Sports poster of the global growth of padel: players on a glass-walled court around a glowing globe with upward growth arrows, by Hamidreza Sarbazi
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Padel · Sports

Padel Goes Global: 40 Million Players and Counting

By Hamidreza Sarbazi · Published October 26, 2026 · Dubai

Padel Goes Global: 40 Million Players and Counting

The sport once associated with a handful of countries has become a truly international movement — and the latest figures tell an exciting story.

The numbers behind the excitement

According to the International Padel Federation (FIP) in its 2026 World Padel Report, more than 40 million people now play padel worldwide. The sport is present in 191 countries and territories, and the global number of courts has grown by more than 20% over the past year.

Even the professional calendar is expanding: FIP says 434 tournaments have been confirmed for 2026 across 62 countries, compared with 290 events in 2025.

These are not just impressive statistics. They tell us that padel is moving beyond its traditional markets and becoming part of everyday sporting life around the world.

Why do people fall in love with padel?

Easy to start, challenging to master. You can enjoy your first rally quickly, but the deeper skills — glass rebounds, positioning, anticipation and tactics — keep players learning.

A social sport. Doubles play brings four people together. Clubs become communities, and a weekly game becomes a habit.

A game for many ages and levels. Beginners can have fun while competitive players can pursue a serious development pathway.

What comes next?

Growth brings opportunity, but also responsibility: clubs need qualified coaches, welcoming beginner programs, safe courts and meaningful pathways for young players. More courts alone will not create a stronger sport — better player experiences will.

For those of us working in coaching and developing padel communities, the next chapter is about quality, education and access.

The world is discovering padel. The real opportunity is helping people stay in love with it.

Original publication and attribution

Published: October 26, 2026
Author: Hamidreza Sarbazi
Original publisher: HamidrezaSarbazi.com
Original article: https://hamidsarbazi.com/blog/padel-global-growth-2026

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Sources and methodology

All global figures above are attributed to FIP's published 2026 report. Observations about why padel appeals to players are editorial analysis, not statistics from FIP.

© 2026 Hamidreza Sarbazi. All Rights Reserved.

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