Why is padel becoming so popular in Europe?
In recent years, a new racket sport has been making waves across European courts: padel. A mix between tennis and squash, this friendly and dynamic sport attracts both beginners and experienced athletes. But why such a craze? What’s driving padel’s explosion in popularity across Europe? Let’s dive into a phenomenon that’s just getting started.
A sport for everyone
One of the secrets behind padel’s success lies in its simplicity. Unlike tennis, the technique is easier to pick up, which allows beginners to have fun from their very first match. The smaller court encourages rallies and limits overly intense physical effort. The result? You have fun without frustration—and you improve quickly.
Another strong point: padel is played in doubles. This strengthens the social aspect of the game, which is especially appreciated by people in their 30s and 40s looking for fun and social activities.
A wave from the South
Spain is undoubtedly the driving force behind padel’s growth in Europe. The sport is almost a religion there—it’s now the second most played sport after football. Thanks to this solid foundation, padel has spread to the rest of Europe, notably France, Italy, Belgium, and Sweden.
Stars like Zinedine Zidane, Andy Murray, and Zlatan Ibrahimović have also helped popularize the sport by giving it greater visibility.
A growing, structured offer
With demand rising, infrastructure is rapidly expanding. Private clubs, urban centers, courts in gyms—padel is taking over all kinds of spaces. Municipalities are also getting involved, attracted by the relatively low cost of building a padel court compared to other sports facilities.
At the same time, federations are getting organized. In France, for example, the FFT (French Tennis Federation) has officially integrated padel as one of its disciplines, helping to structure competitions and develop training programs.
A booming business
Padel is also a thriving economic opportunity. Between court construction, equipment sales, memberships, private lessons, and events, the market is booming. Startups are jumping in, innovating in areas like equipment, booking apps, and even match streaming platforms.
A trend that’s only beginning
With its accessibility, social nature, and fun vibe, padel ticks all the boxes to attract a wide and loyal audience. And if forecasts are to be believed, its growth is only just beginning. Europe is investing, players are flocking, and international tournaments are multiplying.
Beyond points, sets, and matches, padel also embodies a certain way of life: ending the day with friends or colleagues, hitting a few balls, unwinding after work, and then extending the evening over a drink. More than just a trend, padel is becoming a new way to connect.
Arnaud 🎾 (Padel Furia Team)