SHE may be the girlfriend of one of the most high profile sportsmen in the world, but Xisca Perello has done a very good job of staying out of the spotlight.
The 23-year-old appears to be the polar opposite of a kept woman, as her decision to study in London rather than rely on Rafa Nadal’s millions appears to show.
But just who is the girl dubbed Nadal’s ‘secret’ girlfriend by the British press?
Maria Francisca Perello was born in 1988, growing up in the small Mallorcan industrial town of Manacor.
It was here that she and a young Rafael Nadal first set eyes on each other, attending the same school, and got to know each other’s families.
Despite the pair beginning their low-key relationship in 2005, Nadal’s PR team were careful to maintain the facade of presenting him as an eligible bachelor.
But just weeks after Nadal denied rumours of a budding romance with Xisca, the pair were spotted in each other’s arms on a beach.
Rafa’s uncle Toni said at the time: “I guess a lot of girls will be upset to know the truth.
“My nephew always maintained he was single. It was a well-kept secret but actually his girlfriend is waiting for him in Mallorca.”
And despite their cover being blown, it seems Xisca’s decision to continue her studies in London is clear evidence that her feet remain firmly on the ground.
“She is a straightforward, no-nonsense girl not interested in glamour and fame,” explained her cousin.
“You won’t see her rolling out of a nightclub or laden down with designer bags after a shopping spree.”
As to whether or not wedding bells are on the horizon, it’s unlikely the world will know much about it until it has already happened.
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Xisca is beautiful, inside and out. I hope they don’t marry though..that will wreck everything, but they are young, and young hearts naturally think ‘marriage’
She is the luckiest girl on the face of the earth, as Rafa is the hottest athlete EVER.
Why would it reck it? They have been together for over 6 years, they are obviously meant for each other
26 yrs old and 24 yrs old are just too young for marriage. wait until he is 29 and she is 27. we don’t rafa to tie down yet.