Padel is becoming increasingly popular among footballers worldwide, attracting the attention of stars such as players from the South African national team 'Bafana Bafana' and Cristiano Ronaldo.
International Interest
South African footballers, including 2010 World Cup player Thabo Modise, have joined a global trend where football stars are choosing padel as a second sport. For footballers from South Africa, padel is no longer just a way to spend time off the field.
Stars of 'Bafana Bafana,' such as Temba Zwane, Ronwen Williams, Juliso Mudau, Oswin Appellis, as well as Linda Mntambo and Vincent Pule, have been spotted at padel-related events, reflecting a growing trend in world football.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most dedicated fans of this sport, and Arjen Robben, former winger for the Netherlands and Bayern Munich, deepened his interest by participating in the professional FIP tour after retiring from football.
The appeal of padel is easily explained: it allows footballers to maintain competitiveness while avoiding 90 minutes of struggle, sprints, and tactical confrontations. The game is fast, requires quick reaction and foresight, and since it is often played in doubles, it also adds a social aspect.
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo demonstrates a particular obsession with padel, playing almost daily during vacations and free time. He even shared courts in Madrid with elite players such as Arturo Callelo, Koki Nieto, and Javier Barahona.
For players who have retired, this appeal can be even greater. Robben serves as a prime example: after leaving football, he actively engaged in padel before debuting in the FIP tour. His journey from an elite footballer to a competitive padel player shows how the sport can provide former professionals with a new outlet for the competitive instincts that defined their careers.
In South Africa, Thabo Modise offers a different view of life after football. The former star of Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and 'Bafana Bafana' remained active after retiring in 2019, engaging in broadcasting, working as an ambassador, and business, while maintaining an interest in this sport. Modise is also connected to the local padel scene in Johannesburg, adding another familiar football name to the sport that is increasingly attracting former professionals.
Globally, Ronaldo has gone beyond just playing, investing in padel and openly speaking about his passion for it. Other football stars associated with the game include Neymar, Zinedine Zidane, and Iker Casillas.
One reason why padel is particularly interesting to footballers is the overlap of many skills: foresight, reaction, movement, spatial awareness, and quick decision-making are critically important, although the game presents a different physical challenge compared to football.
The growing padel market in South Africa also contributes to this crossover. In July, Pretoria hosted the country's first professional Premier Padel tournament, bringing the global circuit to South African soil.
Padel does not replace football. However, for a growing number of footballers, it is the sport they turn to after ending their football career or when they simply want a different kind of game.