When people think of padel, many instinctively associate it with Spain. The country has become synonymous with the sport, dominating in participation, professional players, and even the development of padel culture. Yet, what most people don’t realize is that padel didn’t originate in Spain. Its story begins across the Atlantic, in Mexico, and unfolds as a tale of cross-cultural influence and innovation.
Padel was born in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969, when Enrique Corcuera, a wealthy businessman, sought to create a recreational space in his backyard. Limited by walls and space constraints, he designed a court surrounded by walls, giving rise to the unique element of padel—the use of rebounds. Corcuera formalized the sport by establishing its first set of rules, naming it “Paddle Tennis.” However, it remained a local pastime, with limited reach beyond Mexico.
The story takes a pivotal turn in the 1970s when Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a Spanish aristocrat, visited Corcuera’s home in Mexico. Fascinated by the game, he brought the concept back to Spain, constructing the first padel courts at his Marbella Club on the Costa del Sol in 1974. Initially a recreational activity for his elite circle, padel quickly caught on, thanks to its accessibility and social nature.
What set Spain apart was its cultural alignment with the sport. Padel thrived in Spain because of its focus on doubles play, which mirrored the country’s communal, family-oriented lifestyle. Unlike tennis, which often emphasized solo performance, padel fostered teamwork and camaraderie. This social aspect turned padel into a popular pastime for players of all ages and skill levels.
By the 1990s, padel had exploded in popularity in Spain, spurred by an expanding network of clubs and courts. Spain’s warm climate made outdoor play possible year-round, and its dense urban areas favored the compact court size of padel. Additionally, the sport’s relatively low learning curve attracted players who found tennis too challenging or intimidating.
Spain didn’t just embrace padel; it elevated it. The country developed a robust infrastructure, from dedicated padel clubs to coaching academies. The rise of professional tournaments solidified Spain’s dominance, with Spanish players leading the rankings and creating a highly visible, aspirational path for young athletes.
The Spanish Federation of Padel (FEP), established in 1992, played a significant role in organizing and promoting the sport, further integrating it into the nation’s sporting fabric. As Spain became the epicenter of competitive padel, the perception of the sport shifted—no longer just a casual pastime, it was now a serious, professionalized discipline.
From its stronghold in Spain, padel began spreading across Europe and beyond. Neighboring countries like Portugal, France, and Italy saw a surge in popularity, followed by Northern Europe and South America. By the 2010s, padel had reached new markets, from the Middle East to North America.
Global expansion was driven by several factors. First, Spain’s influence in the sport created a model for other countries to emulate, from court construction to coaching. Second, international players who trained in Spain helped export the game’s culture and techniques. Finally, the World Padel Tour, launched in 2013, gave the sport global visibility, attracting sponsors and fans from diverse regions.
Despite its Mexican origins, padel is often thought of as a Spanish sport, and this perception isn’t entirely misplaced. Spain didn’t invent padel, but it gave the sport its soul. Spain nurtured padel, transforming it from a niche pastime into a global phenomenon. Its contributions to infrastructure, professionalization, and cultural integration are unparalleled.
However, it’s important to honor padel’s Mexican roots. Without Enrique Corcuera’s ingenuity, the sport wouldn’t exist. Spain built upon his foundation, creating a platform for padel to flourish on the world stage.
Today, padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Courts are being built in record numbers, tournaments are expanding, and new players are discovering the game every day. While Spain remains at the heart of padel, the sport’s global reach continues to grow, with nations like Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States emerging as key markets.
Padel’s success lies in its ability to blend accessibility with complexity. It’s easy to pick up but endlessly rewarding to master, making it a sport for everyone, from casual players to seasoned professionals.
As padel’s global journey continues, it’s essential to remember its origins and honor the contributions of both Mexico and Spain. Together, they created a sport that has captured the hearts of millions—a game that’s both rooted in history and limitless in its future potential.
See you on court,
