Ale Galán has called for a collective reflection on the future of padel, urging players and organizers to define the sport’s direction as it grows globally.
A sport at a crossroads
Alejandro Galán, one of the most prominent figures in professional padel, recently shared his thoughts on the evolution of the sport in an interview with El País. As padel continues its rapid expansion across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, Galán emphasized the need for clarity in its long-term vision.
“We have to decide where we’re going as a sport,” Galán said. “Do we want more spectacle, but fewer tournaments with greater prestige? Or do we want a lot of tournaments and let players choose where to go, like in tennis? We have to see.” (El País, July 2025)
His comments reflect growing conversations within the padel community about balancing commercial growth with competitive integrity. The emergence of multiple circuits, including Premier Padel and the World Padel Tour, has created both opportunities and challenges for players navigating overlapping schedules and varying formats.
The tension between quantity and quality
Galán’s remarks highlight a central dilemma: whether padel should prioritize high-profile events with global visibility or maintain a dense calendar that allows for broader participation. The comparison to tennis is particularly relevant, as tennis players often tailor their schedules based on surface preference, ranking goals, and personal strategy.
In padel, however, the current structure offers less flexibility, with many top players expected to compete in nearly every major event. Galán’s suggestion opens the door to a more player-driven model, where choice and specialization could enhance performance and longevity.
Leadership and legacy
As president of the Professional Padel Association, Galán’s voice carries weight. His call for strategic planning is not just about scheduling—it’s about shaping the identity of padel as it moves toward Olympic recognition and deeper international investment.
“Padel is still in its infancy, but I’m convinced it will soon be Olympic,” Galán said in the same interview, underscoring his belief in the sport’s potential.
With figures like Galán leading the conversation, padel is poised to define its next chapter—not just in terms of tournaments, but in how it connects with fans, supports players, and positions itself on the global stage.
