Celebrities Playing Padel in the UK: Why Stars Are Falling for Padel

UK padel culture · Updated June 2026

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Why are celebrities playing padel?

Padel works unusually well for celebrities because it is social, fast, easy to learn and visually engaging. Unlike tennis, most beginners can rally quickly. Unlike golf, it does not take half a day. Unlike squash, it is usually played in open glass courts.

That combination suits modern celebrity culture precisely: a premium club environment, a doubles format, quick rallies, strong fitness appeal and content that photographs well.

• It is social: doubles format makes it naturally friendly and conversational
• It is accessible: underarm serve and smaller court lower the barrier to entry significantly
• It looks premium: glass courts, club settings and understated kit give padel a luxury sport identity
• It suits athletes: footballers, tennis players, boxers and cricketers can transfer footwork, reactions and hand-eye coordination directly
• It creates content: padel photographs well, especially on rooftop courts and in urban club settings

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UK celebrities and athletes linked with padel

Andy Murray and Anthony Joshua

Murray and Joshua are the two most significant UK names in padel right now — not just as players, but as team owners. Their joint padel team competed at the Hexagon Cup in Madrid in 2026, defeating Sergio Agüero’s team in the final. That result put UK padel ownership on the international sporting map.

For UK audiences, Murray’s involvement is the strongest signal that padel is not a passing trend. If one of Britain’s greatest tennis players sees the long-term potential, beginner and intermediate players are far more likely to take the sport seriously.

Lily James

Lily James represents the lifestyle dimension of the padel boom. Padel is increasingly discussed not just as a sport but as a social and style-led activity — exactly where Corcuera sees the opportunity. Celebrity interest from film and entertainment helps position padel as something aspirational, stylish and accessible, not only a performance sport for serious athletes.

Stormzy

Stormzy’s connection with padel shows how far the sport has moved into mainstream culture — now part of the same conversation as fitness, music, fashion and private clubs. When a sport starts attracting musicians, actors, entrepreneurs and elite athletes simultaneously, it becomes more than a game. It becomes a lifestyle signal.

Michael Vaughan

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan is among notable figures connected to the UK padel boom. Cricket and padel may seem different but both reward timing, touch, anticipation and tactical placement. Vaughan’s association also points to a broader pattern: padel is becoming the sport of choice for former professional athletes, executives and competitive social players who still want sharp, tactical, low-impact competition.

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How fast is padel growing in the UK?

UK padel participation has surged. Based on LTA figures, around 860,000 people in Britain played padel at least once in 2025, up from 400,000 in 2024 and 129,000 in 2023. By the end of 2025 the UK had more than 1,500 padel courts across more than 550 venues.

Celebrity involvement has helped make padel visible, but the real engine is participation: players come back after their first game. That retention rate is what turns a trend into a lasting sport.

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Why padel suits the UK social scene

Easier to start than tennis

The smaller court, underarm serve and glass walls keeping rallies alive mean new players can enjoy proper points quickly — the biggest reason padel becomes addictive from session one.

It works for groups

Doubles format makes it ideal for couples, work groups, club socials and friends of mixed ability. Court costs split four ways also makes the sport more accessible than tennis.

It feels premium

Modern padel clubs combine sport, coffee, coaching, retail and social events. That whole-experience approach suits players who care about more than just the match result.

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Where to play padel in the UK

If celebrity interest has made you want to try padel, the next step is simple: find a local court and book a beginner-friendly session. Most venues offer social mix-ins, racket hire, intro coaching and beginner leagues.

• Where to play padel in London
• Padel in Birmingham
• Where to play padel in Leeds
• Padel in Nottingham
• Padel Midlands — all venues

Frequently asked questions

Which celebrities play or are linked with padel in the UK?

Names linked with UK padel include Andy Murray and Anthony Joshua (team owners, Hexagon Cup 2026 winners), Lily James, Stormzy and Michael Vaughan. Globally, Eva Longoria, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Agüero, Rafael Nadal, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski have also been connected with padel.

Why do celebrities like padel?

Padel is social, accessible and fast to learn. The doubles format, glass court aesthetic, premium club setting and visual appeal make it ideal for celebrities who want an active, social sport that creates strong content and looks effortlessly aspirational.

Is padel popular in the UK?

Yes and growing fast. Based on LTA figures, around 860,000 people played padel in the UK at least once in 2025, up from 400,000 in 2024. The UK now has more than 1,500 courts across 550+ venues.

Is padel easier than tennis?

For beginners, yes. The underarm serve, smaller court and glass walls keeping rallies alive all lower the barrier significantly. Most new players sustain proper rallies within their first session.

What should beginners wear to play padel?

Lightweight, breathable court clothing that allows quick movement. Proper court shoes with lateral support matter more than most players realise. Corcuera padel clothing is designed for exactly this — performance on court, premium off it.