Tennis Legend Nadal Visits Korea: "Growing Together with Kia Since My Rookie Days"

Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal Visits Korea
Signs Extension of Global Partnership with Kia

World-renowned tennis player Rafael Nadal (pictured) visited Korea to attend an event marking the extension of his global partnership with Kia. Nadal, who has maintained a partnership with Kia for 21 years since 2004, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Kia has been a steadfast partner, supporting me unwaveringly since my rookie days."

On the 23rd, Nadal made these remarks during the partnership extension signing ceremony held at "Kia Unplugged Ground" in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. He recalled, "I first partnered with Kia when I was 17 and didn't even have a driver's license," adding, "At that time, I was going through a difficult period due to injury, but Kia believed in me."

Nadal looked back on the journey of growing together, noting that when he first partnered with Kia in 2004, the brand's recognition was not as high as it is now. He said, "To be honest, when I first joined Kia, it was not yet a widely known brand in Spain. Since then, Kia has grown remarkably, and I am happy and honored to have contributed, even in a small way, to that journey."

Nadal mentioned the Kia vehicles he has owned over the years, such as the Sportage, Sorento, and Stinger, and praised Kia as a brand that consistently makes improvements. He said, "Every time I drove a Kia vehicle, I could see noticeable improvements in performance, design, and other aspects. Currently, I am driving the EV9, and I find it to be a safe and comfortable car to drive."

Song Hoseong, President of Kia, who attended the event, recalled first meeting Nadal in 2014 when he was head of Kia's European operations, and praised Nadal's diligence and humility. President Song said, "Despite being a top athlete, Nadal possesses the humility and dedication to think about what he needs to improve every morning. Seeing these qualities led us to sign the partnership agreement, and it also became an opportunity for Kia to grow alongside him."

Kia began sponsoring Nadal in 2004, believing that his passion and spirit of challenge aligned with the brand's philosophy. Based on mutual trust, Nadal has served as Kia's official global brand ambassador since 2006, helping to promote the Kia brand worldwide.

During the event, President Song and Nadal signed a commemorative plaque symbolizing the renewed partnership. After the signing ceremony, Kia and Nadal also hosted a fan meeting event with promising young Korean tennis players and fans.

On the previous day, the "Kia Junior Tennis Program" was held, offering tennis training from coaches at the "Rafa Nadal Academy," an institution founded by Nadal to foster the next generation of players.

Song Hoseong, President of Kia (right in the photo), and Rafael Nadal answering questions during the partnership extension signing ceremony media Q&A session. Photo by Kia

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