Padel Is Popular in These 10 Countries

Chris Sharp

In the last few years, a thrilling racquet game has literally swept across several continents, captivating athletes and enthusiasts alike. That game is Padel

Padel is popular in many countries, but what makes its rise a growing international phenomenon? It has transcended its origins, becoming a global sensation capturing the hearts of professional athletes, celebrities, and casual Joes like you and me. 

From the sun-drenched courts of Spain to the vibrant scenes of emerging padel markets in the US and the UK, this sport is more than just a game.

Let’s explore the top 10 countries where the popularity of Padel is absolutely booming. Whether you’re a fan, a player just getting started, or part of the elite, you’ll see why Padel is becoming so famous worldwide.

10 Countries Where Padel is Popular

Spain

Spain is number one and is the country where Padel is popular beyond comparison, with an estimated 6 million active players nationwide. With the most padel courts at 15,000 and 2,500 clubs, Spain has been the epicentre of Padel since the beginning of the sport.

Padel is so deeply ingrained in Spanish culture that it’s now considered their second most popular sport after football.

Go check out some of the best places to play padel in Madrid or Barcelona.

Argentina 

In Argentina, Padel originated and remains one of the primary regions where Padel is immensely popular, with approximately 4 million players. The country hosts around 10,000 courts and 1,800 clubs. 

Since its invention in 1969, Padel has maintained a strong presence in Argentine sports culture, particularly in urban areas.

Sweden 

Interestingly, Sweden has become one of the most significant markets where Padel has been popular in recent years and comes in third on the list. With an estimated 800,000 players and growing rapidly, Sweden has seen an unprecedented boom in the sport since 2015. 

The country now features over 3,500 courts and 600 dedicated facilities, making it Europe’s fastest-growing padel market outside of Spain.

Italy 

Italy has emerged as another European nation where Padel is popular. It is fourth on the list, with roughly 700,000 active players. The country has witnessed exponential growth since 2019, now featuring approximately 5,000 courts and 1,200 clubs. 

The Italian Tennis Federation has heavily invested in Padel’s infrastructure, contributing to its rapid expansion.

Mexico

Mexico is a prime example of Padel’s popularity in the Americas. The country boasts around 500,000 regular players and features approximately 3,000 courts and 400 dedicated facilities. 

Padel has had a strong following here since the 1980s, particularly among the urban middle and upper classes.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates has rapidly become a popular region for Padel, with an estimated 200,000 players. Since its introduction in 2013, the UAE has developed over 800 courts and 150 facilities. 

Dubai, in particular, has embraced Padel as a luxury sport, with many high-end facilities incorporating Padel courts into their offerings.

Brazil

Brazil has established itself as another country where Padel is popular. With approximately 400,000 active players, the nation hosts around 2,500 courts and 350 clubs. 

While the sport gained traction in the 1990s, it has seen significant growth in the past five years, particularly in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom represents one of the newest markets where Padel has grown significantly, with around 150,000 active players. Despite its relatively recent introduction, the UK now features over 400 courts and 100 facilities. 

The Lawn Tennis Association’s endorsement in 2020 has accelerated the sport’s growth and will continue to do so into 2025 and beyond.

Go see where the best places to play padel are in the United Kingdom.

USA

The United States is quickly becoming a popular place for Padel, particularly in Florida, California, and Texas. With approximately 100,000 players and growing, the US features around 200 courts and 50 dedicated facilities. 

The sport has gained momentum since 2018, with several significant investments in facilities and tournaments across the country, who see it as a luxury sport.

Go see where the best places to play padel are in the United States.

Portugal

Portugal completes our list of where Padel is popular, with roughly 300,000 active players. The country hosts approximately 1,500 courts and 250 clubs. 

Following Spain’s influence, Padel has grown steadily in Portugal since the early 2000s, particularly in coastal regions and major cities.

The Bottom Line

Understanding where Padel is popular helps us appreciate its remarkable global growth. From its South American origins to its European explosion and emerging markets in the Middle East and North America, Padel continues to capture new audiences worldwide. 

With increasing investment in facilities and growing participation rates, these countries are shaping a potentially very successful future for the sport. This future will reach more people, grow the game, and ultimately become one of the world’s most-played sports.

Author

I'm Chris, and I have been playing Padel for years; I've had the chance to train with some of the best coaches in the UK. This has helped me get better at the game I love. I'm a dad with two kids and enjoy playing on the court with friends. It's a great way to combine my love for Padel and socialising. I've always been into sports and stayed active. Still, Padel excites me, and I'm sharing what I've learnt about this fantastic sport.