an interview in 2024. “Each of our choices aims for the happiness of our children. »»
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The arrival of Estrella Mar opens a new chapter to the legendary heritage of Nadal, which extends far beyond the tennis courts. Nicknamed the “King of the clay”, Nadal redefined sport thanks to his unshakable mind and his 14 titles in Roland-Garros, a record. Today father, he is ready to shape the next generation with the same humility and the same passion that have marked his career.
Speculations are already going to know if Estrella Mar and his brother, Rafael Jr., will follow in their father’s footsteps. If Nadal said that he would not push his children to tennis, he hopes to instill in them the values of work and respect. “I want them to find their own way, whatever it is,” he told journalists last year.
While the world awaits the arrival of Estrella Mar, the announcement of the Nadal family reminded fans the power of love and inheritance. The name, with its celestial and nautical imagery, sounds like a glimmer of hope in these uncertain times. For Nadal and Perelló, it is a deeply personal choice that reflects their journey as a couple and their dreams for their daughter.
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“Estrella Mar will illuminate our lives,” said Perelló to her friends, words that echo the feeling of millions of people. While the legend of tennis and his wife are preparing for their next adventure, the whole world retains his breath, ready to welcome a new star in the Nadal constellation.
