Padel’s global reach and the surprising influence of the Vatican
The reviewer opens with a striking fact: there are currently 62 padel federations worldwide. This includes large countries like Australia, Russia, and Canada, as well as smaller nations such as Monaco and San Marino. However, perhaps the most unexpected is the existence of a padel federation in the Vatican—the world’s smallest country, with just 825 residents. The sport’s popularity there led to the formation of an official federation, making the Vatican a member of the International Padel Federation (FIP) and eligible to participate in European and World Championships.
A memorable moment for the Vatican’s padel community occurred when FIP president Luigi Carraro and professional player Delfi Brea presented the Pope with a Bullpadel racket. The Pope signed it, and the racket was later auctioned for over €1,000 to support charity.
Football superstars investing in padel clubs across Europe
Padel’s rapid growth has attracted the attention of global football icons. The reviewer highlights that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to build the largest padel club in Portugal. Located in Oeiras, near Lisbon, “Padel City” will feature 17 courts and is scheduled to open in 2024. Ronaldo’s investment exceeds €5 million, reflecting his belief in the sport’s future. He is also actively promoting padel in Asia as an ambassador for a company aiming to expand the sport in Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond.
Other football legends are equally passionate about padel. Leo Messi has a private court at home in Barcelona, while Zinedine Zidane owns two clubs in southern France, totaling 10 courts. Zlatan Ibrahimovic stands out as a true padel pioneer in Sweden, having helped popularize the sport and now owning five clubs—four in Sweden (with over 50 courts) and one in Milan.
Social media reach of top padel professionals versus global sports stars
Despite padel’s surging popularity, its top players’ social media followings remain modest compared to global sports icons. The reviewer notes that while Cristiano Ronaldo boasts 600 million Instagram followers, the most-followed padel player, Paquito Navarro, has just 541,000 on Instagram. Navarro’s total across platforms is still under one million, including:
- Instagram: 541,000
- TikTok: 175,000
- X (Twitter): 85,000
- Facebook: 151,000
For comparison, tennis star Rafael Nadal has 20 million Instagram followers, while the world’s top pickleball player, Ben Johns, has only 48,000. This contrast highlights both padel’s niche status and its potential for further growth.
Record-breaking padel match attendances in Argentina and Spain
The channel recounts the escalating attendance records for professional padel matches. The third most-attended match took place in Barcelona at the World Padel Tour (WPT) Masters Final, drawing 12,141 spectators. The second highest was in La Rioja, Argentina, with 13,723 fans watching Coello and Tapia secure a decisive victory.
The current record was set in Mendoza, Argentina, during the Premier Padel semifinals, where 13,932 people filled the stands. These figures reflect padel’s explosive popularity, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.
Professional padel tours and the rise of Premier Padel
Padel’s professional scene has evolved rapidly. From 2013 to 2023, the World Padel Tour (WPT) was the dominant circuit. In 2022, Premier Padel emerged through the collaboration of the PPA, FIP, and QSI. The idea for Premier Padel was conceived at the 2021 World Cup in Qatar, following discussions between Nasser Al-Khelaifi (PSG president) and key stakeholders. Within six months, the new tour was launched.
With QSI’s acquisition of WPT, Premier Padel will be the sole major tour for the next 25 years. A1 Padel remains independent for now, but its future integration is uncertain.
The origins of padel: from Acapulco’s walls to a global sport
Padel’s roots trace back to 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico. Enrique Corcuera invented the sport by modifying his home’s fronton court—adding a wall and a net to create a new game. Contrary to popular belief, padel is not originally Spanish or Argentinian, though those countries have played pivotal roles in its development.
Evolution of padel equipment: from heavy wooden rackets to modern technology
Early padel rackets were a far cry from today’s lightweight, high-tech models. The reviewer explains that various types of rackets and balls were tested, including tennis, badminton, and squash equipment. Eventually, players settled on a combination of tennis balls and platform-tennis wooden rackets.
These early rackets weighed over 500 grams, making them cumbersome and increasing the risk of injury. Modern rackets, by contrast, typically weigh between 350 and 380 grams, offering much greater comfort and playability.
Transformation of padel courts: from brick to glass and beyond
Padel courts were originally constructed from brick, which offered resistance to humidity but limited spectator visibility. The first glass court was built in 1988—the “Crystal Palace” in Argentina—debuting at the inaugural World Padel Championship in Seville. This innovation revolutionized the spectator experience and helped popularize the sport internationally.
Unusual courts still exist, including all-glass courts in Dubai, commissioned by a sheikh who disliked fences. These courts provide unique ball bounces and have inspired creative formats like the “Padel Trotters,” featuring professional players such as Paquito Navarro and Peter Alonso.
Fernando Belasteguín’s unmatched legacy in padel history
The channel concludes with a tribute to Fernando Belasteguín, who spent an unprecedented 16 consecutive years as world number one (2002–2018). During this time, he reached 285 finals and won 230 titles, partnering for 13 years with Juan Martín Díaz and 3 years with Pablo Lima. No other athlete in any sport has matched such a streak at the top.
Even at 44 years old, Belasteguín continues to compete at the highest level, though he is expected to retire soon. His remarkable career sets a standard that may never be surpassed in padel or beyond.
- 62 national federations worldwide, including the Vatican
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic investing heavily in padel clubs
- Paquito Navarro is the most-followed padel pro, but still under 1 million followers
- Attendance records for matches now exceed 13,900 spectators
- Premier Padel will be the main professional tour for the next 25 years
- Padel originated in Mexico in 1969, not Spain or Argentina
- Equipment and courts have evolved dramatically, improving player experience and spectator appeal
- Fernando Belasteguín holds the record for most years as world number one
