A giant mural dedicated to Rafael Nadal has appeared on the facade of a building in Paris, attracting the attention of tourists and locals who have been stopping to take photos. But behind the eye-catching tribute lies some controversy.
Created by Brazilian artist RafaMon in the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood of the 13th arrondissement, the colorful artwork shows Rafa in action alongside the quote: “Victory belongs to the most tenacious.”
The mural is located close to another work by the same artist dedicated to French football legend Zinedine Zidane, adding Rafa to the sporting icons celebrated on the streets of the neighborhood.
However, the artwork has sparked controversy because the building’s co-ownership association reportedly did not give permission for it to be painted on the facade.
Whatever its future, seeing Rafa celebrated on the streets of Paris feels particularly fitting — his mark on the city clearly extends far beyond Roland Garros.
UPDATE: Artist RafaMon has since addressed the controversy, saying she accepted the invitation to create the mural believing that all the necessary permissions had already been obtained. She said she was as surprised by the situation as the building’s residents and hopes it can be resolved through dialogue and respect for everyone involved.
“Whatever happens to the mural, I’m happy to know that, for a while, Rafael Nadal was there, part of the Parisian landscape and the history of that place,” she wrote on her Instagram.
Has anyone got the location of the mural?
22 Rue de la Butte aux Cailles, 75013 Paris, France.
Hopefully they will see sense and leave it there but if not there will be plenty of other cities who would gratefully accept it.
I think it very good brighten up the street 😊
I love Rafa and the mural is beautiful, but if the residents didn’t give permission, it shouldn’t be there. Otherwise, anyone could paint Kim Kardashian or any other celebrity on a building. I’m also surprised the artist didn’t check if she had permission first.
I think it is a beautiful tribute to Rafa…..yes maybe he should have checked for permission, but how petty can the owners of that be.. Rafa brought millions to Paris for well over 20yrs..many of those Rafans would have boosted trade in that area and beyond. So so petty …
Type O , sorry guys! Maybe there was no permission, which is a huge mistake but given Rafa is one OF THE BEST OF THE BESTS… THE MURAL SHOULD REMAIN. Excellent art work/ fabulous talent! I am a huge Rafa Nadal fan and his legacy will still inspire many many tennis players in the future. Vamos to the city officals that can vote to leave this mural up in Paris!
Maybe there so
I agree. That mural is fantastic and most fitting for Rafa. What he has achieved in Paris will never be beaten.. Will be crazy to even think of having it removed. The owners of the building should feel proud and honoured to have it on their facade!