Kia Extends Global Partnership with Tennis Legend Nadal

Signing Ceremony Held at Kia Unplugged Seongsu on the 23rd
Nadal: "Grateful to Kia, an Inspiring Partner"

Kia will continue its global sponsorship partnership with world-renowned tennis star Rafael Nadal. To mark the extension of this partnership, Nadal visited Korea, where he spent time connecting with promising young Korean tennis players and fans.

On the 23rd, Kia held an official signing ceremony for the extension of its sponsorship partnership with Nadal at the brand experience space "Kia Unplugged Ground" in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by Nadal, Song Hoseong, President of Kia, other Kia officials, and domestic junior tennis players.

Kia began sponsoring Nadal in 2004, believing that his passion and spirit of challenge align with the Kia brand philosophy. This partnership has now continued for 21 years. Based on his trust in the partnership, Nadal has served as Kia’s global brand ambassador since 2006, helping to promote the Kia brand worldwide.

On the 23rd, tennis star Rafael Nadal (left in the photo) and Song Hoseong, President of Kia, are taking a commemorative photo at the brand experience space "Kia Unplugged Ground" located in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Photo by Su Yeon Woo

At the event, President Song and Nadal signed a plaque symbolizing the significance of their renewed partnership. Nadal expressed his gratitude, saying, "I sincerely thank Kia for being a steadfast partner through every moment over the past 21 years. Moving forward, I hope to continue supporting Kia as an inspiring partner and to help create an even greater future together as we pursue new innovations."

President Song responded, "Throughout our journey ahead with Nadal, Kia will continue to inspire and motivate tennis fans and promising players around the world, sharing positive inspiration with our customers based on our genuine friendship with Nadal."

After the signing ceremony, Kia and Nadal hosted a party-themed event where young tennis prospects and fans could participate together. On the previous day, the "Kia Junior Tennis Program" was also held, offering participants the opportunity to receive tennis training from coaches of the Rafa Nadal Academy, an institution founded by Nadal to foster the next generation of players.

Kia pre-selected 20 junior tennis players aged 13 to 18 with outstanding combined results in domestic and international competitions to participate in this year’s Kia Junior Tennis Program. The company supported these players with intensive training based on a curriculum developed directly by the Rafa Nadal Academy.

Players Kim Siyun and Hong Yeri, who demonstrated excellent skills in the Kia Junior Tennis Program, along with Ryu Changseung, Executive Director of Kia Customer Experience Division, and coaches from the Rafa Nadal Academy, are taking a commemorative photo. From the left in the photo: Tomeo Salva, coach at Rafa Nadal Academy; player Kim Siyun; Ryu Changseung, Executive Director of Kia Customer Experience Division; player Hong Yeri; and Mark Gomez Martinez, coach at Rafa Nadal Academy. Provided by Kia

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.