26.04.2025

Why padel may be the next gentleman’s sport

Once reserved for tradition-bound sports like polo and tennis, the title of “gentleman’s sport” may now belong to padel. Discover how figures like Nadal and Zidane are reshaping its future, and why modern aristocracy may no longer wear crowns.

Words: Raja Izz

The floating padel court surrounded by yachts in the Miami Harbor.

Credit: Courtesy of Yntegra Group


 

We used to think that gentleman sports must honor tradition, promote a sense of grace and decorum, and most importantly, be backed by the aristocracy - royalty and nobility who served as the patrons and protectors of such pursuits.

Tennis. Polo. Equestrian. These were not just sports; they were statements of class.

But what if padel were the next gentleman sport?

HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.

@tmski/Instagram

 

But before we delve further into padel, who gets to decide which sport belongs in the pantheon of gentility anyway?

For centuries, the answer was clear: the aristocracy. Raja, sultans, and dukes wielded power not just in courtrooms and battlefields, but also in leisure. Their choices dictated what was refined and what was common. But in the post COVID-19 era, aristocracy wears new clothes. They wear couture and manage personal brands. They command millions - if not billions - of followers. They sit not on thrones, but in front-row seats at fashion weeks, boardrooms of unicorn startups, and social media platforms that shape public consciousness overnight.

Could it be, then, that today’s influencers, athletes, and media elites are the new aristocracy?

Think of Anna Wintour, the queenmaker of fashion. If she nods, the world bows. Think of Rafael Nadal, a living tennis legend who, after conquering the traditional court, has now invested his reputation and resources into promoting padel. Zinedine Zidane too has joined the movement. Both icons are planting their standards in the rising court of padel, suggesting that this is more than just a passing trend. This might just be a cultural reorientation.

Zidane has opened sports centers named ZS and regularly plays padel.

Photo: Z5Padel

 

What is Padel?

Padel (or paddle) is a doubles sport played on a smaller, enclosed tennis court. It mixes the strategic precision of tennis with the reflexive athleticism of squash. The court has walls that keep the ball in play, making rallies longer and more dynamic. Unlike the intimidating technicalities of golf or the stiff formalities of polo, padel is accessible, fun, and fast-paced. Yet it still demands finesse, footwork, and camaraderie - qualities a gentleman ought to master.

It’s not just for the young, either. In fact, padel rewards intelligence over brute strength. Strategy, placement, and teamwork can easily outshine raw power. In a way, it democratizes athleticism while still leaving room for elegance - a balance few modern sports strike.

In a 2021 interview with Padel Magazine, Nadal hinted at his interest in padel, calling it a growing sport that’s fun and easier to play than tennis. His Rafa Nadal Academy, housing 12 padel courts, aims to encourage young athletes and sports enthusiasts to embrace the sport.

Photo: Rafa Nadal Academy

 

Why Padel Could Be the Future Gentleman Sport

In a world increasingly defined by hyperconnectivity, shorter attention spans, and rising health consciousness, padel is the perfect antidote. It’s social, it’s physical, and it fosters a kind of ritual: arrive well-dressed, warm up gracefully, respect your opponent, shake hands (or fist-bump) after a match, and share a drink or conversation afterward.

It has also become a new networking ground. From private padel clubs in Dubai and Paris to rooftop courts in Manhattan and Mont Kiara, the sport is becoming a discreet arena of influence; akin to a modern-day gentlemen’s club, minus the cigars and billiard table.

Luxury brands have noticed. Fashion houses are sponsoring courts, padel gear is turning stylish, and the aesthetics of padel are made for Instagram. In a way, padel blends the heritage of old-world sports with the shareability of the modern lifestyle.

The New Aristocracy: Culture Makers, Not Crown Wearers

Let’s not pretend that today’s aristocracy rides horses through ancestral fields anymore. Today, the new nobles are those who control narratives - whether through elite publications, viral videos, or championship medals. If Nadal, Zidane, and the likes of Anna Wintour are seen backing a sport, its cultural capital skyrockets. The message is subtle but clear: this isn’t just a hobby. This is a movement.

And for the gentleman seeking excellence in the modern age, it presents a perfect storm. Padel demands social finesse, physical discipline, and emotional control - all traits that align with the gentleman's code. It allows one to remain rooted in tradition, yet relevant in the times.

So, the question is not whether padel can be a gentleman sport.

The real question is:

If aristocracy is now influence - and influence lies in your hands - will you join the court before the world catches on?

About the Author

Raja Izz

Raja Izz (MBA) is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Gentleman's Code (GC), a publication that champions elegance and refined living.

Since its inception in 2018, under Raja Izz’s leadership, GC has reached remarkable milestones, including being recognized as one of the Top 20 Digital Men’s Magazines by Feedspot in 2025 and ranking #1 for “Elegant Man” by Google in the same year.

The magazine has also played a pivotal role in celebrating and defining the modern gentleman, with notable recognitions such as the GC Man of the Year and GC Elegant Man awards.

With his signature blend of gravitas and grace, Raja Izz does not seek the spotlight. Instead, he builds the platform—for others to rise, for values to return, and for men to remember who they once aspired to be.

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