Rafael Nadal dominated tennis alongside Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for over two decades, but there was a chance he would become a footballer.
Nadal won 22 Grand Slams across three decades, and he’s rightly considered one of the best players to ever play the game.
However, Nadal was reportedly a very good footballer as a young man before he decided to pursue a career in tennis.
Football manager Jose Mourinho, who knew Nadal from a young age, revealed just how good Nadal was at the beautiful game.
Jose Mourinho discussed Rafael Nadal’s footballing ability
Jose Mourinho appeared at Wimbledon in 2019 and he was full of praise for Nadal’s tennis ability at SW19.
The iconic football manager also shared an insight into how close the Spaniard came from becoming a professional footballer.
Speaking about Nadal’s footballing ability, Mourinho said: “He is incredible. I am happy he didn’t, but he could also have been a fantastic football player.
“His uncle [Miguel Angel Nadal] was my player in Barcelona in 1996. I know that Rafa can play football and well.
“So he could have played with his physicality, mentality, and his skill, too. He could be. Thank you so much he wasn’t. Because in tennis he is what he is.”
It appears the sport got lucky by Nadal choosing tennis, as he would, of course, go on to become one of the best players in the game.
Watch Rafael Nadal play football alongside Real Madrid legends
Nadal is a huge Real Madrid fan and he had the chance to live out his dream by playing a charity match alongside some Galacticos.
The Spaniard played in a five-a-side match, alongside his family, against a selection of icons from the team he supports.
Nadal shone in the match against the likes of Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, and even scored a number of goals.
The King of Clay ended the match with six goals, having scored past Casillas throughout the charity football match.
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