Sporting legend unrecognisable as THREE-YEAR-OLD celebrates with football star uncle in amazing throwback video

RAFAEL NADAL looked like butter wouldn’t melt, when he was first seen by viewers on TV as a THREE-YEAR-OLD.

The tennis legend has gone on to be one of the greats of the game.

Rafael Nadal is held up in the air by his famous footballer uncle

Miguel Angel Nadal was a centre back for SpainRex

Rafael Nadal has gone on to win 22 Grand Slam titles in a distinguished tennis careerGetty

But, when he was just a toddler, it was his uncle who was the sporting superstar.

Miguel Angel Nadal, famously referred to as the Beast of Barcelona in his hey day, was the football hardman of Spanish football.

And during an interview with Spanish TV while playing for Real Mallorca, he could be seen lifting his nephew in the air.

No one could have known back then the young Rafa would go on to win 22 Grand Slams, as well as a record 14 French Open titles.

The clip has trended on social media since it was shared.

And fans have been quick to react to the video on X.

One wrote: “Think his nephew will turn out to be a fine tennis player.”

A second shared: “Very cool. He grew up around professionals and greatness. Makes sense.”

A third posted: “Oh my goodness this is precious!”

A fourth added: “Who knew that one day, that little boy would be far more famous than the beast of barcelona.”

And a fifth opined: “Good genes really helps.”

Before Rafa dominated tennis, uncle Miguel Angel was winning league championships with the Catalans.

He managed to lift LaLiga five times during a distinguished career..

The centre back also added a European Cup to his honours in 1992, after the Spanish side beat Sampdoria 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Interestingly, Miguel Angel’s brother Toni was once Rafa’s coach.