Every sport has an origin story, and padel's is particularly charming. What began as a creative solution to a space problem in 1960s Mexico has evolved into one of the world's fastest-growing sports, now played by millions from Spain to Argentina, from Sweden to Malta. At Padel Malta, we love sharing this history with new players.

The Birth of Padel in Mexico

In 1969, a Mexican businessman named Enrique Corcuera wanted to build a tennis court at his home in Acapulco, but the available space was too small. Rather than abandon his dream, he improvised, constructing a smaller court enclosed by walls. He added rules to incorporate the walls into play, and padel was born.

Corcuera called his creation "Paddle Corcuera" – paddle being the English word he adapted. His friends who played on that original court loved the game, and they began spreading it to their own social circles. The seeds of a global phenomenon had been planted.

The Spanish Connection

The man who brought padel to Spain was Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a Spanish aristocrat who played on Corcuera's original court while visiting Mexico. Captivated by the game, he built courts at his exclusive Marbella Club in southern Spain in 1974.

Spain's social and sporting culture proved perfect for padel. The game spread through tennis clubs, beach resorts, and social venues. By the 1980s, padel had established itself as a legitimate sport in Spain, with organised leagues and tournaments beginning to emerge.

Argentina: Padel's Second Home

While Spain embraced padel enthusiastically, Argentina became equally passionate about the sport. Argentine players developed their own style and techniques, and the country produced many of the sport's early champions. The rivalry between Spanish and Argentine padel styles continues to enrich the game today.

The professional padel tour emerged from this Spanish-Argentine axis, with the World Padel Tour (now Premier Padel) showcasing the world's best players to growing audiences.

Global Expansion

From the 2000s onwards, padel began spreading beyond the Spanish-speaking world. Countries like Sweden, Italy, Portugal, and the UK built courts and developed communities. The sport's accessibility and social nature helped it gain traction wherever it was introduced.

Investment from former tennis players and celebrities brought attention and resources to the sport. Facilities improved, coaching programmes developed, and more people discovered the joy of padel.

Padel Arrives in Malta

Malta's padel journey began more recently, but the growth has been remarkable. Early adopters who had played abroad brought the sport home and began building community. Padel Malta emerged from this grassroots enthusiasm, developing from a handful of enthusiasts into a thriving club with courts in multiple locations.

Today, Padel Malta hosts regular social sessions, competitive leagues, and coaching programmes. The Maltese padel community reflects the global pattern: diverse players united by their love of the game.

The Future of Padel

With Olympic recognition potentially on the horizon and professional tours growing in prominence and prize money, padel's future looks brighter than ever. At Padel Malta, we're excited to be part of this ongoing story.

From Enrique Corcuera's improvised court in Acapulco to the pristine facilities at Padel Malta, padel has come an extraordinary distance. Yet the essence remains the same: a social, accessible, enjoyable game that brings people together. Come join the history at Padel Malta!