Padel Around the World

Padel is the fastest-growing racket sport on the planet. What began as a backyard invention in Mexico in 1969 has become a global phenomenon played in over 90 countries, with an estimated 30 million active players worldwide. This section explores where padel is popular, how it is growing, and what the sport looks like across different countries and regions as of 2026.

Where It All Started

Padel was invented by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico, when he adapted a small walled court at his home for a new racket game. The sport crossed the Atlantic in the 1970s when Alfonso de Hohenlohe brought it to Marbella, Spain. From that single club on the Costa del Sol, padel spread through Spain and then to Argentina, where it exploded in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s.

Spain: The Global Capital

Spain has more padel courts per capita than any country in the world — over 20,000 courts serving roughly 47 million people. Padel is the second most played sport after football, and in many cities it has surpassed tennis. Spain hosts the International Padel Federation (FIP) headquarters, produces the majority of the world’s top professionals, and features multiple Premier Padel tour stops each season.

Argentina: Where Padel Is a Way of Life

Argentina rivals Spain in passion for padel. With an estimated eight million players and over 10,000 courts, the sport is woven into daily culture across all demographics. The Argentine style — known for creativity, touch, and flair — has produced legends like Fernando Belasteguín, widely considered the greatest padel player ever. The country’s pipeline of young talent shows no signs of slowing.

Sweden: The Northern Surprise

Sweden’s padel story is remarkable. A country of 10 million has embraced the sport with extraordinary intensity since it arrived around 2010. By 2026, Sweden has approximately 4,000 courts — one of the highest per-capita ratios outside Spain. Indoor facilities, strong club structures, and deep integration with fitness culture drive year-round play. The Swedish Padel Federation has invested heavily in youth development, and Swedish players are increasingly competitive internationally.

Italy: Mediterranean Explosion

Italy has experienced one of the fastest padel expansions in Europe. From a few hundred courts in the mid-2010s, the country now has over 8,000 courts. Rome, Milan, and Naples are hotspots, and the sport has attracted investment from football clubs and fitness chains. Italy hosted Premier Padel events in 2025 and 2026, cementing its position as a key European market.

The UAE and the Middle East

The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a padel hub for the Middle East. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have invested in world-class facilities, and the Premier Padel tour makes the UAE a regular stop. The warm climate, expatriate communities familiar with the sport, and government support for sports diversification make the region a natural fit. Courts are also appearing across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain.

The United States: The Biggest Untapped Market

The US represents padel’s largest growth opportunity. While slower to gain traction than pickleball, 2025 and 2026 brought a significant shift. Dedicated padel clubs have opened in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas. The US Padel Association has formalised competition structures, and investment from major sports figures has raised the profile. The main challenge remains infrastructure — building enough courts in a country where real estate costs are high — but the trajectory is clearly upward.

Asia and Emerging Markets

Padel courts have opened in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and India, often driven by expatriate communities. China has shown early interest with facilities in Shanghai and Beijing. The FIP has identified Asia-Pacific as a strategic growth priority. In Africa, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco have established footholds, with Egypt building a particularly competitive scene. South America beyond Argentina continues to grow — Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and Paraguay all have active communities.

Court Counts and Finding Courts When Travelling

The global picture has never been better for travelling players. Spain leads with over 20,000 courts, followed by Argentina with more than 10,000, Italy with over 8,000, and Sweden with approximately 4,000. Portugal, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany each have between 1,000 and 3,000 courts. Apps and platforms that map padel facilities globally make it straightforward to locate and book courts in most major cities.

The FIP’s Role in Global Growth

The International Padel Federation coordinates global development, sets official rules, and oversees the Premier Padel tour. With over 60 member federations, the FIP works to standardise court specifications, player development, and competition formats worldwide. Its push for Olympic recognition — targeting the 2032 Brisbane Games — has accelerated expansion efforts. The partnership with Qatar Sports Investments and the Professional Padel Association for the Premier Padel tour gives the sport a unified global circuit attracting top players, sponsors, and broadcast deals.

Explore the articles below to learn about padel in specific countries, find courts near you, and follow the sport’s expansion worldwide.

Country Guides

• Padel in Spain — The Heartland of Padel
• Padel in Argentina — The Other Padel Superpower
• Padel in Sweden — Europe’s Fastest-Growing Padel Nation
• Padel in Italy — The Mediterranean Padel Boom
• Padel in France
• Padel in Portugal — A Nation of Passionate Padel Players
• Padel in the Netherlands — Holland’s Booming Racquet Sport
• Padel in Belgium — Europe’s Rising Padel Hotspot
• Padel in Germany — Europe’s Fastest-Growing Padel Market
• Padel in Austria — Central Europe’s Rising Padel Market
• Padel in Switzerland — Premium Courts in the Heart of Europe
• Padel in Denmark — Scandinavia’s Padel Powerhouse
• Padel in Finland — The Nordic Indoor Padel Powerhouse
• Padel in Poland — Eastern Europe’s Fastest-Growing Padel Market
• Padel in the United Kingdom — Britain’s Fastest-Growing Racquet Sport
• Padel in the UAE — The Middle East’s Padel Hub
• Padel in Qatar — The Fastest-Growing Padel Nation
• Padel in Morocco — North Africa’s Padel Hub
• Padel in South Africa — Africa’s Emerging Padel Powerhouse
• Padel in the United States — America’s Emerging Racquet Sport
• Padel in Canada — North America’s Emerging Padel Powerhouse
• Padel in Mexico — The Birthplace of the Sport
• Padel in Brazil — South America’s Fastest-Growing Padel Market
• Padel in Colombia — South America’s Emerging Padel Powerhouse
• Padel in Chile — South America’s Padel Tradition Meets Modern Growth
• Padel in Japan — The Rising Sun of Racket Sports
• Padel in China — Asia’s Biggest Padel Growth Market
• Padel in India — A Booming Racket Sport Revolution
• Padel in Australia — From Expat Sport to National Phenomenon