The debate about the greatest player of all time continues to roll on, be it in tennis or soccer. While the trio of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic are often compared with each other for the tennis GOAT, the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominate the GOAT debate in soccer. Such has been the stature of these players that they are the most talked about in town.

Earlier this month, the Spanish tennis legend was snapped enjoying his vacation in Greece. The 37-year-old has been away from tennis since the Australian Open this year. While on vacation, Nadal caused a rift between Fedal fans.

Rafael Nadal answers the tough question

A video went viral on social media where Nadal is seen answering the GOAT question in soccer. While on his Greece trip, a fan asked him to pick between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Responding to this question, Nadal said that he likes Messi but also that he is a Madrid fan. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players to have donned the Real Madrid jersey.

DIVE DEEPER: 9 Days After Being First-Hand Witness to Novak Djokovic’s Fury, Coach Dissects Carlos Alcaraz’s Game as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Comparison Run Amok

Top Stories

Novak Djokovic Makes a Bold Coaching Move As He Looks the Challenge Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner in 2026

Russian Tennis Hit Hard as Another WTA Player Forfeits Citizenship

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Take Bizarre On-Court Decision as Australian Open Countdown Begins

Ex-WTA Pro Calls Out Media Houses After Personal Rumors Cross the Line

WTA Player’s Misbehavior With Ball Kid Triggers Backlash From Former Tennis Pro

The Spaniard is a big fan of soccer in general and Real Madrid in particular. Last year, he was in attendance to witness Real Madrid in action during the Champions League final. They went on to win the trophy, defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the summit clash.

Coming to Nadal’s GOAT pick in soccer, it was a surprising answer from him, given that he has been an ardent Real Madrid fan for a long time. This created a rift of sorts between Fedal fans on social media.

Fans react to Nadal picking Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo

Nadal’s video of him picking Messi as the soccer GOAT quickly went viral on social media. Subsequently, many people reacted to it. One of the fans said, “This is why Federer is the GOAT.” 

Another fan took a neutral stand, saying, “He’s best buddies with Ronaldo so doesn’t matter who or which team he supports. He will always support his friend too.”

On the other hand, a few fans backed Nadal’s response wholeheartedly. One of the Twitter users said, “He’s simply stating the FACT! Not an iota of doubt about it.”

Similarly, another fan said, “Takes one GOAT to know a GOAT.”

Nadal is having the time of his life in Greece. He visited the scenic Ionian Islands on the trip. In terms of his tennis career, it remains to be seen when he’ll return to the sport after a lengthy injury layoff. Moreover, age is also not on Nadal’s side, and fans can only dream about his dream comeback at this point.

WATCH THIS STORY – Hilarious Meaning of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams on Urban Dictionary!