We have taken a look at the World Padel Report from FIP and summarized what we found for Europe.

Spoiler: Padel is definitely booming in Europe

Growth in courts

As of early 2024, Europe is home to over 42,600 padel courts, representing nearly 70% of the global total. This marks a staggering 240% increase over three years. Excluding Spain—which has long dominated the padel landscape with over 16,000 courts—other European nations have experienced a six-fold increase in court numbers.

The average court-to-club ratio in Europe is 3.4, indicating well-equipped facilities that cater to growing demand. Countries like Sweden, Italy, and France have added thousands of courts, transforming padel from a niche sport into a mainstream activity.

Top European Markets by Court Numbers (2024):

• Spain: 16,000+ courts
• Italy: 9,050 courts
• Sweden: 4,200 courts
• France: 2,160 courts
• Netherlands: 2,418 courts
• Portugal: 1,300 courts
• Belgium: 1,970 courts

Boom in Club Numbers and Player Base

Europe is also home to 12,718 padel clubs, the highest of any continent. Player growth is equally impressive. Europe accounts for 59% of the global amateur padel player base, with countries like Spain hosting 5.5 million players and Italy reaching 1.5 million. Female participation is robust too, with women comprising 40% of the amateur player population.

National federations have also expanded, with 39 of the 71 FIP-affiliated bodies based in Europe. Many of these federations were established in the last three years, further evidencing the sport's dynamic rise.

Rankings and Competitive Scene

Europe dominates the FIP professional rankings, with 61% of ranked players hailing from the continent. Spain alone is a powerhouse, fielding many of the top-ranked men and women.

Some key figures:

• Spain has 979 male and 484 female ranked players.
• Italy follows with 336 male and 97 female professionals.
• France contributes 118 male and 23 female ranked players.

Moreover, Europe hosted the majority of the 222 FIP Tour events held between 2019 and April 2024, solidifying its place as the heart of global padel competition.

Olympic Aspirations and Youth Development

A major milestone in 2023 was padel's debut at the European Games—a significant step toward Olympic inclusion. Youth development is also gaining momentum through the FIP Promises Tour, most of which are held in Europe.

Conclusion: A Golden Era for Padel in Europe

The 2024 FIP World Padel Report paints a clear picture: Europe is leading the global padel revolution. With rapidly growing infrastructure, a booming player base, and a thriving professional scene, the continent is set to be the epicenter of padel's future.

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, there's never been a better time to be involved in European padel.