Jose Mourinho, the renowned football manager, has expressed his belief that tennis legend Rafael Nadal could have excelled as a footballer if he had pursued a different career. Mourinho, who has managed top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Chelsea, praised Nadal’s physicality, mentality, and skill, which he said would have made the world number two “a fantastic footballer.”

“He’s incredible. He could have been a fantastic footballer with his physique, mentality, and skill,” said Mourinho. Notably, Mourinho has a connection to the Nadal family, having worked with Rafa’s uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, when he was part of Barcelona’s coaching staff.

However, Mourinho added, “I am happy that he isn’t a footballer. In tennis, he is what he is,” acknowledging Nadal’s unparalleled success in the sport, where he is currently competing for his third Wimbledon title.