After 23 years, 22 Grand Slam titles, 5 Davis Cups, and 2 Olympic Gold Medals, Rafael Nadal has retired from tennis. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, Nadal ended his career after Spain’s loss to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.
Nike, his long-time partner, was quick to honor his extraordinary legacy. Having signed with the brand at 13, Nadal is celebrated in a poignant one-minute commercial titled “Greatness. It Only Takes Everything”. In black-and-white visuals, the film shows Nadal meticulously preparing a clay court, a tribute to his record 14 French Open victories, intertwined with iconic moments from his career.
Nike co-founder Phil Knight narrates “When the dust settles, you’ll know you’ve given more than anyone. Chased down every game, shot, point, and put it all on the line for one more win. Not once, but every second, minute, hour, day of your life.”
Nike shared the video with the caption, “No one has given more to their sport. Or left it all on the court every single time. @RafaelNadal, you showed us what it takes to be the greatest. It only takes everything.”
Knight also praised Nadal, saying, “Rafa has been the perfect representative for the brand. He’s embodied our mentality of never giving up and is perhaps the most ferocious competitor ever. You could always see his tenacity, and no one could outlast him in a five-set match.”
In addition, Nike has changed its social media profile picture to Nadal’s signature bull logo and installed a tribute near the Eiffel Tower in Paris to honor his career.
Full tribute video to Rafa, courtesy of Nike: pic.twitter.com/IPEyAKxkJW
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) November 19, 2024
What do you think of Nike‘s various tributes to the tennis icon? Sound off on social media, we’d love to know your thoughts!
