Xisca Perello (born Maria Francisca Perelló on July 7, 1988) is a Spanish businesswoman serving as the general director of the Rafael Nadal Foundation. She rose to fame as the long-time girlfriend and spouse of renowned Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest players in the tennis world who has won 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, including 14 French Open titles.
Despite having been in a relationship with the Tennis legend for more than a decade, Perello has refused to hog the limelight. She has made it clear that she has no interest in the fame that comes with being the fiance of the world-class tennis player and as such, she has maintained a private life. Nevertheless, Let us take you on a ride on who Xisca Perello is.
Xisca Perello Biography Summary
- Full Name: Maria Francisca Perelló’
- Date of Birth: 7 July 1988
- Age: 33 years old (as of June 2022)
- Place of Birth: Manacor, Majorca, Spain
- Ethnicity: Spanish
- Nationality: Spanish
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Education: University of Balearic Islands
- Profession: Businesswoman
- Net Worth: $500,000
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: 60kg (132 pounds)
- Marital Status: Married
- Maria Perelló’s Husband: Rafael Nadal
Who is Maria Francisca Perello?
Maria Francisca Perelló, also known as Xisca Perello, is a native of Palma De Majorca, Spain, the same hometown as her husband Rafael Nadal. She was born on July 7th, 1988, and is of Spanish nationality and ethnicity.
Xisca was born to working-class Spanish parents, Maria Pascual and Bernat Perello. Her father Bernat Perello worked as a construction contractor while her mother Maria Pascual served as a local official in her hometown.
For her education, Xisca attended a school at Palma De Mallorca, an island off the coast of Spain. Upon completion of her high school education, she enrolled at the University of the Balearic Islands, located in Palma on the island of Majorca, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She then moved to London to study Business Management and English.
Xisca Perelló and Rafael Nadal are Childhood Sweethearts
Perello met Rafael Nadal through her close friend Maribel Isabel who also happened to be Rafael Nadal’s youngest sister. Perello and Maribel reportedly attended the same school and they often sit together on the sidelines during Rafael’s games.
While growing up in Mallorca, Perello and Rafael grew closer to each other. They began dating in 2005 after Rafael won his first Grand slam at the age of 19. Perello was 17 years old at the time. The pair kept their relationship private for three years until they were photographed spending time together on a beach in their hometown of Manacor, Majorca, in 2008.
Xisca and Rafael lived together for nearly 12 years before they eventually got married in 2019 after the end of the US Open tournament.
They Exchanged Marriage Vows on October 19, 2019
Perello and Rafael got engaged after dating for 14 years. The tennis player went on his knee and popped the question to Xisca while they were on a romantic trip to Rome in May 2018. Perello happily said yes and on October 19, 2019, the childhood sweethearts exchanged marriage vows at the La Fortaleza castle overlooking the sea in Majorca, Spain.
The bridegroom made an appearance in an all-gray suit with a morning coach and waistcoat while the bride wore a stunning wedding gown designed by Rosa Clara. The ceremony, which was officiated by priest Tomeu Catala, was witnessed by over 350 guests, including former King of Spain Juan Carlos I, tennis stars like Juan Carlos, Feliciano Lopez, and entertainers like Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, and Hug Laurie.
Almost two decades into their relationship, the couple has maintained a private life free from scandals and controversies. In an interview, Perello stated that the secret behind the success of her long-time relationship with Rafael Nadal is that they both know when and how to give the other their private time. She also stated that she is uncomfortable talking about her private life with people, including her family.
Xisca Perello and Rafael Nadal are Expecting a Child
After three years of exchanging marriage vows in front of over 350 guests, Rafael’s wish is set to come to fruition. In 2017, the tennis star revealed that he would love to have children someday. Well, seems like someday is near as the tennis star revealed at a press conference in Palma de Mallorca back in June that he was expecting his first child with his wife Perello, who he calls Mary.
Perello had earlier sparked pregnancy rumors when she wore comfortable and loose-fitting clothing at the Rolan Garros tournament where Nadal bagged his 14th French Open title and 22nd Grand Slam. At the tournaments, fans were quick to notice Perello’s change of style, and they pointed it out as suspicious. Currently, the couple is expecting their first child while residing in a mansion in Manacor, Majorca, Spain.
Her Absence During Rafael Nadal’s Games and Dinners Created a Buzz
Perello has always supported Rafael Nadal’s career but unlike many athlete’s wives and girlfriends who are regularly sighted cheering on their partner from the sidelines, Perello has chosen to avoid her husband’s tennis games. This sparked breakup rumors among fans who noticed her absence at most of her husband’s games and sponsorship dinner.
Putting the rumor to rest, she clarified her action during an interview. She stated that the reason for her absence at most of his games was to preserve their relationship. According to her, Rafael needs his space and she has to be careful not to disrupt his focus during games.
However, she has been in the stands to cheer her husband on during major tournaments. She made more appearances at the 2020 Australian Open and watched all of Nadal’s four-set win over Nick Kyrgios. Indeed, the couple has set a new benchmark for relationships, with love and understanding a relationship can weather every hardship.
Read Also: Who is Nick Kyrgios Girlfriend Costeen Hatzi? Facts About Her Social Media Career
Rafael Nadal’s Wife Serves as the Director-General of Her Husband’s Foundation
Xisca Perello is quite passionate about business and she graduated with a degree in business administration. After she graduated from college in September 2010, she worked for MAPFRE, a sporting company that also endorsed her boyfriend Rafael Nadal.
ln February 2011, she joined Mapfre in Palma, Espana as the assistant area manager. In October of the same year, she joined the London branch of the company. She worked with the organization for 6 months and left the job amidst rumors that she only got the job because of her relationship with Rafa.
Xisca subsequently moved back to her hometown and started working as an insurer for an insurance company. She later joined the Rafael Nadal foundation which was founded in 2018. The organization serves to give socially-disadvantaged youths all over the world a chance of having a life. Perello joined the foundation and became the project manager in April 2012. In October 2019, she became the Director-General of the foundation.
How Much is Maria Francisca Perelló worth?
According to reports, Xisca Perello has a net worth of $500,000 made from her career as the Director-General of Rafael Nadal Foundation. On the other hand, her husband Rafael Nadal has amassed a whopping sum of $200 million from his tennis career and endorsements with brands like Nike, Santander, Emporio Armani, Babolat, Heliocare, Telefonica, Banco Sabadell, Tommy Hilfiger, Mapfre, and many more. Moreover, he has earned prize money of over $127 million.
4 Comments
Pingback: Who is John Isner's Wife Madison McKinley?
Pingback: Meet Taylor Fritz's Girlfriend Morgan Riddle
Pingback: Who is Daria Medvedev? Interesting Facts About Daniil Medvedev's Wife
Reading your article has greatly helped me, and I agree with you. But I still have some questions. Can you help me? I will pay attention to your answer. thank you.