Padel's Rise in France Faces Challenges for Top Players
The rise of padel in France is hindered by financial struggles faced by professional players.
Key Points
- • Padel's popularity is increasing in France.
- • Top players struggle to earn a living from the sport.
- • Di Pasquale stresses padel's secondary status in French sports culture.
- • Economic challenges for players highlight the sport's development needs.
On September 11, 2025, the growing popularity of padel in France is met with significant challenges as the sport's top players struggle to secure livelihoods. Despite the increasing number of players and facilities, experts note that professional opportunities remain scarce.
Arnaud Di Pasquale, Director of the Alpine Paris Major, emphasized that padel is still viewed as a secondary sport in France, often regarded as a recreational activity rather than a professional pursuit. He stated, "En France, le padel est encore considéré comme le deuxième sport d'une vie," indicating the need for cultural shift towards recognizing and investing in the sport more seriously.
According to reports, many elite French players are unable to sustain themselves financially from padel alone, forcing them to take on additional jobs. As the sport gains traction, there is a pressing need for better funding, sponsorships, and infrastructure to support players in their careers. The challenge is not just for the individuals but also for the sport's overall professional ecosystem in France, which has yet to fully develop to support its growing player base.
As interest in padel continues to rise, the future of the sport hinges on overcoming these economic obstacles. With increased attention and resources, there is hope that French players can achieve greater success and sustainability in their sports careers.