FIND YOUR RACKET
COMPARE MODELS
In the history of sport, every discipline has a master—a genius standing above the rest who embodies the sport internationally. While sometimes difficult to identify due to fierce competition, this is certainly not the case in padel, as the player we are talking about today has dominated his discipline entirely. A trailblazer, unbeatable, and now a mentor, here is the story of padel's GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), the Argentine Fernando Belasteguin.
The flying start of Fernando Belasteguin
Born in the small town of Pehuajó on 19 May 1979, in the province of Buenos Aires, Fernando Belasteguin took to padel quite quickly thanks to the construction of padel courts at his football club. Little by little, he left the green pitch behind for the little yellow ball and became one of the most promising young players in the region. Discovered at the age of 13 by the father of Mati Diaz, another pro padel player, he became a pro player at just 15 years old. Five years later and with numerous victories under his belt, he was proclaimed the best player in Argentina at only 20 years of age.
Fernando Belasteguin: confirming his place at the highest level
In 2002, he began playing with Juan Martin Diaz, forming one of the most formidable partnerships of all time. They became the world number one pair that year and held on to the top spot for 13 consecutive years. As the victories piled up, they even remained unbeaten for a year and nine months. Between September 2005 and June 2007, the pair did not lose a match and won 22 tournaments in a row. It was an unprecedented feat that has not been repeated since. Alongside his Spanish-Argentinian partner, Bela won 115 tournaments, another record, of course.
Fernando Belasteguin and his teammate Juan Martin Diaz
In 2015, after 13 years of a perfect partnership, "Bela" changed partners and teamed up with the Brazilian Pablo Lima, one of his many rivals for the top spot. Together, despite his advanced age, Bela managed to retain his world number one ranking for another three years, until 2018, when an injury was among the factors that led the Argentinian champion to relinquish the top spot at the age of 39. 
Passing the torch for Bela
From then on, for the 2019 season, Bela changed his approach and set out to pass on his vast knowledge of the game to young players who would represent world padel in the years ahead. Passing the torch, in short. That is why he took the young Argentinian Agustin Tapia, aged 20, under his wing. Together, they still achieved good results, winning three tournaments. Bela’s aim was fulfilled: Tapia developed, struck out on his own in 2021 and quickly became one of the stars of the professional tour. Next came Sanyo Guiterrez, another Argentinian, who partnered Bela to hone his game. Despite his advanced age, Sanyo also improved and helped Fernando add three more tournament titles to his record.
In 2022, Bela chose the 19-year-old Spanish junior world champion Arturo Coello as his partner. Despite a 23-year age gap, this unusual pair won three tournaments that year and, above all, the hearts of fans. Back with Sanyo this year, Bela is competing in his 28th professional season and still plays the kind of solid padel that keeps him in the top 10 year after year.
Fernando Belasteguin: a key figure in the evolution of world padel
As mentioned above, Bela is beginning his 28th season as a professional padel player. Over the years, he has witnessed and helped shape the tour’s evolution. When he started out, making a living from padel was impossible: there were no sponsors and prize money was very low… Passion for the sport came first. Gradually, as the tour developed and the sport grew in popularity, it became more professional and brands began to take an interest. In 2005, the Pro Padel Tour was created, marking the start of a more structured organisation. With points, rankings and more substantial prize money, padel began to follow tennis’s example. In 2011, one of the tour’s biggest achievements to date was securing sponsorship from betting company Bwin, which generated much more revenue, particularly for tournament winners.
In 2013, the tour evolved into the World Padel Tour (WPT) we know today. Although very similar to tennis’s ATP tour, unlike its older counterpart it does not stand alone. Other organisations have emerged, such as the APT Tour, now A1 Padel, and, more recently, Premier Padel, a tour organised by Qatar and Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. This competition benefits players, who can now compete for much more attractive prize money. For more information, read our article on the World Padel Tour.
Fernando Belasteguin has therefore witnessed this evolution first-hand. Whether in terms of structure or even equipment, everything changed between 1995 and 2023. "Padel has changed in 15, 20 years. It continues to grow: balls, courts, rackets. The equipment has evolved, whereas I started out with wooden rackets. Padel is also becoming more professional, with more and more money involved," he explains.
Fernando Belasteguin's honours and achievements
With so many years under his belt and such immense success, he is naturally the record holder for tournament victories, boasting no fewer than 163 finals won on the official circuit (since 2005) and 228 in total! With his 6 World Championship titles with Argentina, he is simply one of the most decorated sportsmen of all time.
A few stunning points from the GOAT that we never get tired of watching:
Wilson at the heart of success
The champions' racket!
For several years, Wilson has been Bela’s main partner, providing rackets, clothing, shoes and accessories. With Roger Federer and Serena Williams also on board, the American brand surrounds itself with the best, and Bela is no exception. Better still, a special range has been created in collaboration with the Argentinian champion. This year, three rackets have been released: the Bela Team, the Bela Elite and, above all, the Bela Pro, the racket he uses in official matches. With its solid red design, Wilson stands out with a unique racket that will make your opponents jealous.
With its diamond shape, this racket is designed for power, with a high balance point on the face. The frame is made from Primero carbon, increasing the racket’s stiffness. However, its low density (3k) still allows for control over the balls. It uses Hard Eva foam, a fairly firm foam that enhances the feeling of power. Ultimately, the Bela Pro is a power-focused racket that still offers some control, making it very enjoyable to play with.
Channel Bela right down to your toes!
Another innovation: Wilson is also making footwear. Brand new, the Bela Pro 2023 pair is already among the must-haves on the market. Reinforced in high-wear padel areas, it is durable and built to last. For the insole, Ortholite foam is used to provide extra support and shock absorption. Finally, the outsole is engineered to adapt to all surfaces, whether indoor or outdoor. It is THE pair you need to take your game to the next level!
The greatest padel player in history, Fernando Belasteguin has spanned eras and, at 43 years old, continues to amaze young and old alike on court. He has left an immense mark on the history of padel and remains one of the main reasons for the sport's growing popularity. His motto perfectly reflects his career: "A Belasteguin never gives up!".
H2: What is Fernando Belasteguin's place in the future of padel?
Playing his final matches in the professional world at the Milan P1 in December 2024, Belasteguin bows out at the age of 45. So, one might wonder, "what will become of Fernando Belasteguin?" We have the answer. He opened up in an interview with Diario Olé and announced a major post-career project:
«I am going to use my network to set up an academy for 20 or 30 young players who want to develop their professional career. I feel the need to do it to give a chance to other youngsters like me, who might not have had that opportunity at the start.»
A truly remarkable career where the Argentine legend won't be leaving his favourite sport anytime soon, ultimately putting his expertise to good use for the younger generation.
