Enrique Corcuera – The Inventor of Padel
Enrique Corcuera: Who Invented Padel?
Discover the origins of padel with Enrique Corcuera, the visionary behind the sport. Learn how it started in Acapulco and how it spread from Mexico to Spain and beyond.
Updated: 3 June 2026 • Corcuera Padel Club • 4 min read
In this article
- Origins in Acapulco (1969)
- From Mexico to Spain (1974)
- Global Growth & Milestones
- Why It Matters to Corcuera Padel Club
- FAQ
Key Facts
- Inventor: Enrique Corcuera
- Where: Acapulco, Mexico
- When: 1969
- Court: 20 × 10 m
- Spread: Spain, 1974
Origins in Acapulco (1969)
Answer: Enrique Corcuera is widely credited with inventing padel in 1969 at his home in Acapulco, Mexico.
Corcuera adapted elements of tennis and squash to a walled court measuring 20 × 10 m with a central net, creating a fast, social doubles sport. A clever backyard solution became a brand-new sport.
From Mexico to Spain (1974)
After playing padel in Acapulco, Alfonso de Hohenlohe introduced the game to Spain in 1974, building courts at the Marbella Club.
Global Growth & Milestones
Argentina & South America
Argentina embraced padel in the 1970s, helping fuel growth across South America.
Europe, UK & Middle East
Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, the UK and the Middle East all contributed to the sport’s rapid expansion.
Why It Matters to Corcuera Padel Club
We honour Corcuera’s spirit of elegant, functional design and celebrate the heritage of padel through our collections.
Shop All | Padel Gifts | La Bajada
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented padel?
Enrique Corcuera is credited with inventing padel in Acapulco, Mexico.
When did padel arrive in Europe?
Padel arrived in Spain in 1974.
Why does padel have walls?
The walls extend rallies and create tactical rebound shots.
Wear the heritage — Autograph Originals.
Our Autograph range pays tribute to Enrique Corcuera and the origins of padel in 1969.
