From Cristiano Ronaldo to Teko Modise: why football stars are turning to padel

For a growing number of footballers, padel is becoming the preferred way to stay competitive away from the pitch.

South African players including Bafana Bafana 2010 World Cup player Teko Modise, Themba Zwane, Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau and Oswin Appollis have all been associated with the sport. Linda Mntambo and Vincent Pule have also appeared at padel-related activations.

Their involvement reflects a wider trend among footballers around the world. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of padel’s most prominent supporters, while former Netherlands and Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has taken his interest beyond recreation by competing on the professional FIP Tour since retiring from football.

Padel offers a competitive challenge without the demands of another 90 minutes of tackles, sprints and physical contests. The game requires quick reactions, anticipation and rapid decision-making, while its usual doubles format provides a social dimension.

That combination has proved particularly attractive to former professionals. Robben’s move from elite football to competitive padel is one of the clearest examples of retired players finding a new outlet for the competitive instincts that shaped their careers.

Modise among South Africa’s padel converts

Modise has remained active since ending his playing career in 2019. The former Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana player has since worked in broadcasting, ambassadorial roles and business, while continuing to maintain an interest in sport.

He has also been linked with Johannesburg’s developing padel scene, adding a familiar name from South African football to a game that is increasingly attracting former players.

Ronaldo’s interest extends beyond playing. The Portugal forward has invested in padel and spoken publicly about his enthusiasm for the sport. Neymar, Zinedine Zidane and Iker Casillas are among the other football stars associated with the game.

The crossover is partly explained by the similarities between padel and football. Anticipation, movement, spatial awareness and fast reactions are important in both, although padel presents a different type of physical test.

South Africa’s expanding padel market is also strengthening the link between the two sports. Pretoria hosted the country’s first professional Premier Padel tournament in July, bringing the international circuit to South Africa for the first time.

Padel is not competing with football for the players who enjoy it. Instead, it is offering current and former footballers another way to test themselves either after their football careers have ended or when they want a different sporting challenge away from the pitch.