Cristiano Ronaldo’s proposed “City of Padel” was set to transform the sport’s landscape in Portugal. The facility would have featured 17 courts, a 2,000-seat arena, a gym, and a restaurant, all located near Lisbon. Backed by the Portuguese Padel Federation and private investors, the project aimed to position Oeiras as a hub for padel’s rapid expansion across Europe.

However, technical assessments revealed significant ground stability issues that would require extensive and costly foundation work. The local municipality declined to fund the additional expenses, making the project financially unsustainable.

Community resistance and environmental concerns

Beyond the structural challenges, the project faced mounting opposition from local residents. Concerns were raised about environmental impact and zoning regulations near the Jamor forest. A petition titled “City of Padel? No!” gained traction, amplifying public resistance and adding political pressure to the already fragile initiative.

Faced with these hurdles, Ronaldo and his partners ultimately chose to abandon the development.

Ronaldo’s continued commitment to padel

Despite the setback, Ronaldo remains deeply involved in padel’s growth. He owns a padel club in Lisbon and regularly trains with top players, including world number one Arturo Coello. His influence continues to elevate the sport’s profile in Portugal and beyond.

“Cristiano is passionate about padel and has helped bring attention to the sport in ways few others can,” said a spokesperson from the Portuguese Padel Federation.

While the “City of Padel” may no longer be on the horizon, Ronaldo’s role in shaping padel’s future remains strong, with new opportunities likely to emerge as the sport continues its global rise.