The 7 Must-Watch Padel Documentaries Every Fan Needs to See

Padel, a sport that seamlessly blends the best aspects of tennis and squash, has exploded in popularity in recent years. What once was a niche sport confined to the courts of Spain and Latin America has now become a global phenomenon. With over 25 million players worldwide and more than 20,000 courts across 90 countries, padel’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.

As with any rapidly growing sport, there’s a fascinating story behind the surge in popularity, the athletes who shape the game, and the culture that has emerged around it. While playing the game can give you a feel for the sport, the best way to truly understand the passion, drama, and culture behind padel is through film. These documentaries provide fans with an in-depth look at the sport’s history, its iconic players, and its global expansion. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious spectator, these films are a great way to get closer to the heart of padel.

In this article, we’ve curated a list of the seven must-watch documentaries that define padel. From comprehensive looks at the sport’s global rise to intimate profiles of its top players, this guide has something for everyone—whether you’re just starting to learn about padel or are a lifelong fan.

The Essential Starter Pack: Documentaries for Every Fan

1. The Padel Revolution: The Global Rise of Padel

For anyone unfamiliar with padel or who is looking to understand the sport’s incredible growth, The Padel Revolution (or a similar broad-scope documentary) is the perfect starting point. This film takes viewers on a journey through padel’s humble beginnings in Mexico and its subsequent rise to prominence, particularly in Spain, before spreading across the globe.

Key Themes:

• History of Padel: The documentary traces the origins of the sport back to 1969, when Enrique Corcuera invented the game in Acapulco, Mexico. From there, the film highlights padel’s transition to Spain and its eventual spread across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
• Global Expansion: The documentary provides an in-depth look at the factors behind padel’s rapid rise, including its economic impact, sponsorship deals, and the development of global tournaments.
• Social Factors: The sport’s widespread appeal is attributed to its accessibility, social nature, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a game that anyone can pick up.

Why Watch?

For those new to padel, this documentary is an essential introduction. It explains not only how the sport grew but also why it has become such a dominant force in the world of racquet sports. It’s perfect for newcomers eager to learn about the “why” and “how” of padel’s rise.

2. Padel: The Boom

Produced by the World Padel Tour, Padel: The Boom provides a thrilling look at the professional side of the sport. Focused on the major events that have shaped the World Padel Tour (WPT), this documentary takes viewers inside the world of elite padel competition.

Key Themes:

• Professional Competition: The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the pressure and excitement of high-level tournaments. From training regimens to match strategies, the documentary gives fans a chance to experience the intensity of top-tier padel firsthand.
• Athlete Lifestyles: Viewers get an inside view of the lives of professional padel players—how they balance training, travel, and the media spotlight.
• The Spectacle of the Sport: Padel’s growth as a spectator sport is highlighted, with attention paid to its increasing presence in arenas, on TV, and across digital platforms.

Why Watch?

For adrenaline junkies and fans of competitive sports, Padel: The Boom brings all the action of the WPT right to your screen. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to see the sport at its highest level.

Player Deep Dives: The Human Side of the Sport

While the larger story of padel is fascinating, it’s the players who truly bring the sport to life. These documentaries offer an intimate look at the lives and careers of some of the sport’s most iconic figures.

3. Fernando Belasteguín: The King

Fernando Belasteguín, often regarded as the greatest padel player of all time, has dominated the sport for over two decades. Fernando Belasteguín: The King (or a docu-series focused on Bela) dives into the life and career of this legendary athlete.

Key Themes:

• Longevity: Bela’s unparalleled success in the sport is a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. The documentary explores his mindset, training techniques, and the sacrifices he’s made to remain at the top of his game.
• Technique vs. Power: The documentary contrasts Bela’s strategic, methodical approach with the more explosive style of other top players, showcasing his versatility.
• Legacy: As a player who was ranked number one in the world for 16 consecutive years, Bela’s legacy is cemented in padel history. This film offers a glimpse into the mindset of a champion and why he remains a towering figure in the sport.

Why Watch?

If you want to understand what it takes to be the best, this documentary is a must-watch. It’s an exploration of a true champion and an inside look at the determination and mental fortitude required to reach the pinnacle of any sport.

4. Paquito Navarro: The Rebel

Paquito Navarro is one of the most charismatic and unpredictable stars in the world of padel today. Known for his incredible shot-making and fiery personality, Navarro has become a fan favorite.

Key Themes:

• Passion and Rivalry: Paquito’s fiery passion for the sport, as well as his intense rivalries with other players, are central to the documentary. It’s a story of raw emotion and determination.
• Mental Strength: The documentary explores Paquito’s mental game, focusing on how he handles pressure and stays focused during intense matches.
• The New Generation: Navarro represents the new wave of padel players, where athleticism, creativity, and flair are equally as important as traditional skills.

Why Watch?

This documentary is a must-watch for anyone looking for a more personal, emotional look at the modern era of padel. Paquito’s compelling character and extraordinary shot-making will captivate viewers.

5. The Women of Padel

The women’s game in padel has seen explosive growth in recent years, with stars like Ariana Sánchez, Paula Josemaría, and Marta Ortega leading the way. The Women of Padel highlights the achievements and challenges faced by these incredible athletes.

Key Themes:

• Gender Equality: The documentary delves into the progress women’s padel has made, showcasing the struggles for recognition and equality in a historically male-dominated sport.
• Technical Brilliance: The women featured in the documentary demonstrate extraordinary skill and finesse on the court, offering a new perspective on the game.
• Rising Popularity: As the WPT’s women’s circuit continues to gain visibility and respect, this documentary captures the rise of women’s padel and its growing fanbase.

Why Watch?

To celebrate the incredible talent and determination of female athletes, this documentary is essential. It’s an inspiring and empowering look at the women pushing the sport forward.

Regional & Cultural Spotlights

Padel is more than just a global sport—it’s deeply embedded in different cultures and regions. These documentaries explore how padel has been embraced in unique locales.

6. Padel in Scandinavia: The Ice Cool Adoption

One of the more surprising success stories in padel’s growth has been its rapid rise in cold-weather countries, especially in Scandinavia. Padel in Scandinavia: The Ice Cool Adoption looks at how nations like Sweden and Norway have taken a sport traditionally played in sunny climates and made it their own.

Key Themes:

• Adaptation: The documentary shows how Scandinavia has adapted padel courts to handle the frigid winters, with indoor facilities and innovative design.
• Community: The growth of padel in this region is also a story of community building, as local clubs and players have embraced the sport’s social aspect.
• Cultural Shift: The rise of padel has shifted sports culture in Scandinavia, where the sport is now being played by people of all ages and skill levels.

Why Watch?

This documentary is a fascinating look at how a sport from the sunniest corners of the world found a new home in the coldest. It’s a testament to padel’s universal appeal.

7. Padel in Latin America: The Homecoming

Latin America is padel’s birthplace, and in recent years, the sport has seen a resurgence in countries like Argentina and Mexico. Padel in Latin America: The Homecoming traces the sport’s return to its roots and examines how it has evolved in the region.

Key Themes:

• Passion and Heritage: The documentary highlights the deep connection Latin Americans have with padel, including the rise of local heroes and the cultural importance of the sport.
• Traditional vs. Modern: The film explores how the sport has evolved in Latin America, balancing traditional playing styles with the modern innovations seen in today’s game.
• The Rise of Local Talent: Argentina and Mexico have produced some of the most skilled and innovative players in the sport. This documentary focuses on the athletes who are keeping the spirit of padel alive.

Why Watch?

For anyone interested in padel’s history and evolution, this documentary offers an intimate look at the roots of the sport and the passionate players who are redefining it today.

How to Watch: Your Streaming Guide

Here’s a quick reference guide for where to watch the documentaries mentioned above:

• YouTube: Many short documentaries and series can be found for free or at a low cost.
• Amazon Prime Video: A growing selection of sports documentaries, including padel.
• Movistar+: The go-to platform for Spanish-language content, including exclusive padel documentaries.
• World Padel Tour (WPT) Official Channel: Exclusive documentaries and behind-the-scenes content of the professional tour.
• Padel FIP Official Channel: Watch documentaries about the International Padel Federation and major international events.

Note: Keep in mind that some content may be region-locked or in Spanish, but the universal language of the sport transcends any language barriers.

Conclusion: Your Next Match is on Screen

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, these documentaries offer an unparalleled view of the world of padel. From the sport’s global expansion to the deep dives into individual players’ lives and the cultural impact of padel, these films provide a rich, engaging look at what makes padel so unique. Watching these documentaries not only enhances the experience of playing and watching but also gives you a deeper appreciation for the sport’s complexities and global reach.

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