Sport is Spain at its absolute best
Spain’s athletes represent the spirit of dedication and daily effort shared by everyone who trains to improve, push the pace, and see Spain’s flag fly the highest.
The AS Awards Gala, the centerpiece of the AS universe, underscored something that, while widely known, is still striking every time you see it. Sport is the best thing Spain has. One look at the photo of this year’s honorees and it’s impossible not to feel a rush of emotion and pride, remembering everything this extraordinary group of athletes has accomplished. They stand for all those who push themselves every day with their coaches to get better, chase faster times, break the tape first, and lift Spain’s flag highest.
Rafa Nadal - Spain’s greatest of all time
If anyone captures what Spanish sport has been — and still is — it’s Rafa Nadal. Admired everywhere, he has helped earn Spain respect in every corner of the world. Of course, this newspaper wanted to express its lasting gratitude to the greatest Spanish athlete of all time with a Gala in which he was the central figure.
The tribute wasn’t just from those of us who make up the AS family. It came from the fans, from the athletes in attendance — the best of 2025 — and from those who joined the celebration with a letter that perfectly reflects who Rafa Nadal is. A message written with the clay of Roland Garros’ center court, the private garden of the greatest, the most admired, a truly singular athlete.
This year’s Gala was another success. Behind it were long hours of work from the entire AS universe, supported by the most important people of all: the athletes themselves — from soccer and basketball to cycling, water polo, badminton, Paralympic sport, motorsport, track and field, artistic swimming, and the remarkable Roig Arena, a venue that will help bring countless dreams to life.
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