Zinedine Zidane’s New Padel Venture
Zinedine Zidane, the legendary former Real Madrid manager, has made a significant £4 million investment into a new padel centre in France. Since stepping down from his managerial role at Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has been largely out of the public eye, with occasional speculation about his return to management. However, it seems that the 52-year-old has found a new passion and business opportunity in the sport of padel. According to the Padel Paper, Zidane’s latest project will feature 13 padel courts, two five-a-side football pitches, and a beach volleyball court. The construction is set to begin in early 2026, with the centre to be built in Aix-en-Provence. A second location is also planned 50km west in Istres, further expanding Zidane’s footprint in the growing sport.
The Rise of Padel
Padel, a racket sport that originated in Mexico, has gained immense popularity in recent years, particularly in Europe. The sport is played on a smaller court with a surrounding wall, which adds a unique dynamic to the game. It combines elements of tennis and squash, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Zidane is not alone in his interest in padel; several other high-profile figures in the sports world have also invested in the sport. Cristiano Ronaldo, for instance, has purchased a racket centre in Lisbon, while Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has opened a padel centre in his homeland. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has even admitted to being "addicted" to the sport, praising its fun and fast-paced nature. The growing interest from such influential figures underscores the sport’s rising popularity and potential for further expansion.
Zidane’s Previous Padel Investments
This is not Zidane’s first foray into the padel world. He has already built three other padel centres, with the latest one in Toulouges, France. Additionally, Zidane has a hosting centre in Turin, Italy, thanks to his strong ties to Juventus from his playing days. These investments demonstrate Zidane’s commitment to the sport and his belief in its potential to grow and thrive. By investing in multiple locations, Zidane is not only diversifying his business portfolio but also contributing to the development of padel infrastructure in different regions. His involvement is likely to attract more attention and interest in the sport, potentially drawing in new players and fans.
Zidane’s Managerial Legacy
Zidane’s managerial career at Real Madrid was nothing short of extraordinary. He began his coaching journey in June 2014 when he was appointed as the coach of Real Madrid’s B team, Real Madrid Castilla. After 18 months, he was given the opportunity to manage the first team following the sacking of Rafael Benitez. Zidane, who was 51 at the time, took charge of Real Madrid in January 2016 and quickly made his mark. In his first season, he led the team to a second-place finish in La Liga and secured Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final.
Unprecedented Success and Resignation
Zidane’s success continued in the 2016-17 season, where Real Madrid won both the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League, along with the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. He then made history by becoming the first manager to win the Champions League three times consecutively, culminating in a 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the 2017-18 season. Despite his unprecedented success, Zidane announced his resignation just five days after the final, citing the need for a "change" in the club’s direction. He returned to Real Madrid in March 2019, following the short tenures of Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui. Under his second stint, Real Madrid reclaimed the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2019-20 season. However, Zidane left the club again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.
Zidane’s Honours and Future Prospects
Zidane’s managerial achievements are a testament to his tactical acumen and leadership. During his time at Real Madrid, he won two La Liga titles, the Supercopa de España twice, the UEFA Champions League three times, the UEFA Super Cup twice, and the FIFA Club World Cup twice. These accolades solidify his place as one of the most successful managers in football history. While his future in management remains uncertain, his investment in padel suggests that he is keeping himself busy and exploring new avenues. Whether Zidane returns to the dugout or continues to build his padel empire, his impact on the world of sports is undeniable. His latest venture not only diversifies his business interests but also contributes to the growth of a sport that is rapidly gaining traction.
