Fernando Belasteguín, an emblematic figure of world padel, was present at the Padel World Summit to discuss his post-career plans, his view on the legacy he leaves to this sport, and his new entrepreneurial adventure: the White Padel Center Barcelona.

An ambitious new club in Barcelona

Bela reveals the outlines of a personal project: the opening in August 2025 from a complex to Barcelona, his adopted city. The center will have 9 indoor and 11 outdoor tracksThe objective? To test the operation during the summer, a quieter period, before the full launch of the schools and programs in September.

“I'm very, very happy. We've been working on it for over a year and a half. We wanted to wait until we had all the permits, especially for the roof, before announcing anything.”

For Belasteguín, the quality of the facilities matters, but It's the people who make the difference in a club. “Padel is a leisure activity for many. They have to want to play, but also to stay and enjoy themselves. And that's thanks to the staff, the team, and the atmosphere.”

Fernando Belasteguín inaugurates a new Bela Padel Center in Barcelona

A retirement? Not really.

Officially retired from the professional circuit for several months, Bela has not really had time to breathe. Between the Hexagon Cup alongside Eva Longoria and the organization of the Premier Padel of Miami, the Argentinian admits to having “barely had time to stop”.

“I haven't yet fully grasped what I've achieved in padel. But what I can tell you is that I'm enjoying it like never before.”

A dad on the field with Fede

Another highlight of the interview: Belasteguín's emotion when he talks about his relationship with his son. Faith, with whom he sometimes shares the padel court.

“I don't see him as a former player, I see him as a father. Being on the track with him is a luxury. When we share these moments, whether it's with him or my daughters, that's what I prefer.”

“Bela Junior” takes to the stage: when the Boss shares the stage with his son

And now ?

Fernando Belasteguín isn't ruling out other projects in the world of padel. Quite the opposite: he wants to continue contributing to the evolution of the sport he brought to the top.

“I'm happy to see where padel has come. We've been carrying it together for years, and today we can look back on it with a smile.”

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

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