Padel
These players aren't just stars - they're iconic padel figures leaving their mark and cementing their legacy as some of the finest this sport has ever seen
Padel, one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, mixing elements of tennis and squash, is taking the world by storm thanks to its dynamic and social nature, with courts popping up in cities across the globe. The sport’s roots run deep in Spain and Argentina – two powerhouse nations that have produced both the sport’s legends and today’s top talents.
You can see these tops players showcase their skills on the count during Premier Padel – the professional padel circuit. Watch every match at each of the 25 tournaments from the quarter finals onwards, live on Red Bull TV. Find out if you can access the coverage here. Don't see you country listed? Check out your local listings.
Read on to learn about the athletes who have shaped the sport throughout its history, as well as those who continue to contribute to its legacy.
01
Juan Lebrón
Juan Lebrón Chincoa is one of the sport's most well-known and iconic players. After a promising junior career, Lebrón turned professional in 2016 and hasn't looked back since. He has tasted success as part of Spanish World Championship-winning teams and won multiple trophies at the highest level. On the padel tournament circuit, he has paired up with some of the sport’s greatest legends, including Marcello Jardim, Adrián Allemandi, Paquito Navarro and Alejandro Galán, among others. With Galán, he formed an unstoppable pair that topped the rankings for four consecutive seasons.
Lebrón, nicknamed 'El Lobo' ('The Wolf'), is known for his creative and elegant playing style, his insatiable hunger to win, and his passion for the sport of padel, which he has practiced since childhood. “It’s a love I can’t describe. I’m in love with padel every single day,” he says.
02
Fernando Belasteguín
Fernando Belasteguín is, for many, the best male padel player of all time. The Argentinian is one of the veterans of the sport and has been at the top of the game for a long time.
'Bela' has won 230 tournaments in 286 finals, though his most outstanding achievement was being the number one-ranked player in the world for 16 consecutive years. Recently retired, he continued to be competitive until the very end of his career, winning the Premier Padel Mexico Major in 2022 at the age of 43. Belasteguín's most iconic partner was fellow Argentinian Juan Martín Díaz, another legendary player.
The legend Belasteguín was best known for his intelligence and patience on court, which he combined with a calm demeanor that allowed him to excel in the most decisive moments of the match.
03
Alejandro Galán
After succeeding in various stages of his early career, Alejandro Galán’s breakthrough moment came in 2020 when he partnered with Juan Lebrón. Together, they redefined the sport by playing a new ultra-quick, dynamic brand of padel, overwhelming opponents with their speed and power.
As a pair, 'Ale' (sometimes nicknamed 'Galántico' because of his out-of-this-world shots and plays) and Lebrón won an astounding 33 titles and became almost invincible. The Madrid-born athlete is one of the most athletic and complete players in the world, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.
04
Roby Gattiker and Alejandro Lasaigues
In the period just before Belasteguín and Diaz, Argentinians Robert Gattiker and Alejandro Lasaigues were the names that dominated the padel scene in the 1990s. Lasaigues is now an important figure in helping to grow the sport in the United States.
05
Arturo Coello
At just 23, Arturo Coello has emerged as a rising and current star in padel. At 1.9m tall, his height and reach provide a significant advantage, allowing him to execute powerful smashes and volleys. Coello's partnership with talented Agustín Tapia has been particularly noteworthy, as the duo has established themselves as the top-ranked pair in the world, clinching fourteen titles during the 2024 season, including four consecutive trophies.
Coello, a quick and explosive athlete despite his height, is redefining padel with his smashes from unthinkable spots on the court. His quick reflexes and incredible court coverage make him one of the toughest rivals to play against.
“With him, it was always about the racket,” says his grandmother, recalling Arturo’s natural calling to play padel at all times when he was a little kid. “He told me: I will sacrifice now to live the dream that many people have,” says his father
Just like the men’s game, women’s professional padel is powered by fierce, athletic talents, sparking a wave of new talent, driving gender equality in padel, and proving the sport’s appeal across all ages and abilities.
06
Bea González
Beatriz 'Bea' González is one of the brightest stars in women’s padel, known for her power, precision and fiery spirit on court. Nicknamed 'The Pearl' due to her raw talent and ability to shine on the court, Bea made history by becoming the youngest player to reach a World Padel Tour final at just 17.
Since then, despite several injuries, her career has continued to soar. She pairs explosive athleticism with sharp instincts, dominating her opponents from the left side of the court. Bea's intensity and hunger to win have made her a fan favorite and a constant threat in any tournament.
Off court, she’s charismatic and deeply passionate about growing the game, especially among younger girls who look up to her as a role model, since she likes to remember she was once that girl trying to make her padel dreams come true: “Having a club really close to home was very important. My mum signed me up for classes and my coach soon told her I had a gift,” she recalls.
07
Ariana Sánchez
Ariana Sánchez, born in Reus in 1997, is one of the most technically refined players in the world. She plays on the left side with precision and a deep understanding of the game, often setting the rhythm of rallies with her soft touch and intelligent placement. Her partnership with Paula Josemaría has led them to the top of the rankings, with 10 tournament wins during the 2024 Premier Padel season, thanks to their perfect blend of creativity and aggression.
08
Alejandra Salazar
Alejandra Salazar is a cornerstone of modern padel. Born in Madrid in 1985, she’s known for her smart, composed play on the right side. Her long career includes multiple #1 rankings and victories with several partners, making her one of the most consistent and respected players of the last two decades.
Affectionately known as 'Bandejandra', her precise bandeja is one of the most iconic and recognizable shots in the world, and one of her primary tools in becoming one of the greatest ever.
09
Gemma Triay
Gemma Triay, from Menorca, is one of the most dominant and intense players on tour. With her aggressive left-side play, heavy smashes and passionate presence, she’s won major titles with several partners, including various stages as world number 1. Triay is a force on court and a fan favorite for her fiery energy.
10
Martita Ortega
Martita Ortega is a blend of brains and elite-level skill. The Madrid-born right-side player became the youngest World #1 in history in 2019, all while completing a degree in Medicine. Her composed, intelligent style of play makes her one of the most unique players in the sport’s history.
11
Claudia Fernández
Claudia Fernández is the face of padel’s future. Born in 2006, she broke into the world’s top 10 before turning 18 – an unprecedented achievement. Her poise, smooth technique and maturity on court have made her one of the most exciting young talents in the game. Currently partnered with Bea González, forming the third-ranked pair, she’s on a rapid rise and proving she belongs among the sport’s elite.
Fernández is very family-oriented and is especially appreciative of his mother, Alicia, who is always supporting her through her padel journey. “I wouldn’t know how to repay her for all she has done for me,” she says.
12
Carolina Navarro
A true pioneer of the sport, Carolina Navarro held the #1 spot for nine consecutive years, helping to elevate padel on a global scale. Born in Málaga in 1976, she’s known for her grace under pressure and tactical mastery. As she approaches retirement, she remains a symbol of excellence and longevity in women’s padel.
13
Icíar Montes
Icíar Montes is one of the game’s most influential figures. Born in Madrid in 1974, she won nine world championships and was renowned for her calm demeanour and brilliant defensive skills. Since retiring, she’s become a respected coach and ambassador, continuing to shape padel from behind the scenes.
Watch the top padel players live on Red Bull TV
Find more information on all tournaments, including ticketing, match schedules, current scores, player updates and all the latest news on the Premier Padel website.