Felipe VI created Nadal Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca in 2025.
Spain’s king granted Rafael Nadal the hereditary title on 24 June 2025 through a royal decree. The honor recognized Nadal’s sporting career and his wider example of discipline, perseverance, sportsmanship and conduct both on and off the court. The title’s name refers to Llevant, the eastern region of Mallorca, where Nadal was born and raised.
The decree was part of the first group of noble titles Felipe VI granted during his reign. Nadal became Marqués del Llevant de Mallorca, joining several other prominent Spanish figures honored in the same announcement. In English, the title is commonly rendered as Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca.
This is a modern distinction and should not be confused with an old title inherited from Mallorca’s medieval or Bourbon history. Felipe V, Alfonso XIII and Juan Carlos I were earlier Spanish monarchs, but Felipe VI was the king who created this title. Nadal retired from professional tennis in 2024 after a 22-major career.