Footballers Who Play Padel: Why the Game’s Biggest Names Are Falling for the Sport

Padel culture · Footballers · Updated 2026

Footballers and former footballers linked with padel include David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero and Robert Lewandowski. Some play socially, some invest in clubs or teams, others are connected through major events and celebrity-backed competitions.

Padel makes sense for footballers: it is competitive, tactical, lower impact than full football, and still delivers the competitive edge that elite players miss after retirement.

Why do footballers love padel?

Padel fits footballers perfectly because it combines movement, teamwork, reactions and tactical decision-making — many of the same qualities that make a great footballer.

  • It is competitive: footballers are used to winning, losing and chasing small margins
  • It is social: padel is usually played as doubles, suits groups of ex-teammates and friends
  • Lower impact: easier on the body than football while still feeling sharp
  • It rewards footwork: quick steps, balance and recovery positions matter
  • It feels tactical: the best players create space, move opponents and build points

Key footballers and padel

David Beckham

Beckham sits at the centre of sport, fashion, wellness and lifestyle culture. Padel suits the Beckham world precisely — premium clubs, stylish kit, social doubles and a sport that looks good on camera. He represents the court-to-clubhouse side of padel: what you wear matters because the sport does not end when the final point finishes.

Zinedine Zidane

One of football’s great technicians — his connection with padel feels natural. Padel rewards touch, angles, disguise and calm decision-making, all qualities associated with Zidane. Reports have linked Zidane with investment in padel facilities, showing elite football figures are not only playing but helping build the sport’s infrastructure.

Zlatan Ibrahimović

One of the clearest football-padel links because of his involvement with padel facilities and the Padel Zenter brand. His interest shows that for some footballers, padel has become a real business, club and community opportunity — not just something to play on holiday.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero

All three have been connected with celebrity-backed padel through high-profile team and event formats. Agüero’s team famously faced Andy Murray and Anthony Joshua’s team at the 2026 Hexagon Cup in Madrid. When football names become connected with padel, casual fans pay attention, search for courts and book their first game.

Robert Lewandowski

Also linked with the modern padel movement through team ownership and celebrity-backed competitions — part of a broader trend of elite footballers seeing padel not only as a sport to play but as a growing lifestyle market.

Corcuera view: padel is the footballer’s racket sport

Fast, social, tactical and easy to enjoy quickly. Tennis can feel technical and individual. Golf can feel slow. Padel gives footballers a new competitive arena without needing to be on a full-size pitch.

Why padel works after football retirement

For retired footballers, padel offers perfect balance — it keeps the competitive instinct alive without the physical demands of professional football. It keeps athletes moving, preserves the dressing-room social energy, and rewards intelligence over raw fitness.

What footballers can teach padel beginners

  • Move before the ball arrives: good footwork gives you better options
  • Communicate with your partner: padel is a doubles sport, just like football is a team game
  • Stay balanced: wild swings usually create mistakes
  • Think tactically: build the point instead of trying to win it immediately
  • Recover quickly: after every shot, get back into a useful position

Sources

Football heritage meets padel

Corcuera padel clothing — inspired by Acapulco, 1969. Court-to-clubhouse kit with club identity.

Shop padel clothing

Frequently asked questions

Which footballers play padel?

David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero and Robert Lewandowski are all linked with padel through playing, investment, clubs, teams or celebrity events.

Why do footballers like padel?

Padel is competitive, social, tactical and easier on the body than football. It rewards quick feet, teamwork, reactions and smart positioning — qualities footballers already have.

Did Zlatan Ibrahimović invest in padel?

Yes. Zlatan has been associated with Padel Zenter and padel facilities in Sweden and Italy. His involvement is one of the clearest examples of a footballer moving into the padel business.

Can beginners play padel if they come from football?

Yes. Footballers adapt well to padel because they already understand footwork, balance, teamwork and anticipation. Focus on control and positioning before trying to hit winners.

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