Rafael Nadal, who retired from professional tennis at the end of 2024, has broken his silence on the controversial penalty taken by Julián Álvarez during the Madrid derby in the Champions League. 

“I think he hit the ball twice; that’s what the replays showed. But for me, what happened to Julián Álvarez was the height of bad luck. As a Madridista, I celebrated the win, but I honestly felt really bad. Especially for Julián, because apart from being a top player, he seems like a genuinely good person. I wish him all the best. That’s just how sport is—one wins, the other loses, and it can be cruel,” Nadal said during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of car brand Kia, with whom he has been affiliated throughout his career.

Nadal backs both Barcelona and Madrid in Champions League chase

The 22-time Grand Slam winner also praised the impressive form of both Barcelona and Real Madrid this season. “I’d suffer through it, but I’d get through it. A final between them would be explosive for Spanish football. But like I used to say when I was competing—you can’t think about the final when you’re still in the quarterfinals.”

While acknowledging Barcelona's outstanding performances, he stopped short of calling them favorites. “There are clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Inter, Arsenal with Mikel Arteta… and of course Real Madrid, which has won the tournament fifteen times. I wouldn’t say Barcelona are the top favorites, but they’re definitely major contenders,” Nadal added.

Life after tennis: from court to classroom

Now off the court, Nadal is fully immersed in his personal projects. His foundation and tennis academy take up much of his time. “Those of us who’ve been fortunate in life have a moral duty to give something back to society,” he reflected.

Still deeply connected to sports and youth development, Nadal is channeling his passion into education. “I’m trying to organize my life around sports and education. I’m not someone who enjoys doing nothing. Now I’m figuring out what I truly like beyond competition, and that’s what’s driving me,” he concluded.

Whether on the court or off it, Rafael Nadal remains a respected and influential voice in the world of sports.