In just a few years, padel has transformed from a niche activity into a true social phenomenon in Italy. A walk through parks or a visit to sports centers and private clubs is enough to see how quickly this sport has taken off: padel courts are everywhere, and they are increasingly crowded every day.
While padel was once considered a sport for a select group of enthusiasts, today it’s a discipline for everyone—from teenagers to adults, from professionals to amateurs looking for fun.
But just how many Italians play padel? Is it more popular in the North or the South? This article will answer these and other questions, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of padel in Italy.
How many Italians play padel?
According to statistics from the World Padel Record, in 2024, there were 1.5 million padel players in Italy, a number that continues to grow steadily year after year.
Another intriguing statistic involves members of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP): while there were fewer than 9,000 registered players in 2019, by 2024, that number had surpassed 70,000, marking a 678% increase in just five years.
It’s not just amateur players on the rise; the number of professional players has also grown, with increased participation in both national and international tournaments.
Where is padel most popular in Italy?
The growth of padel in Europe has led to a significant increase in courts across many countries, and Italy is undoubtedly at the forefront of this trend. In 2024, there were over 9,000 padel courts spread throughout the country, solidifying Italy’s position as the second-largest nation in the world for the number of facilities, just behind Spain.
Certain regions stand out for having a particularly high number of courts. At the top of the list is Lazio, home to approximately 22% of all padel courts in Italy. Here, many sports centers have replaced soccer fields with padel courts, finding them easier to manage and more economically beneficial.
Following Lazio, Lombardy comes second with nearly 600 courts, and Sicily ranks third with over 500 courts. Other regions have also experienced significant growth, such as Emilia-Romagna, which has surpassed 600 courts, and Veneto and Puglia, each with over 500 courts.
In terms of indoor courts, Lombardy leads with 900 covered courts, followed by Lazio with 600 and Piedmont with almost 400.
How will padel grow in the coming years?
Over the past decade, padel in Italy has experienced a dramatic boom: the number of courts has grown from just 30 to over 9,000, making it one of the most popular sports in the country. Now, however, this growth seems to be entering a stabilization phase. After the initial surge, padel has consolidated its presence and forecasts indicate that it will continue to grow, but at a slower pace. It is estimated that the milestone of 10,000 courts could be reached by 2025, showing that the sport has secured its stable place in the Italian sporting landscape.
One of the key factors for future growth will be the expansion of padel into smaller towns where there are currently few dedicated facilities. Bringing padel to these areas could significantly expand the national network and attract new demographics.
Additionally, promotional initiatives by clubs and sports federations will play a fundamental role in keeping the interest in this sport alive. Organizing local padel tournaments, public events, and dedicated padel days will help draw new players and increase the sport’s visibility.