A few days ago, the football world and Spain received the sad news that legendary midfielder Andrés Iniesta was retiring. And just yesterday, Rafa Nadal shared the same news. So, perhaps for the first time, a country has lost its two biggest athletes within a week.
Andrés Iniesta
Starting player for FC Barcelona for 15 years, runner-up and third place in the Ballon D’Or. No Spanish player has won more titles than him. Andrés has all the accolades to be considered one of Spain’s greatest footballers ever. But he is regarded as one of Spain’s greatest ever for one defining moment. That is, of course, making Spain World Champions for the first time. His legendary 116th-minute goal is known in Spain as “The goal that made an entire country hug”. It remains without doubt the most important moment in Spanish sports history. Incredible accolades, that goal, and a noble personality that made him respected even by Real Madrid fans. Combine that with the fact football is by far the biggest sport in Spain. How is he only considered ‘one of the greatest’ and not as the unanimous G.O.A.T.?
Rafa Nadal
Well, because of a kid from Manacor. A kid who dared to dream, to etch his name in history among the greatest in history, and to elevate that sport to heights it had never seen before. A tennis player that reached a level of dominance in a sports field that no one in any sport had ever reached. A legend that has more titles than losses on clay. Someone who Roland Garros an absurd 14 times. Rafael Nadal.
While Rafa has not given Spain a singular moment like Iniesta did-though it’s unfair to ask that of anyone, considering that football in Spain is practically a religion-, Rafa is the only Spanish athlete from a major sport included in G.O.A.T. conversations. No one has brought more major titles to Spain, and no one has been at the absolute peak of a their sport as Rafa. Not even the Gasol brothers or Fernando Alonso could make Spaniards, regardless of their interest in the sport, sit in front of their TVs and cheer as much as Rafa has done.
The football world showed it’s appreciation for Rafa’s achievements as an athlete, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi left tributes for Nadal. With Ronaldo stating “Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world” and Messi stating “you are an example to everyone because of your hard work, your perseverance and for being at the highest level for so many years.”
Spain’s Black Week
Spain has a massive sporting tradition, and there have been many Spanish greats. The Gasol brothers, Alonso, Carolina Marín, Craviotto, Santana, Contador. Arantxa Sánchez, Márquez, Sainz, Raúl. Casillas, Xavi, Belmonte, Ballesteros. But no one has given more to the country than Rafa, and no one has given Spain a moment as iconic as Iniesta.
And so, Spain loses its two most beloved athletes ever in just a matter of days. While there is a wealth of great names, and rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Carlos Alcaraz are already taking center stage on the biggest platforms, there is no doubt the country mourns the retirement of two absolute legends-the childhood heroes of an entire generation.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
