The Roland Garros Merci Rafa Shirt has become a symbol of gratitude for Rafael Nadal’s incredible legacy, sparking a frenzy among tennis fans. On May 25, 2025, 15,000 fans donned these shirts to honor the 14-time French Open champion during an emotional farewell at Court Philippe-Chatrier. If you’re eager to own this iconic piece, here’s how to navigate the craze and secure one for yourself.
A Historic Farewell: The Roland Garros Rafael Nadal Tribute
On May 25, 2025, Roland Garros hosted a tearful tribute to Rafael Nadal, marking 20 years since his first French Open win. The ceremony featured a video montage of his 14 titles, a permanent footprint on the court, and a sea of fans in brick-red Merci Rafa shirts forming a heart-shaped mosaic. Tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joined Nadal on court, while the crowd chanted “Rafa!” for over three minutes, leaving the King of Clay in tears as he bid farewell to his most iconic stage.
The Hottest Tennis Merch: Why the Merci Rafa Shirt Is a Sensation
The Merci Rafa Shirt has taken the tennis world by storm, with its simple yet powerful design—featuring “MERCI RAFA” in bold serif font and the date “25.05.2025.” Originally distributed to 10,000 spectators, the shirt’s limited-edition status has driven resale prices as high as $550 on platforms like Vinted. Fans and collectors alike see it as a wearable piece of history, celebrating Nadal’s unmatched 112-4 record at Roland Garros and his 14 French Open titles, making it one of the most coveted pieces of tennis memorabilia in 2025.
15.000 Fans trugen "Merci Rafa"-Shirts, die alten Weggefährten Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic und Andy Murray standen Spalier, und Rafael Nadal durchlebte noch einmal ganz große Emotionen auf seinem geliebten Pariser Ziegelmehl. 🥺
➡️ Der Sandplatzkönig auf Lebenszeit ist am… pic.twitter.com/jbzOlYQlll
— Sky Sport (@SkySportDE) May 25, 2025
Celebrities Sporting the Merci Rafa Shirt
The tribute shirt has been embraced by tennis stars and icons, adding to its allure. During the ceremony, current champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek were spotted in the stands wearing the clay-colored Merci Rafa shirts, joining fans in honoring Nadal. Tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray also wore the shirt during the on-court celebration. Even Holger Rune was seen sporting a similar Nadal tribute shirt during practice at Roland Garros, as noted in posts on X, highlighting its popularity among the tennis elite.
Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz wearing their ‘Merci Rafa’ shirts at Rafa Nadal’s Roland Garros tribute.
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(via Iga’s IG) pic.twitter.com/1wm8Zg3XNo
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025
Securing Your Merci Rafa Shirt: Resale Sites and Trusted Retailers
If you missed the initial distribution, you can still get the shirt through resale platforms or trusted retailers. On sites like Vinted or eBay, the Merci Rafa Shirt is being resold for $100 to $550, though prices may vary based on demand—be sure to verify the seller’s credibility to avoid fakes. For a more reliable option, Eletees offers the Roland Garros Merci Rafa Shirt and the Rafael Nadal Merci Rafa Shirt, both featuring the tribute design at a more accessible price. Act quickly, as these shirts are selling fast!
With its deep emotional significance and soaring popularity, the Merci Rafa Shirt is a must-have for any Nadal fan. Whether through resale or Eletees, don’t miss your chance to own a piece of tennis history!