The Private World Of Xisca Perelló: 7 Surprising Facts About Rafael Nadal’s Wife And Foundation Director
Maria Francisca Perelló: A Complete Biography and Profile
Xisca Perelló maintains a fiercely private life despite her husband’s global fame, focusing her energy on her family and her impactful work in philanthropy. Here is a detailed look at the woman behind the headlines.
- Full Name: Maria Francisca Perelló Pascual
- Common Nicknames: Xisca, Mery, Mery Perelló
- Date of Birth: July 7, 1988
- Age (as of late 2025): 37
- Place of Birth: Manacor, Majorca, Spain
- Nationality: Spanish
- Parents: Bernat Perelló (Father) and Maria Pascual (Mother)
- Education: Business Degree from the University of the Balearic Islands (Palma, Majorca)
- Marital Status: Married (to Rafael Nadal, since October 19, 2019)
- Children: Two sons—Rafael Jr. (born October 8, 2022) and Miquel (born August 2025)
- Current Role: General Director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation
The Perelló-Nadal Family Expands: Welcoming Baby Miquel in 2025
The biggest and freshest news surrounding Xisca Perelló is the joyous expansion of her family. After welcoming their first son, Rafael Jr., in October 2022, the couple announced the birth of their second child, a son named Miquel, in August 2025. The name Miquel is a nod to Spanish tradition and a common name in Majorca, further cementing their deep connection to their island home.
The birth of Miquel comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with the final stages of Nadal's illustrious tennis career. This new chapter as a family of four allows the couple to shift their focus from the relentless demands of the ATP Tour to a more settled and private life in Manacor. Xisca has consistently expressed her desire for privacy, a principle that has guided her through her nearly two-decade-long relationship with the tennis star.
The family’s base remains in Majorca, where they are deeply rooted. The decision to raise their children away from the constant global spotlight is a testament to Xisca’s commitment to a normal, grounded upbringing, despite their extraordinary circumstances. This balance is one of the most defining characteristics of her public persona: a desire for normalcy amidst unparalleled fame.
Director of Impact: Xisca’s Powerful Role at the Rafa Nadal Foundation
While often introduced as "Rafael Nadal’s wife," Xisca Perelló’s professional life is centered on a significant and demanding role. She is the General Director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, a position she has held since 2019, having joined the organization in 2013 as a Project Manager. Her dedication to the foundation is not a mere formality; it is a full-time career that reflects her business acumen and philanthropic passion.
The foundation, established in 2008, focuses on using sport and education as tools for social integration and development for vulnerable children and adolescents, primarily in Spain and India. Xisca’s business degree from the University of the Balearic Islands has been crucial in professionalizing the charity’s operations and expanding its reach.
From Project Manager to General Director: A Career Built on Dedication
Xisca's career progression within the foundation showcases her commitment. She started as a project manager, gaining hands-on experience in the charity’s daily operations before taking the helm as General Director. This leadership role involves overseeing all strategic decisions, financial management, and the implementation of key programs, such as the Rafa Nadal Foundation Center in Palma, Majorca.
Her work is a clear demonstration of her independence and her desire to contribute meaningfully beyond the world of professional tennis. She manages a substantial team and ensures the foundation’s mission—to promote the values of sport like effort, respect, and commitment—is executed effectively. This dedication to charity and education is a core part of her identity, often requiring her to travel and engage with stakeholders, separate from Nadal’s schedule.
The Quiet Strength: Why Xisca Perelló Avoids the Spotlight
In a world dominated by celebrity couples who embrace the media, Xisca Perelló stands out for her deliberate avoidance of the spotlight. Her decision to maintain a low profile is a conscious choice that has defined her relationship with Nadal since they began dating in the early 2000s.
She rarely gives interviews and is not active on social media, a stark contrast to the wives and partners of many other global sports icons. This privacy-first approach is essential to the couple’s longevity. She once famously stated that she would not travel to every tournament, explaining, "He needs his space when he is competing, and just the idea of me hanging around and waiting on his needs all day long wears me out. It would asphyxiate him".
This understanding and mutual respect for personal and professional boundaries have been the bedrock of their enduring relationship, which culminated in a spectacular but private wedding in October 2019 at La Fortaleza in Majorca. The couple’s commitment to their Majorcan roots and their shared values of humility and dedication are key entities that define their life together.
Beyond the Headlines: 5 Key Facts About Xisca Perelló’s Life
To truly understand Xisca, one must look beyond the simple label of "tennis wife" and appreciate her independent journey.
- Childhood Sweethearts: Xisca and Rafael Nadal met through Nadal's sister, Maribel Nadal, and began dating when they were teenagers in their hometown of Manacor. Their relationship spans nearly two decades, making them one of the longest-standing couples in elite sports.
- A Noble Title: In a recent honor, the King of Spain granted Nadal and Xisca Perelló a noble title, recognizing their contributions and status as national figures.
- Business Acumen: Before dedicating herself to the foundation, Xisca worked in the insurance industry, showcasing her professional background in finance and business.
- Majorca is Home: Despite having the resources to live anywhere in the world, the couple remains fiercely loyal to Majorca. Xisca chose to attend the local University of the Balearic Islands for her degree, emphasizing her commitment to her home island.
- The Anchor of the Academy: Xisca is also closely involved with the Rafael Nadal Academy in Manacor, where the Foundation is headquartered. Her presence ensures the charitable and educational mission is integrated into the commercial and sporting aspects of the academy.
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