King Felipe VI Praises Rafael Nadal and Celebrates Camino Real Award Honoring Spain’s Image in North America
King Felipe VI publicly commended Rafael Nadal on Tuesday, recognizing his sustained effort and exceptional excellence. The king called Nadal “one of the best ambassadors” Spain has, underscoring the tennis star’s role as a representative of national values beyond the sports arena.
During the 5th Camino Real Award ceremony, presented by the University of Alcalá de Henares, Nadal was celebrated alongside other Spaniards who have projected and developed a positive image of Spain across the United States. The king highlighted that Nadal’s achievements extend far beyond the court, describing him as a growing link in a chain of Spaniards whose admirable work promotes Spain’s reputation in North America.
Past recipients of the Camino Real Award were noted for embodying authentic and positive values, and the monarch praised Nadal’s demeanor as both perfect and impeccable. His conduct, the king explained, resonates not only in sports but also in how Spaniards are viewed globally. Nadal’s determination and discipline earned him the monarch’s admiration, reinforcing the idea that he represents the best possible ambassador for Spain on the international stage.
In his remarks, the king announced that the Camino Real de California Award is named in honor of a historic route that spans nearly a thousand kilometers and connects more than twenty Spanish missions in Alta California. The award recognizes men and women who continue to carry Spain’s name with pride on North American soil, celebrating the enduring ties between two civilizations and their shared history.
The king also stressed Nadal’s ongoing drive to improve and enjoy the process, noting that this balance is a mark of true greatness. Nadal’s willingness to push his own boundaries was highlighted as an example for younger generations, reflecting the broader mission of the award to celebrate perseverance, humility, and a respectful approach to competition.
In a heartfelt moment, Nadal expressed hope that receiving the award would not be interpreted as signaling the end of his tennis career. He reassured the audience with a broad smile that his competitive journey would continue, accepting the statue crafted by Carlos Ciriza as a tangible symbol of the honor bestowed upon him.
The Camino Real Award, established in 2012, honors the professional endeavors of Hispanics and coincides with the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Benjamin Franklin Institute at the University of Alcalá. The award seeks to reflect and amplify Spain’s positive image in the United States through exemplary achievements and public service.
José Ignacio Goirigolzarri, chairman of Caixabank and chair of the Franklin Institute advisory council, explained that the decision to honor Nadal was unanimous. The selection recognized the inherent qualities of elite athletes—sacrifice, effort, fair play, humility in victory, and resilience in adversity—qualities that Nadal embodies in abundance.
Nadal was described as a vital reference for young people, celebrated for honesty, the ability to overcome challenges, and a respectful attitude toward competitors. The ceremony also recalled Nadal’s place among notable previous Camino Real laureates, including renowned operatic tenors, physicians, and public figures who have contributed significantly to Spain’s image abroad.
[citation: The Camino Real Award and its beneficiaries are documented by the University of Alcalá de Henares and affiliated institutions to celebrate Spain’s cultural and diplomatic presence in North America.]