The Rise of Padel - Why the fastest growing sport in the world is taking off!

Padel has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Once a little-known pastime played on small courts in Spain and Latin America, it’s now one of the fastest growing sports in the world. In the UK, new courts are opening every month, celebrities are backing it, and players of all levels are giving it a go. But what exactly is padel, and why is it suddenly everywhere.

A Quick History of Padel

Padel was first invented in Mexico in the late 1960s by Enrique Corcuera, who adapted his tennis court with walls and a smaller playing area. The game quickly spread to Spain, where it took root as a mainstream sport. From there, padel’s appeal jumped to Argentina, other parts of Europe, and now the rest of the world.

The Numbers Behind the Growth

In Spain today, there are over 20,000 padel courts and millions of active players. Across Europe, padel is outpacing tennis in growth rate, with more than 6,000 new courts built in the last five years. The UK is catching up quickly: in 2019 there were fewer than 100 courts; by 2025, there are over 400 and counting. No wonder padel is being called the fastest growing sport in the UK.

Why People Love Padel

Part of padel’s charm is that it’s incredibly easy to pick up. The rules are simple, the rallies last longer than in tennis, and the smaller court makes it more social. Unlike some sports that feel intimidating for beginners, padel is welcoming from the very first game. It’s fun, fast, and addictive—players often find themselves booking their next match before they’ve even left the court.

Big Names Backing Padel

It’s not just everyday players fuelling padel’s rise. Rafael Nadal has long been a fan, setting up padel courts in his tennis academy. Football icons like David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Gerard Piqué have all invested in the sport. Their involvement has given padel huge visibility, helping it break into mainstream culture. With other big names like Arjen Robben taking the leap to joining the PIF (International Padel Federation) making his debut in August 2025. 

The Future of Padel

With its rapid growth, padel is expected to become a permanent fixture in the UK sporting landscape. Governing bodies are working towards establishing professional leagues, more clubs are installing courts, and participation numbers are climbing every year. If the current trend continues, padel could soon rival traditional racquet sports in popularity—not just in Spain, but worldwide.

Ready to Join the Movement?

Whether you’re new to the game or already hooked, there’s never been a better time to play padel. At Dragon Padel, we’re here to fuel your passion with gear designed for the court and beyond. Explore our latest collection today—and become part of the fastest growing sport in the world.