22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has been voted the most admired and greatest Spanish athlete by the public, according to a recent survey conducted by El Piponazo de Grefusa. The campaign aimed to highlight the most iconic figures and moments in Spanish popular culture. Rafa topped the ranking with support from nearly 50% of respondents.
Our champ was followed by Pau Gasol (25%) and Fernando Alonso (22.1%), with other respected names such as Andrés Iniesta, Lamine Yamal, and Carolina Marín also appearing on the list. The results reaffirm the strong connection between Spanish identity and sporting excellence.
In the same study, Iniesta’s goal in the 2010 World Cup final was voted the most memorable cultural moment, ahead of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Rafa’s Roland Garros victories, and other iconic events.
As time goes by, we appreciate Rafa’s achievements more and more—and miss seeing him on the tennis courts. A new generation of players is rising to take on the challenge, but every time a new stat flashes on screen, we’re reminded that the records Rafa set may stand for a very, very long time.
