Padel is no longer a trend; it’s a global phenomenon. Around the world, courts are emerging from disused factories, building rooftops, and former tennis courts. The question is no longer whether padel will establish itself, but rather to measure the scale of this wave.
As we enter the 2026 season, it’s time to take stock of the numbers. How many people actually play padel? And which countries are leading the race in terms of infrastructure and passion?
Let’s dive into the latest statistics (2025/early 2026) to quantify the global padel boom.
Global Growth: Over 35 Million Players
According to estimates and reports from the FIP (International Padel Federation) and specialized sports analysis firms, the number of regular or occasional players worldwide is approaching astronomical figures.
Currently, it is estimated that there are over 35 million padel players worldwide.
However, the figures can vary depending on how a “player” is defined. The most robust estimates are based on players registered in clubs and users of booking applications, but the trend is clear: growth is exponential.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of Clubs | Clubs exceed 24,600 facilities worldwide, with double-digit annual growth. |
| Number of Courts | 77,300 courts were recorded at the end of 2025, a total that continues to climb rapidly. |
| Player Profile | Expansion towards 15-25 year olds and 55+ year olds. |
Europe: The Engine of the Boom
While Latin America (Argentina, Mexico) is the cradle of padel, Europe has been its main growth market since 2018. The boom is led by an undisputed top trio.
Europe’s Top 3 by Infrastructure (2026 estimates)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| 1. Spain | Approximately 6 million players (regular or occasional) and around 17,000 courts. |
| 2. Italy | Approximately 1.5 million players and over 10,000 courts. |
| 3. Sweden | Several hundred thousand players and approximately 4,220 courts. |
- Spain: The historical leader. Padel there is more than a sport; it’s a culture. The density of courts there is the highest in the world, which maintains an exceptionally high level of play.
- Italy: The most spectacular phenomenon. In just a few years, padel has dethroned squash there and established itself as the number 2 racket sport, just behind tennis. The enthusiasm is colossal, especially in the south of the country.
- Sweden: The Nordic example. Padel has become a societal trend. The demand for indoor (covered) courts there is massive due to the climate.
And in French-speaking regions?
Belgium and France are not left behind and are maintaining a sustained growth rate:
- France: The number of courts approximately doubles every three years. The country now has over 4,000 courts and a number of players exceeding half a million (around 850,000 players, including 272,000 licensed, according to the latest available benchmarks).
- Belgium: With a strong base at the Flemish level (Vlaamse Padel Federatie) and French-speaking level (Padel Wallonie-Bruxelles), the country is consolidating its infrastructure. Growth is more controlled than in Italy or Sweden, but padel is firmly established in sports clubs.
New Areas of Expansion
While Europe is the heart of current growth, the future of padel is being shaped on new continents.
- The Middle East: Countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are investing heavily in luxury infrastructure and the organization of Premier Padel tournaments (Majors and P1). Saudi Arabia, in particular, aims to become a major hub for global sports.
- The United States: The largest potential market. Padel is rapidly establishing itself, often confused with local “Paddle Tennis” or “Pickleball.” The stakes are high: if padel culture takes hold in the United States, the 50 million global players mark will quickly be surpassed.
- Asia: China and Japan are emerging markets where padel brands are investing heavily, banking on the appeal of racket sports and “easy-to-play” formats.
Padel has successfully transformed: from a private pastime in Acapulco, it has become a professional and highly publicized sport. The 2026 season will only confirm this trend.
It is clear that the infrastructure race is on, and the evolution of player numbers will continue to break records year after year. It remains to be seen which country will be the next to join the club of padel’s “greats.”
Key takeaways
- The FIP’s latest public assessment mentions over 35 million players and a total of 77,300 courts at the end of 2025.
- In Europe, Spain and Italy remain the driving forces in terms of court volume, with historical thresholds crossed in 2025.
- In France, the installation dynamic is accelerating: the country is surpassing the 4,000 courts mark and continues to expand its player base.
