**Rafael Nadal and Mery “Xisca” Perelló Welcome Second Child: A Look at Their Growing Family**
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In August 2025, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal and his wife, Mery “Xisca” Perelló, announced the arrival of their second child, a son named Miquel. This joyous event follows the birth of their first child, Rafael Jr., who entered the world in October 2022. With these two additions to their family, Nadal steps into a new chapter of fatherhood, undoubtedly adding to an already rich legacy on and off the court.
The announcement of Miquel’s birth was officially confirmed by a representative for Nadal to PEOPLE magazine, marking another milestone for the couple. This news comes just a year after Nadal shared his reflections on fatherhood during a September 2024 appearance on the popular Spanish talk show, El Hormiguero. There, he remarked on the profound influence that being a father has had on his life, stating that it has “drastically” changed his tennis game but ultimately improved his life overall.
Nadal, renowned for his dedication to the sport, retired from professional tennis in October 2024. In an emotional farewell video shared on social media platform X, he expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his wife and son. “To come home and see how my son is growing every day has been a force that has really kept me alive and with the necessary energy to continue,” he shared, revealing the personal aspects of his life beyond the tennis court.
The couple’s family journey has also been documented in a new Netflix series titled “Rafa,” which premiered on May 29, 2026. In the run-up to its release, Nadal emphasised his commitment to fatherhood, stating that he is making a conscious effort to spend “as much time as possible” with his sons. He added, “I love being a father. It’s an amazing experience — one of the best… I especially like to bring them to school in the morning, to pick them up in the afternoon.”
Rafael Jr., who is now three years old, has already shown glimpses of following in his father’s footsteps. Nadal announced the pregnancy of their first child during a press conference in Palma de Mallorca in June 2022, noting his lack of parental experience at the time. However, he assured fans that he didn’t expect his professional life to be significantly altered.
Once Rafael Jr. had arrived, Nadal shared his father’s joy on social media, stating that they were all “very happy” and “doing very well.” Although Nadal keeps his son away from the public eye for the most part, Rafael Jr. has made appearances supporting his father at significant tournaments, including the 2024 French Open.
As for Miquel, born on August 11, 2025, his name holds special significance. The infant is named after Perelló’s late father, who passed away in April 2023 after battling a long illness. The couple’s commitment to their children’s privacy has been a priority, and Nadal has expressed his belief that this will allow them to lead happier lives. “In a personal way, I was happier, too, that I was able to have a very private life when I was at home,” he stated in an interview with PEOPLE in May 2026.
As Nadal transitions from the challenges of a professional sports career to the joys and responsibilities of parenthood, he has shown an unwavering commitment to supporting his children’s aspirations, regardless of their future paths. During a ceremony held in May 2025, he mentioned, “If that’s what my son wants to do, I’m going to support him. I don’t think that will be the case, but I’m going to support him in whatever he wants to do.”
With a career filled with remarkable achievements and now a burgeoning family life, Rafael Nadal continues to inspire. His journey highlights the balance between professional success and personal happiness, a theme that resonates with many in and out of the spotlight. As the world watches, Nadal’s commitment to fatherhood and his family will undoubtedly shape his legacy in new and profound ways.