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Padel, a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash, is experiencing meteoric growth across the globe. From Europe to Latin America, through to Asia and the Middle East, this sport is winning over an ever-wider audience.
The rise of padel across the continents
Europe leading the way: Spain and Sweden as pioneers
Spain is undeniably the driving force behind padel in Europe. Introduced in the 1970s by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, a friend of Mexican creator Enrique Corcuera, padel quickly gained popularity. Today, it is the second most played sport in Spain, just behind football. Celebrities such as the Princess of Wales and artist Stormzy are among the fans of this sport, boosting its visibility and appeal.
Sweden, for its part, has witnessed rapid adoption of padel in recent years. The growing number of courts and clubs reflects the enthusiasm of Swedes for this sport, which has quickly become part of the country's sporting culture.
Latin America: the cradle of padel and its continuous growth
Padel was born in Mexico in the 1960s, created by Enrique Corcuera, who designed the first court at his residence in Acapulco. Since then, the sport has spread across Latin America, particularly in Argentina, where it has millions of players. Argentina and Spain have dominated world competitions ever since, sharing the titles since 1992.
The rapid rise of padel in Asia and the Middle East
Asia and the Middle East are no exception to the padel wave. Countries such as Japan, China and the United Arab Emirates are seeing more and more courts and tournaments emerge. In Dubai, for example, the Matcha Club collaborated with fashion house Valentino to promote padel, highlighting the sport's growing appeal in the region.
Key factors behind padel's global popularity
An accessible and sociable sport for all ages
Padel appeals through its accessibility. Less technical than tennis and requiring less power, it is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Playing in doubles encourages social interaction, further enhancing its appeal.
The support of celebrities and professional athletes
Iconic figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo are investing in dedicated padel facilities, thereby boosting its visibility. Recently, Ronaldo acquired the Lisboa Racket Centre in Lisbon.
The role of international federations in promoting padel
The federations play an essential role in the expansion of padel. The International Padel Federation (FIP) collaborates with organisations such as Premier Padel and the Hexagon Cup to stage international tournaments and promote the sport on a global scale. These initiatives also aim to include padel in the Olympic Games, reflecting its meteoric rise.
