Alors que le Premier Padel Riyadh P1 marks the start of the 2026 seasonSeveral major figures in world football were spotted in the stands at theSand Padel Rush. Among them, Cristiano Ronaldowhose presence did not go unnoticed in a context extra sporting particularly commented on Saudi Arabia.

Cristiano Ronaldo present despite the media storm

Amid the debates sparked by his absence during the last few matches ofAl-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted in the stands, or rather in the VIP boxes of the P1 in Riyadh.

The Portuguese manager had been going through a turbulent period in recent days. Several media outlets reported internal unrest, fueled in particular by tensions related to the transfer market, specifically concerning the transfer of the Frenchman. Karim Benzema and organizational problems within the Saudi club. Reports from Portugal also indicated payment delays, a factor that may have contributed to the player's decision not to participate in recent matches.

However, the situation appears to be moving towards a resolution. According to the Portuguese press, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to competition this weekend, a sign that the internal disagreements are being resolved.

A growing passion for padel

Beyond the context, Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in Riyadh is part of a well-known logic: his attachment to padel.

A regular on the track and at major circuit events, the former Real Madrid player did not miss the opportunity to attend the first major event. Premier Padel of the season. Seated in the stands during the round of 32, he was notably able to closely observe the performance of the French Bastien Blanqué et Dylan Guichard when faced with your dog's world number one, Agustín Tapia et Arturo Coellowith whom he was able to speak for a few minutes after their qualification.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is regularly seen on the courts and no longer hides his attachment to padel. He actively supports the development of the sport in Portugal, notably through his partnership with Nuno deus et Miguel Deus, the best players in his country. It should be noted that Nuno Deus will be playing alongside the French number one until April. Thomas Leygue.

Cristiano Ronaldo - a new ambassador of padel

Villa, Silva and Theo Hernández also in the mix

Cristiano Ronaldo was not the only football star to enjoy the spectacle offered in Riyadh.

David Villa et David Silva They too were spotted at the Arena Padel Rush. The two Spaniards even participated in the pre-match ceremony by drawing the service coin during the match between Juan Lebrón et Leo Augsburg to the brothers Melendez.

The two former internationals were also able to chat with Tapia and Coello during their training session, a privileged immersion into the daily lives of the world's number ones.

Later in the day, Theo Hernandez, world champion and now player ofAl-HilalHe joined this prestigious lineup. The Frenchman also took the time to congratulate the FIP chart leaders after their victory.

David Villa and David Silva at the AugsburgerLebron draw against the Meléndez brothers at the P1 Riyadh 2026

Riyadh, crossroads between football and padel

The simultaneous presence of several international football stars in the stands perfectly illustrates the evolution of the circuit Premier Padel.

Riyadh is no longer just a major sporting event, but a true meeting point between disciplines and leading figures in world sport. This phenomenon reflects the growing importance of padel within the international sporting ecosystem, now naturally attracting the biggest names in football.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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