Padel is particularly popular in Spain and Argentina, where it is considered the second most popular sport right after soccer. This popularity is due to several factors, including its introduction to these countries by influential people and celebrities, such as Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg in Spain and Julio Menditeguy in Argentina. Influential athletes such as Manolo Santana in Spain and polo players in Argentina have also contributed to the spread of padel in these countries.
Sources also point to the growing popularity of padel in other European countries, such as France, Sweden and Italy. In France, the social aspect of padel is appreciated, while in Sweden a strong female padel scene has developed.
Sources also point to the growing popularity of padel in other European countries, such as France, Sweden and Italy. In France, the social aspect of padel is appreciated, while in Sweden a strong female padel scene has developed.
Outside Europe, padel is gaining popularity in the Middle East, especially in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where luxury padel facilities are being built. Also in Asia, padel is gaining popularity, especially in Japan and the Philippines, where its simplicity and minimal space requirements are appreciated.
The rise in padel's popularity worldwide can be attributed to several factors:
- Ease of learning: Compared to tennis, padel is easier to learn, making it more accessible to a wider range of players. The smaller court, slower ball and ability to bounce the ball off the walls reduce the technical and physical requirements.
- Social aspect: Padel is usually a doubles game, which promotes social interaction and relationship building between players.
- Dynamic and exciting gameplay: The use of walls in the game adds an additional strategic and dynamic element, making padel more exciting to watch and play.
