"You have an opportunity to be good at what you do": Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos godfathers Rafa Nadal Academy graduation
ATP
Real Madrid footballer Toni Kroos served as the godfather for the Rafa Nadal Academy graduation ceremony. The 2014 World Cup champion was the special guest for the event, which has previously featured global sports icons including Pau Gasol, Iga Swiatek, and Roger Federer.
The event has been held for several years on the Academy's indoor courts, gathering hundreds of family members, academy members, and media covering the occasion. This year marked its 9th edition.
Read also
This time, Toni Kroos – a Real Madrid legend with 23 titles – was tasked with continuing the tradition of a high-profile guest as the event's godfather. Previously, Pau Gasol, David Ferrer, Ona Carbonell, Ricky Rubio, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Moyá participated in person, while Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova attended the 2020 graduation virtually.
The German retired in 2024 after 10 seasons at Real Madrid, during which he won the Champions League 5 times – being crucial in each – and the Club World Cup 6 times. Kroos delivered a speech to the recent graduates. "I know your age, it's complicated, and you know it as well as your parents. It's one of the things I learned," he shared.
"There were times when I didn't want to train, I wanted to go with my friends. My father always told me no, they go to parties and you go to the field. At that moment I said 'so annoying', but you have an opportunity to be good at what you do, take it," the former footballer added.
"I always kept something my father told me: be the best version of yourself. Forget about the rest, do what you want, but whatever you want, make it the best possible. Whatever it is, if you go one hundred percent you will achieve it," the former world champion concluded. "Keep this message and do with it what you want. Today is a day to celebrate."
Kroos later posed with Nadal and the 52 students holding their respective diplomas, and also received a gift from the event organizers, presented by Rafa Nadal himself.
Thanks @ToniKroos for joining us at the @rnadalacademy graduation! ☺️ Your presence and your speech was very inspiring for all of us.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 11, 2025
Congrats to the Class of 2025! 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/0XRWeqQdyh
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
