Padel: the sport taking the world by storm
Padel? Never heard of it? Then it’s high time. This mix of tennis, squash and pure fun isn’t just the fastest-growing sport in the world – it’s also rapidly winning hearts across Europe and Germany.
Worldwide craze: padel on the rise
What began in 1969 in the garden of Mexican millionaire Enrique Corcuera is now a global phenomenon.
More than 30 million players in over 130 countries now swing the perforated racket. And that’s just the beginning: by 2026 there are expected to be over 85,000 padel courts worldwide – more than twice as many as in 2022.
Fun fact: In New York, an hour of padel can cost up to 200 dollars – more than a Broadway ticket.
Europe has padel fever
Europe is the epicentre of the padel boom. Spain leads with over 22,000 courts, followed by Italy and Sweden. In countries such as Belgium, Portugal and the Nordic countries, the sport has grown by more than 300 per cent in just three years.
Fun fact: Spain now has more padel courts than tennis courts – ¡olé!
Germany: catching up in style
In Germany, too, padel is no longer an insider tip. In 2025 there are already more than 550 courts and around 50,000 active players. Especially popular: the German Padel Series with more than 1,000 tournaments a year – with something for everyone, from beginners to elite players.
Fun fact: The most popular tournament formats are called “Americano” and “Mexicano” – no, they’re not cocktails, but fun formats with constantly changing partners.
Stars on court: these celebrities love padel
Padel doesn’t just excite amateur athletes – plenty of celebrities have caught padel fever too:
- David Beckham – plays regularly in Miami and invests in padel projects worldwide.
- Lionel Messi – had his own padel court built at his home in Barcelona.
- Serena Williams – loves the fast game and the relaxed atmosphere.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović – invested in the Padel Zenter chain in Sweden.
- Cristiano Ronaldo – is building a padel mecca near Lisbon with his company.
- Eva Longoria – co-owns a padel team in the Hexagon Cup.
- Jimmy Butler – NBA star who regularly plays padel with Neymar.
- Andre Agassi & Tommy Haas – tennis legends now shining on the padel court too
Fun fact: Among celebrities, padel is already being called the “new golf” – networking included.
Why all the hype?
- Easy to get started: no complicated rules, no expensive equipment.
- Small court, big fun: three padel courts fit on one tennis court.
- Social magnet: ideal for groups of friends, team events and after-work sport
Conclusion: if you’re not playing yet, you’re missing out
Padel is more than a trend – it’s a movement. Whether you’re a sports fan, a team player or simply curious: now is the perfect time to jump on the padel train.
Read more: Want to get started yourself? Our padel beginner’s guide explains the rules and equipment, and with padel coaching in Dresden you’ll learn the basics right on court.
