In an emotional announcement that shocked the tennis world and beyond, Rafael Nadal and his wife, María Francisca Perelló, are preparing to welcome their second child, a daughter, due this summer. The couple, known for their private lifestyle, surprised their fans by revealing not only the impending arrival but also the extraordinarily unique name they have chosen for their daughter, a name they say is “a tribute to our origins and our dreams.” The revelation sparked a global stir, as fans, celebrities, and media outlets delved into the name’s meaning and celebrated the Nadal family’s growing legacy.
The news broke on social media when María Francisca, affectionately known as Mery, shared a rare glimpse into her private life in a rousing Instagram post. The photo showed the couple on a quiet beach in Mallorca, with Nadal hugging his wife protectively as they beamed. The caption read: “Our hearts are full of hope as we await our daughter. Her name is a tribute to our origins and our dreams.” The post was accompanied by a handwritten note revealing the name: Estrella Mar , a poetic phrase meaning “Star of the Sea.”
The announcement comes less than three years after the birth of their first son, Rafael Nadal Jr., in October 2022. With their second child on the way, the Nadal family is about to expand, 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 great fascination for its lyrical beauty and cultural significance. 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 surrounding their beloved Mallorca. Sources close to the couple say the name was chosen to honor their island roots and their shared dreams of a bright future for their children.
“Estrella Mar is a name that reminds us of home,” Nadal said at a private family gathering, according to a family friend. “It’s a tribute to our Mallorcan roots, where the sea and the sky have always inspired us, and to our dream of seeing our daughter shine in her own way.” Its uniqueness has drawn comparisons to other celebrity baby names, but fans say it stands out for its sincere authenticity.
The announcement sparked a wave of love on social media, with the hashtag #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!” wrote one fan. Another added: “Estrella Mar is going to be a star, just like her dad!”
Other tennis stars also joined in the celebrations. Nadal’s longtime friend and rival Roger Federer commented: “What a beautiful name! Congratulations, Rafa and Mery!” Serena Williams posted a heart emoji with the message: “Can’t wait to meet little Estrella Mar!” Even non-tennis celebrities, such as Spanish actress Penélope Cruz, joined in the celebration, calling the name “absolutely magical.”
Nadal and Perelló, who married in 2019 after 14 years together, have always kept their private lives private, making this public announcement even more significant. Despite Nadal’s worldwide fame as a 22-time Grand Slam champion, the couple has led a low-key life in their hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. Their decision to share the name Estrella Mar before her birth marks a rare moment of candor, which fans have welcomed as a gift.
The couple’s commitment to their family is well known. Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, has frequently expressed his desire to prioritize fatherhood and his Rafa Nadal Academy. Perelló, a philanthropist and director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, is equally committed to their shared values. “Family is our priority,” Nadal declared in a 2024 interview. “Every decision we make is aimed at the happiness of our children.”
The arrival of Estrella Mar opens a new chapter in Nadal’s legendary legacy, one that extends far beyond the tennis courts. Nicknamed the “King of Clay,” Nadal redefined the sport with his unbreakable spirit and a record 14 French Open titles. Now, a family man, he is ready to shape the next generation with the same humility and passion that defined his career.
There is already much speculation about whether Estrella Mar and his brother, Rafael Jr., will follow in their father’s footsteps. Although Nadal has said he won’t force his children to pursue tennis, he hopes to instill in them the values of hard work and respect. “I want them to find their own path, whatever it may be,” he told the press last year.
As the world awaits the arrival of Estrella Mar, the Nadal family’s announcement reminded fans of the power of love and legacy. The name, with its celestial and nautical symbolism, offers a glimmer of hope in these 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 his friends, words that reflect the sentiments of millions. As the tennis legend and his wife prepare for their next adventure, the world waits with bated breath, ready to welcome a new star into the Nadal family.
