Cristiano Ronaldo has as soon as once more made headlines, this time without work the soccer subject. The Portuguese celebrity bought 100% of the Lisbon Racket Centre, investing round €5 million (about $5.4 million) between the acquisition and renovations. The power, situated in Oeiras—a city within the Lisbon district with almost 100,000 residents—is designed primarily for padel, one of many fastest-growing racket sports activities worldwide.
In response to Ricardo Oliveira, president of the Portuguese Padel Federation (FPP), Ronaldo’s arrival is ready to alter the game ceaselessly: “Cristiano’s involvement gained’t simply change padel in Portugal—it can change it globally. He trains day-after-day for soccer, however I’ve been instructed he performs padel virtually every day as nicely. He actually loves it.”
The star has been noticed sharing padel clips on his social media, exposing the game to his large on-line following—estimated at over one billion folks throughout platforms. For a lot of, his affect represents the one most essential enhance padel has ever obtained.
Contained in the Lisbon racket centre
Development of the state-of-the-art complicated started in February 2025, financed by Ronaldo himself. The challenge contains:
- 17 padel courts, 11 of them lined
- A central stadium courtroom with capability for two,000 spectators
- Premium health and wellness services
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to pursue his objective of reaching 1,000 targets in his profession.
It marks Ronaldo’s first main funding exterior of soccer, and it aligns completely with padel’s fast world rise.
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Padel vs. tennis and pickleball
Padel has exploded in reputation worldwide, with almost 30 million energetic gamers right this moment—a rise of 150% prior to now decade, in accordance with the Worldwide Padel Federation. Its progress trajectory positions it as a challenger not solely to tennis, but additionally to pickleball, which has turn out to be a cultural sensation in the US.
One among padel’s benefits lies in its decrease upkeep prices in comparison with tennis courts, making it extra accessible for golf equipment and buyers. With Ronaldo’s backing, the game is anticipated to draw extra sponsors, followers, and capital, accelerating its path towards mainstream recognition.
What’s subsequent for Ronaldo?
For now, the 39-year-old stays targeted on main Portugal to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the one main title lacking from his historic profession. However as soon as he finally hangs up his soccer boots, followers might even see him step onto the World Padel Tour circuit, competing within the very sport he’s serving to to rework.
