The press is unanimous about the new Rafa Nadal Museum: “It’s spectacular”

19.05.2026

RNA Editorial.

The new Rafa Nadal Museum opened its doors last May 15 and, a day earlier, Rafa wanted to show it to the journalists and media who have closely followed his sporting career over the years.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion hosted the opening event, attended by more than 60 professionals at the Academy , where he presented one of the most special projects of his life.

Excitement was at its peak from early in the morning. Journalists from all over the world toured every area of the museum alongside Rafa, discovering first-hand a deeply emotional experience that goes far beyond a collection of trophies. The shared feeling among all attendees was clear: the new museum brings visitors closer to the most human side of Rafael Nadal and helps them understand the effort, discipline, and values that have defined his entire career.

“You can’t be told this—this is something you can only experience here, in Manacor”, Matías Prats summed up after completing the immersive tour. Others spoke of a “necessary and moving” experience, capable of highlighting not only sporting success, but also Rafa Nadal’s mindset and way of understanding life.

“The museum is Rafa Nadal”, Ángel García from COPE highlighted, referring to the authenticity and closeness conveyed by every space. From immersive audiovisuals to the most personal items, the entire tour connects visitors with the emotions, sacrifices, and decisive moments of an unparalleled career. “More Rafa Nadal than ever”, José Antonio Mielgo noted, while several journalists described the museum as “unique in the world”, “unmissable”, or simply “mind-blowing”.

There was also unanimous agreement that the new space goes beyond tennis and connects with any sports lover. “It’s a really beautiful experience for sports lovers in general and Rafa Nadal fans in particular”, said José Manuel Tallada from Eurosport, another of the specialist outlets present at the opening. Arseni Pérez, from TVE, summed up the general feeling with a forceful line: “You can relive the greatest era in the history of tennis”.

For the newspaper MARCA, it conveys “that Rafa’s greatness isn’t measured only in trophies, but in the legacy he leaves off the court”, while for Diario de Mallorca it is “a visit to the greatness of sport”.

Under the slogan Inside the Legend, the space spans two floors, tracing Rafael Nadal’s life on and off the court, and invites visitors to discover how a legend is built and who the person really is beyond his sporting triumphs. The tour offers an emotional immersion into Rafa’s career and personality, from his greatest triumphs to his most intimate and personal moments, establishing itself as a must-visit for sports lovers and for anyone who wants to understand the true journey of a legend.