There’s a growing wave of enthusiasm for padel sweeping through the world of elite athletes. From football to Formula 1, players across the sporting spectrum are flocking to this fast-paced, addictive game. So, what’s the secret? What is it about padel that captivates these stars and even motivates them to install private courts at their homes and training facilities? Writing exclusively for Cage 91, Isobel Gilligan dives into this love affair with padel to uncover why it’s become the sport of choice for the sporting elite.
Football Stars Obsessed by Padel
There is nothing that fans love more than sport crossovers, it creates fantastic content and always leads to a lot of laughs. But padel is not like this, athletes have taken to the game not to provide laughs for others, but because they are genuinely gripped. Arguably the world’s most recognisable footballer, Lionel Messi, is a huge padel fan. Not only did he have a court built at his home, but he also regularly plays with close friends, including advisor Pepe Costa. His former Barcelona teammate and friend Luis Suarez shares his love for the game, as does PSG star Neymar whose dedication matches Messi’s and serves as a testament to padel’s hold on these football icons.
Beyond the South American stars, European footballers have also joined the trend. David Beckham, another household name, has thrown his support behind Qatari-backed Premier Padel, expressing his surprise at how quickly he got hooked. Beckham emphasised how the sport’s accessibility makes it attractive to everyone, regardless of age or skill. “It’s growing a lot, even within the football clubs”, he remarked, noting how former teammates and friends are also turning into padel devotees.
Football’s love affair with padel doesn’t end with the players. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has installed padel courts at City’s training facilities to allow players to unwind and stay fit during the intense Premier League seasons. Meanwhile, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has taken his padel passion to a new level by partnering with Wilson on a signature equipment line, describing padel as the best game he’s ever played besides football. Klopp’s involvement has added to padel’s reputation as a sport of choice for competitive athletes.
Formula 1 Drivers Racing on court
Padel isn’t just a sensation among footballers; it’s taken the Formula 1 world by storm as well. The sport has emerged as a favourite pastime among drivers, who appreciate how padel helps improve their reflexes, decision-making and stamina – qualities that are essential on the track.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has spoken highly of padel’s benefits, noting how the sport hones his focus and quick reaction times. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, is his preferred playing partner, and the duo often enjoy the game together as a way to relax and stay fit between races. McLaren’s Lando Norris is another padel enthusiast, often sharing matches with fellow drivers like Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon.
Adding to the growing ties between Formula 1 and padel, Alpine driver Pierre Gasly recently teamed up with French entrepreneur Loic Fery to establish the 10Padel team, the eighth and final team for the 2025 Hexagon Cup. Gasly and Fery’s 10Padel team joins a prestigious lineup that includes celebrity-backed franchises led by the likes of Messi, Eva Longoria and Robert Lewandoski. Gasly’s enthusiasm for padel, combined with Fery’s sports business acumen, makes 10Padel a formidable new entrant to the Hexagon Cup, which will take place in Madrid for the second consecutive year in January. This venture marks a milestone for Gasly as he steps into the padel world not just as a player but as a team owner, further solidifying padel’s status as the sport of choice for the sporting elite.
The Broader Appeal of Padel
Padel’s rapid rise in popularity among athletes, whether footballers or F1 drivers, can be attributed to its unique combination of accessibility and competitiveness. The sport’s straightforward rules blend the reflexes of squash with the tactics of tennis, resulting in fast-paced, intense games.
The ease of setting up a padel court has also played a role in its rise. From Messi’s backyard setup to Guardiola’s courts at City’s training grounds, it’s clear that players enjoy the convenience of having access to padel anytime. For those who may not have a dedicated court, padel courts are springing up globally, making the sport more accessible than ever for fans of all ages and skill levels.
The Future of Padel Among the Sporting Elite
With icons like Messi, Beckham and Sainz embracing padel, the sport’s rise feels unstoppable. Its blend of accessibility, affordability and sheer fun makes it the perfect fit for athletes seeking a new challenge or a fresh way to unwind. So, if you’re ready to channel your inner sports star, why not pick up a racket and hit the court? Follow in the footsteps of Beckham, Norris and company and discover why padel has become the world’s next big sporting obsession.
