Nadal previously attended the World Cup 2010 final in South Africa, where Andres Iniesta’s dramatic goal sealed Spain’s first-ever triumph. However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was in a more relaxed environment as Spain overcame Argentina in extra-time on Sunday. The 40-year-old was surrounded by loved ones for the occasion and shared his celebrations on social media, captioning his post: “VAMOOOOOOOS ¡CAMPEONES DEL MUNDO POR SEGUNDA VEZ! (Let’s go Spain, world champions for the second time!),” alongside a Spanish flag, trophy and two golden star emojis. However, eagle-eyed fans spotted that Nadal was controversially wearing what appeared to be an unofficial Spain shirt.

Nadal also wore the same shirt during a DAZN interview and fans on X were taken aback by the tennis icon’s outfit choice. One social media user wrote: “I didn’t see that coming with Rafa Nadal—loaded with cash and rocking a fake shirt.”

A second quipped: “If even Nadal buys fake jerseys…” A third added: “The best thing is the fake t-shirt jajaja.” A fourth joked: “With a fake jersey like almost all Spaniards. Well represented!!!!”

Meanwhile, one fan highlighted the rare sight of the long-time Nike athlete wearing another brand: “The second time I see Nadal with something from Adidas. The first time was in South Africa 2010.”

This sentiment was shared by Spanish tennis journalist Jose Moron, who wrote on X: “Everyone is focusing on whether Nadal’s shirt is fake (it is sold out everywhere, so it is normal to buy it unofficially), and I am surprised that he is showing Adidas with the huge contract he must have with Nike. Unless he no longer has an obligation after his retirement.”

Nadal might have risked potential backlash from Nike after choosing to wear an Adidas top on social media and for interviews. The Spaniard first signed a Nike brand deal when he was 13 and remained with the company until his retirement from tennis in 2024.

Meanwhile, as Nadal watched the World Cup celebrations from afar, his compatriots Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Jodar got to witness Spain’s victory from the stands. Seven-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz brought out the iconic trophy during the pre-match ceremony.

The 23-year-old later joined the players on the pitch during their post-match celebrations. Highly-rated tennis prospect Rafael Jodar, 19, was also in attendance and watched his country lift the World Cup trophy.