Roberto Soldado’s transition from football to padel at La Calderona Wellness
The episode from Padel Chiquito features Roberto Soldado, the former footballer known for his time at clubs like Real Madrid, Tottenham, Villarreal, Valencia, and Levante. The discussion takes place at the impressive La Calderona Wellness complex in Valencia, a facility that stands out for its premium amenities and its growing role as a hub for padel enthusiasts. Soldado, now an investor in the project, describes the center as a “small oasis” that has revitalized the area and offers a complete experience for athletes and families alike.
The club boasts a remarkable array of facilities:
- 15 padel courts (7 outdoor with triple-fiber turf and panoramic structures, 8 indoor with 12-meter ceilings)
- State-of-the-art gym with advanced equipment
- Spa and thermal circuit for post-match relaxation
- Restaurant Caliza with views of the courts
- Artificial turf football field and a large swimming pool
This environment has become a magnet for former professional athletes, especially those transitioning from football to padel.
Why padel attracts retired footballers like Soldado
Soldado explains that padel’s appeal lies in its accessibility and social nature. For ex-footballers, the sport is easy to pick up with some dedication, and the “boom” in padel means it’s always possible to organize a match with players of a similar level. The channel’s host and Soldado agree that the sport is highly addictive, which explains its popularity among athletes looking for a new competitive outlet after their football careers.
Soldado’s own journey into padel has been shaped by the opportunity to play with skilled partners and opponents, which he credits for his rapid improvement. He notes that playing against better players forces him to raise his game, think more strategically, and avoid complacency—something he finds both challenging and rewarding.
Soldado’s role as investor and community builder at La Calderona
Beyond being a player, Soldado has taken an active role in the development of La Calderona Wellness. As a minority investor, he sees the facility as a vital addition to Valencia’s sporting landscape. The club’s design encourages a sense of community, blending high-quality sporting infrastructure with social spaces for relaxation and dining. This holistic approach not only attracts athletes but also their families, creating a vibrant environment for all ages.
Soldado’s involvement reflects a broader trend of former professionals investing in padel infrastructure, helping to fuel the sport’s growth across Spain.
Comparing pressure and enjoyment between football and padel
One of the episode’s most insightful moments comes when Soldado compares the psychological demands of football and padel. He admits that, despite his extensive experience in high-pressure football environments—including appearing on the FIFA 13 cover with Messi—he sometimes feels more pressure on the padel court. The reason, he says, is the directness of the sport: with only two players per team, mistakes are more exposed, and there’s nowhere to hide on a bad day.
In football, a player can blend into the team and recover from a poor performance. In padel, every shot counts, and the responsibility is shared by just two. This intensity, however, is also what makes padel so engaging for Soldado, pushing him to stay sharp and focused.
Padel as a tool for personal growth and social connection
Soldado emphasizes that padel has become a key part of his post-football life, offering both physical activity and a way to maintain strong social bonds. He regularly plays with former teammates such as Rochina, Tino Costa, and Toño, who have also embraced the sport. These relationships have helped him transition smoothly out of professional football, providing a new sense of purpose and camaraderie.
He also highlights the importance of playing with and against skilled opponents, which accelerates learning and keeps the game exciting. For Soldado, the challenge of improving at padel mirrors the drive that fueled his football career.
Favorite shots, routines, and balancing padel with other passions
When asked about his favorite shot, Soldado singles out the bandeja (overhead shot), which he feels most comfortable executing. He also discusses his daily routine, which now includes both padel and golf—sports he considers essential for his well-being. Golf provides him with calm and focus, while padel offers competition and physical exertion. This balance allows him to enjoy the best of both worlds, keeping his mind and body active.
His day typically starts early, with family time and dog walks, followed by golf in the morning and padel or gym sessions at La Calderona. Soldado notes that, if anything, he is now more active than during his footballing days, and he values the ability to enjoy a post-match beer with friends—something he once avoided during his playing career.
Key takeaways from Soldado’s padel experience
- Padel is highly accessible for retired athletes, offering quick improvement with regular play and coaching.
- Social connections are central, with many ex-footballers forming new teams and friendships through the sport.
- Pressure in padel can rival or exceed that of football due to the sport’s intimacy and direct accountability.
- Facilities like La Calderona Wellness play a crucial role in fostering community and supporting athletic transitions.
- Balancing multiple sports (like golf and padel) helps maintain both mental and physical health post-retirement.
Soldado’s story, as shared on Padel Chiquito, illustrates how padel is more than just a pastime for former professionals—it’s a new arena for growth, competition, and connection.
