Rafa Nadal is a perfect example of how teamwork can make the difference between being good and being a legend. From his first steps in tennis to his emotional retirement in 2024 during the Davis Cup in Malaga, the Mallorcan has had a technical and personal team that has been crucial at every stage of his career.
From the beginning of his career, Rafa understood that reaching the top is not a task that can be achieved alone. While his skill and determination are undisputed, he himself acknowledges that his success would not have been possible without the support of the people who have accompanied him at every stage of his life. This collaborative approach not only helped him overcome challenges on the court, but also prepared him to face the toughest moments off the court.
Working on many levels
Teamwork is not limited to the technical or tactical aspects of a sport. It is a holistic effort that combines emotional support, strategic planning and mental toughness. For Nadal, his environment was a carefully woven network of people who shared his vision and values. Connections based on trust and communication were fundamental elements that ensured everyone was working towards a common goal: continued growth and sustained success.
In sport, as in life, challenges are inevitable. Nadal has faced moments of great difficulty and in each of these situations, his environment has always been an essential pillar. From the technical team that has guided him in sport, to family members who have supported him unconditionally, what swimmer and Olympic medallist Teresa Perales calls ‘The Golden Circle’: the one that helps you stay focused and optimistic at all times.
Nadal’s example teaches us that a team is not just a group of people working together, but a connection based on respect, empathy and a shared purpose. Each member brings something unique and valuable to the table, and the sum of those efforts creates a strength that transcends the individual. This principle applies not only to sport, but also to any area of life: work, relationships and personal projects.
The image of a legacy
When Rafa Nadal announced his retirement in 2024, his message reflected this vision. He thanked all those who had been part of his journey, from his family to the professionals who supported him on and off the court. He acknowledged that every victory he achieved, every challenge he overcame, was the result of a collective effort, a collaboration that strengthened him and pushed him to reach his full potential.
Rafael Nadal’s legacy is not only in the trophies he won or the records he broke, but in the way he reminded us that no one achieves success alone. His story is a lesson in the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your dreams, who will support you through the falls and celebrate with you every step forward. Teamwork is not just a tool for success: it is, as Rafa taught us, the very essence of what it means to succeed.
Rafa’s 8
Rafael Nadal’s story is not only a testament to talent and effort, but also an example of how teamwork can transform an athlete into a legend. In Better Connected, a Telefónica initiative, the tennis player takes a look at the 8 people who have been part of his story, his day-to-day life and, therefore, his team.
Nadal’s technical team is a reflection of the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share a common vision. Toni Nadal, his first coach, was responsible for forging the foundations of his career and transmitting values such as humility and determination. Later, Carlos Moya took on the role of head coach, helping him adapt to the demands of the tour in recent years. Other essential members of the team included Carlos Costa, his manager since the age of 13; Ángel Cotorro, his personal doctor; Rafa Maymó, his physiotherapist; and Benito Pérez, his press officer. Each played a crucial role, not only professionally, but also as emotional support in the most challenging moments.
A collective effort that Rafa Nadal himself sums up in one sentence: ‘Without all the people who have been by my side, none of this would have been possible’.
