8 Rising Padel Players to Watch in 2026

The future of padel is here, and the next wave of padel players are about to take over. Think you know the pro scene? 2026 is the year everything changes.

We’re diving into the stories of 8 breakout stars ready to shake up the rankings. From raw power to wild shot-making, these padel players bring something new to every match. We’ll show you what sets them apart, why you should care, and how to catch their rise before the rest of the world catches on.

Ready to spot the next big thing? Keep reading, track these names, and get inspired to level up your own game.

Why Rising Padel Stars Matter

Padel is changing fast. Young, hungry padel players are stepping up, bringing a new vibe to every match. If you want to see the future of the game, you need to know why these new faces matter.

The Changing Face of Padel

The landscape is shifting. More padel players under 22 are breaking into the top 20 than ever before. In 2025, three under-22s made major tournament semifinals, proving that age is just a number if you have skill and grit.

New training methods are everywhere, from advanced fitness plans to mental coaching. Young padel players are learning to play faster, with more aggressive net play and lightning-quick rallies. This shakeup means matches are more unpredictable and exciting.

Globally, fans are tuning in like never before. The rise of these padel players is making the sport more accessible and inspiring for everyone, from club regulars in Paris to first-timers in Miami.

Opportunities for Fans and Players

Why should you care about new padel players? Because following their journeys gives you a front-row seat to the sport’s evolution. Watching up-and-comers in action is like catching a band before they hit the big stage.

These rising stars inspire local games and club leagues. When you see a young player try a wild trick shot, you want to bring that same energy to your next match. Remember when early fans spotted Arturo Coello’s talent before he became world number one? That could be you.

If you want to dive deeper into stories, tips, and news about the next generation, check out the Padel blog articles and news. You’ll find insight on what drives these padel players and how to spot the next breakout.

What Sets These Players Apart

What makes these padel players different? It starts with their backgrounds. Some come from street courts in Buenos Aires, others from top academies in Spain. Each brings something fresh to the table.

They adapt fast, playing on any surface and teaming up with different partners. Check out their stats: fast serve speeds, high win rates, and clutch performances under pressure. Mental toughness is their secret weapon. When the match gets heated, they don’t fold—they thrive.

Here’s what’s wild: their approach is influencing not just pros, but anyone who picks up a racket. These padel players are redefining the game, one point at a time.

8 Rising Padel Players to Watch in 2026

Want to spot the next wave of padel players before they blow up? Here’s your cheat sheet for 2026. These eight names are changing the vibe, pushing the pace, and showing what’s possible for anyone with a racket and a dream. Let’s dive in.

1. Lucas Bergamini

Lucas Bergamini is one of those padel players who makes you sit up and pay attention. He’s Brazilian, plays with explosive speed, and his volleys are pure electricity. In 2025, he crashed two Premier Padel finals, knocking out top seeds and proving he’s not just a one-hit wonder.

His game is all about aggression. Creative lobs, fast hands, and a South American flair that’s now mixed with Spanish tactical smarts thanks to his training base in Spain. Lucas adapts fast, whether he’s playing with a veteran or another young gun.

What’s cool for fans? He’s already inspiring a wave of Latin American padel players to push harder. Watch how he reads the game, switches pace, and connects with crowds. If you want to see the future of padel, Lucas is it.

2. Sofia Araújo

Portugal’s top women’s hope, Sofia Araújo, is the definition of relentless. As one of the youngest padel players to break into the WPT top 10 in 2025, she’s setting records and raising the bar for what’s possible.

Sofia’s athleticism stands out, but it’s her mental toughness that wins matches. Picture her saving five match points in a tense 2025 quarterfinal—ice in her veins. Her return game is fierce, and on defense, she chases everything, never giving up on a point.

Off the court, she runs coaching clinics for girls in Lisbon. That’s how you build the next generation of padel players. Watch for her composure, her ability to flip defense into attack, and her habit of never cracking under pressure. She’s a role model and a threat in every draw.

3. Leo Augsburger

Leo Augsburger is the young Argentine everyone’s buzzing about. His smash is a weapon, and he’s got the tactical IQ of padel players twice his age. In 2025, he grabbed a Challenger title, then took down a seeded pair at Premier Padel.

Leo’s story starts on public courts in Buenos Aires—think street padel grit, hustle, and a chip on his shoulder. Now, he trains with legends like Belasteguín, soaking up wisdom and sharpening his edge.

Fans love his fire. He never gives up, brings energy every match, and is always learning. If you want to track a player on the rise, Leo is projected to crack the top 15 by mid-2026. He’s proof that hungry padel players from any background can make it.

4. Carmen Goenaga

Spain’s Carmen Goenaga is a doubles specialist at just 19, but don’t let her age fool you. She’s already a title winner on the WPT, teaming up with a seasoned partner in 2025 to take home her first big trophy.

Carmen’s reflexes at the net are next level. She’s always one step ahead, picking the right shot and making her partner look good. Mentored by Spain’s top coaches, she’s learning the art and science of winning.

Her breakout came in Madrid, where she dominated mixed doubles and snagged MVP honors. For young padel players, Carmen is the blueprint: smart, fast, and fearless. Insiders say she’ll be the next big name in women’s padel—watch her rise.

5. Javi Garrido

Javi Garrido, from Andalusia, is all about power. His jump smash is legendary among padel players, and in 2025, he turned consistent quarterfinals into deeper runs, even upsetting a top-5 seed in a marathon three-hour battle.

Javi isn’t just muscle. His strategy is sharp, reading plays and adapting on the fly. What fans love: after a tough match, you’ll still find him training, showing what real work ethic looks like.

He’s humble, approachable, and always pushing the standard for Spanish padel players. Expect Javi to lead the next generation, showing that dedication pays off. Want to see pure athleticism meet brains? He’s your guy.

6. Bea Caldera

Bea Caldera is the Spanish lefty shaking things up with her spin-heavy game. She won the U23 European Championship in 2025, then jumped straight into the main tour, proving she belongs with the top padel players.

Bea’s shots come at wild angles, keeping opponents guessing. She’s unpredictable, always mixing things up. Fans love her social media, where she shares training tips and behind-the-scenes looks at the grind.

In a junior final, she came back from 0-5 down—pure resilience. Coaches say she’s heading for the WPT top 20 fast. For padel players who want to learn about spin and creativity, Bea’s matches are a masterclass.

7. Enzo Jensen

French-Argentine Enzo Jensen is a wildcard in every sense. In 2025, he hit his first Premier Padel semifinal—no easy feat for new padel players. He blends French finesse with South American aggression, making him unpredictable and exciting.

Enzo’s serve is strong, and his use of the walls is crafty. He hustles for every point, never letting up. Leading France to a surprise team medal at the 2025 World Juniors put him on everyone’s radar.

He’s seen as a bridge, connecting European and Latin American styles. For fans and aspiring padel players, Enzo shows that mixing cultures leads to a dynamic, fresh approach. Want to see where the sport is going? Follow his journey.

8. Martina Fassio

Martina Fassio is putting Italy on the padel map. As the youngest Italian to make a WPT quarterfinal in 2025, she’s already a favorite among Italian padel players and fans.

Her game is all about calm precision. Under pressure, she doesn’t flinch. She trains in both Rome and Barcelona, learning from the best and soaking up different tactics.

In a tiebreak marathon, she outplayed a top seed—proof of her nerves and skill. Italy’s padel community is rallying behind her as the face of the next generation. If you want to catch future stars, check out where they train or play—use tools like Find padel centers near you to get in the action before everyone else.

How to Spot the Next Padel Superstar

Want to catch the next wave of padel players before they go global? Here’s how you spot the real ones—on the court, at your club, or even online.

Key Signs of a Breakout Player

The best padel players aren’t just talented—they’re consistent, versatile, and unshakable when it counts. Want to know if someone’s about to blow up? Look for these:

You see this combo in top padel players everywhere, from street courts in Buenos Aires to club showdowns in Paris. If a player keeps making noise against tough competition, pay attention. They could be tomorrow’s headline.

The Role of Training and Mentorship

Behind every rising star, there’s a killer support crew. The top padel players often train with legends—think Leo Augsburger soaking up lessons from Belasteguín, or young French hopefuls learning from Spanish coaches.

Grassroots support matters too. In the US, Bullpadel's Junior Sponsorships in USA show how brands and clubs are backing young padel players to help them level up. Quality coaching, solid partners, and a squad that pushes you make all the difference.

If you’re chasing the next superstar in your city, check who they train with. The best padel players rarely go it alone.

How Fans Can Get Involved

Want to say you spotted a future champ before everyone else? Here’s what to do:

• Hit up junior and Challenger events—most pros started there.

• Follow players on social media for behind-the-scenes progress.

• Show up at local clubs. In Paris, for example, it’s easy to find courts packed with hungry padel players. Check out Padel clubs in Paris to get in on the action.

• Try out moves you see from rising stars in your own games. Maybe that tricky lob or fast volley becomes your signature.

• Organize pickup games with new faces. You never know when you’ll meet someone who’s about to break out.

Stay curious, play often, and always keep an eye on the padel players who are leveling up fast. You might be the first to call the next big thing.

The Global Rise of Padel: What’s Next?

The world of padel is breaking out of its old comfort zone. Every time you check your feed, there’s a new court opening or a fresh face winning matches. This is the era where padel players from all over are seizing new chances, building fresh rivalries, and making the game way more accessible for everyone.

Padel’s Expansion to New Regions

Look at how fast the padel scene is growing. France doubled its clubs in just three years. Italy and the US are catching up fast. Now, Miami is a hotspot, with new courts in neighborhoods where you’d never expect it. Bali? Yep, even surfers are picking up rackets there.

• Want to see it in action? Check out Padel's expansion in Miami for a real taste of how fast this game is spreading.

• Local tournaments in these cities are packed, and everyone’s looking for the next great padel players.

• More courts mean more chances to play, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting.

The takeaway? No matter where you live, the padel players you watch online today might show up at your local club tomorrow.

How Technology and Community Fuel the Game

Tech makes finding a good game simple. Apps help you match with padel players at your skill level, set alerts for open spots, and invite friends in seconds. No more endless group chats or mismatched teams.

• Digital platforms are boosting player profiles and connecting communities.

• Social media lets you follow your favorite padel players, see their highlights, and pick up new drills.

• Organizers use tools to set up balanced games and track stats, so matches stay fun and competitive.

Want the numbers? The latest Padel Statistics 2025 show a spike in digital engagement, proving that the right tech brings padel players and fans together fast.

What This Means for Players and Fans

More courts, more players, and more talent pipelines. That means the level of play keeps rising, and you get to watch epic rallies and wild upsets every week.

• You can follow a player’s journey from local courts to world stages.

• The next superstar could be from your city or even your club.

• Want to get involved? Play more, join pick-up sessions, or just show up to support rising padel players in your area.

Bottom line: This is the best time to jump in, play hard, and watch the future of padel unfold right in front of you.

Ready to see the next big names in padel up close? You don’t have to just follow their stories—get out there and play like them. New faces are shaking up the game, and the best way to ride that wave is to hit the court yourself. Whether you’re looking for a quick match after work or want to test your skills against fresh talent, you’ll find games happening all around you. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone from this list—or become the next name everyone’s talking about. Let’s go—Find a game near you.