Celebrity influence is accelerating padel’s global popularity
The channel highlights a striking trend: celebrities from diverse backgrounds are embracing padel, not just as casual players but as active promoters and investors. The list is impressive, spanning football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, as well as tennis icons such as Andre Agassi and Novak Djokovic. Formula 1 stars including Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen have also joined the movement, often playing at exclusive clubs and events.
American celebrities are increasingly visible in the padel scene. Woody Harrelson, comedian Andrew Schulz, and singer Adam Levine are among those who have not only played but also publicly discussed their enthusiasm for the sport. Schulz, for example, introduced padel to a wider audience by talking about it on Joe Rogan’s podcast, while John Leguizamo has shared his experiences on social media. This exposure is helping padel shed its “niche” status and become a mainstream, aspirational activity.
Ownership and investment: celebrities shaping padel’s future
The reviewer notes that celebrity involvement goes far beyond simply playing. Many high-profile figures are investing in padel infrastructure, clubs, and even professional teams. The Hexagon Cup is a prime example, where team ownership is almost exclusively reserved for celebrities and sports icons. Rafael Nadal, Eva Longoria, Lionel Messi, and Daddy Yankee are all cited as team owners, bringing both financial backing and star power to the sport.
Several celebrities are also opening or investing in padel clubs worldwide:
- Cristiano Ronaldo is launching a major padel club south of Lisbon, Portugal.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović owns more than 20 padel clubs across Italy and Sweden.
- Zinedine Zidane has invested in clubs in France.
This level of commitment signals that padel is more than a passing trend among the elite—it’s becoming a core part of their sporting and business portfolios.
Why padel appeals to celebrities and the wider public
The channel explains that padel’s rapid learning curve and social nature are key reasons for its appeal. Unlike many racket sports, padel allows beginners to rally and enjoy competitive games within their first session—often in less than 90 minutes. This accessibility makes it attractive not only to seasoned athletes but also to those new to racket sports.
Padel’s social aspect is another major draw. The sport is typically played in doubles, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. For celebrities, it offers a way to stay active, maintain healthy habits, and engage in friendly competition without the intensity or isolation of other sports. The reviewer emphasizes that this combination of fun, fitness, and sociability is a big part of why padel is “cool” and why so many high-profile individuals are getting hooked.
The impact of celebrity endorsement on padel’s growth
The channel argues that celebrities act as “ultimate influencers,” accelerating padel’s adoption wherever they go. Their visibility on television, social media, and at exclusive clubs sparks curiosity and inspires fans to try the sport. In the United States, this effect is especially pronounced, with more American celebrities joining the trend and helping to legitimize padel in a market traditionally dominated by tennis and other established sports.
Beyond the U.S., the reviewer points to rapid growth in regions such as Southeast Asia, South Africa, and India. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are seeing surges in padel participation, often driven by local celebrities and international exposure. Even in places facing political or economic challenges, such as Haiti, padel courts are being built and the sport is gaining momentum.
Padel’s future: from celebrity trend to global phenomenon
The reviewer is optimistic about padel’s trajectory, noting that the “ball is rolling faster and faster” as more celebrities and countries join the movement. The sport’s combination of accessibility, social engagement, and star-powered endorsement is creating a virtuous cycle of growth. As more high-profile figures invest in clubs, teams, and events, padel’s infrastructure and visibility continue to expand.
Key qualitative takeaways from the discussion include:
- Accessibility: Quick to learn and enjoy, even for beginners.
- Social atmosphere: Doubles play encourages interaction and community.
- Health benefits: Offers a fun way to stay active and competitive.
- Celebrity influence: Drives mainstream adoption and investment.
- Global reach: Growing rapidly in both traditional and emerging markets.
With its unique blend of sport, lifestyle, and celebrity culture, padel is poised to become a defining trend in the coming years—both on and off the court.
