A wave of heartfelt messages flooded social media following Carolina Marin’s retirement announcement, as fans, fellow athletes and public figures paid tribute to one of badminton’s most iconic champions.
Leading the chorus were Spanish sporting legend Rafael Nadal and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, both of whom praised Marin’s relentless spirit and lasting impact on sports.
Tennis great Nadal was among the first to respond, congratulating Marin on “extraordinary achievements that seemed impossible in Spain just a few years ago”.
View this post on Instagram
Sanchez echoed the national pride, thanking Marin for taking Spain’s name “to the highest level”.
Gracias, Carolina Marín.
Tu esfuerzo y tu coraje han llevado el nombre de España a lo más alto y han inspirado a todo un país.
Eres y seguirás siendo un referente. ¡Mucha suerte en tu nueva etapa! https://t.co/jMqmKO1t4l
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) March 26, 2026
Another fellow Spaniard and current tennis men’s singles world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz lauded Marin as “a true example of perseverance” in his Instagram story.
Alcaraz pays tribute to Marin’s retirement news.
Basketball superstar Pau Gasol hailed her as “a role model for any sport lover” while former Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa called his compatriot “an example of sacrifice and dedication for many years”.
Enhorabuena @CarolinaMarin por todo lo que has conseguido, por haber sido un referente para cualquier amante del deporte y por habernos hecho vibrar en tantas ocasiones.
Ha sido un placer coincidir a lo largo de los años. A disfrutar de esta nueva etapa! pic.twitter.com/7cuxFZ9zQQ
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) March 26, 2026
Sólo darte las gracias por todo lo que nos has dado Te he tenido como un referente y ejemplo de sacrificio y dedicación durante muchos añosRecomiendo a la gente que vea tu documental para entender el grado de sacrificio del que hablo y que muy pocos deportistas pueden… https://t.co/pzkbAT3Zn8
— Pedro de la Rosa (@PedrodelaRosa1) March 26, 2026
Across platforms, posts celebrating Marin’s career quickly began trending, with many pointing to her Rio 2016 Olympic gold medal and three world titles as defining moments, while others focused on her fiery passion and unmistakable presence on court.
Thank you for everything, @CarolinaMarin.
Your effort, your ambition and your way of understanding sport have inspired an entire generation. It is a privilege to have you as a LALIGA ambassador, to share this journey with you and to see you grow both on and off the court.… pic.twitter.com/GW43h9DFLg
— LALIGA Corporativo (@LaLigaCorp) March 26, 2026
Gracias, Carolina! ❤️
Looking back at Carolina Marín’s most iconic moment at the Olympics, as she announces her retirement in badminton. A true legend of the game. #Olympics #Badminton pic.twitter.com/P8ntDNtJUz
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) March 26, 2026
Fellow shuttlers also joined in, acknowledging not just her achievements but her role in elevating the sport’s profile globally.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
As tributes continue to pour in, we take this opportunity to say: Gracias, Caro.
BWF Newsletter
