Overview

• The 39-year-old received the Doctor Honoris Causa in an Oct. 3 ceremony in Salamanca and thanked the university in a message on X, calling the day one of pride, gratitude, and joy.
• Rector Juan Manuel Corchado praised Nadal as a model of excellence through effort, comparing his perseverance in sport to scholarly dedication.
• Professor Ricardo Canal highlighted the Rafa Nadal Foundation’s programs that promote education and inclusion for vulnerable youth in Spain and abroad.
• The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218 and Spain’s oldest, had never before conferred this honor on an athlete.
• The recognition adds to Nadal’s post-retirement honors, including a marquisate granted by King Felipe VI in June 2025, following a 22‑major career capped by retirement in 2024 due to a hip injury.