Juan Lebrón: “I need to become a better teammate again”

He knows he is being watched, criticized, and expected to perform. After an inconsistent season marked by injuries and the end of his partnership with Franco Stupaczuk, Juan Lebrón starting from scratch. New pala Babolat , a new brand bearing his name, a new partner – the young Argentinian Leo Augsburg —and above all, a more lucid discourse: "I need to become a better teammate again."
In an interview with BRAND “El Lobo” reveals the behind-the-scenes story of its reconstruction, between introspection, brand strategy and renewed ambition.

A pala in his image

Lebrón speaks at length about the release of his new pala signed Babolat "A paddle with a lot of power, good responsiveness... very beautiful, very grippy, which suits my personality." He explains that he participated directly in its design: "It's what I wanted and what they wanted."
He also emphasizes aesthetics, which he considers essential: "I saw it once and I said: perfect." A more soft It was also designed to adapt to colder conditions or heavier balls. But he assures that the racket he uses on the tour is exactly the same as the one sold in stores .

"I make one pala for the amateur. I don't make one pala for myself and another for the public."
This approach reflects a deliberate positioning: Lebrón is not content with a mere ambassadorial role; he wants to be at the heart of the creative process, demanding both high performance and accessibility for amateur players. The Andalusian player fully embraces his role as a brand.
Juan Lebrón unveils his new racket Babolat for 2026

The “Juan Lebrón” brand, beyond the court

When asked about the logo and brand bearing his name, Lebrón confided: "I identify with this nickname, with this brand... it represents what I am on the field: grit, passion."
His goal goes beyond mere commercial success. He wants to create a cohesive world around himself: pala, textiles, shoes, accessories. The player explains that he has focused on the quality of the materials and the aesthetics: sleeveless polo shirts, thinner tracksuits, more modern cuts…
This development illustrates a strong trend in modern padel: the most media-savvy players become true global brands, capable of linking style, performance and personal identity.

A season marked by consistency and high standards

Regarding his current form, Lebrón is clear-sighted: "My prime? Difficult to assess... but this season, we've been a consistent pair, with clear objectives, and that's what matters to me."
He remains as ambitious as ever: "It's not enough for me to be in the semi-finals, I want to be in the final and win."
In a context dominated by ultra-constant pairs like Tapia / Coello ou Chingotto / Galan This desire for consistency makes perfect sense. Lebrón knows that modern padel is no longer won solely on flashes of brilliance, but on consistency and rigor.

Injuries and public perception

Regarding the injuries and criticism he faced during the season, Lebrón remains measured: "I didn't feel unfairly treated. On the contrary, I felt valued."
He admits, however, that some of his behavior may have been displeasing: "I sometimes lost my temper, and that's not ideal." But he insists that he has rediscovered his form and public recognition: "I think we were respected and that we showed some great things despite the difficulties."
A statement that reflects a desire for maturity, at a time when his relationship with Franco Stupaczuk coming to an end.

A new beginning with Leo Augsburger

For 2026, Lebrón has chosen to link his future to Leo Augsburg , one of the most promising young talents on the circuit.
“I believe he is the present and the future of padel. I have a lot of admiration for him,” he explains. The objective is clear: to reach the top. “We have to be ambitious, have the mentality of number one.”
The two players share a strong character and boundless energy. Lebrón is aware of this: "We need to be allowed to be ourselves. I've always said I need to be a better teammate, and I still believe that."
This explosive duo could well represent a new era in world padel, where the balance between passion, respect and ambition will be crucial.

Lebrón – Augsburger out of the top 4: a risky choice for Lobo?

A controlled renaissance

Between introspection and reconstruction, Lebrón seems to be embarking on a new phase of his career. Less confrontational, more controlled.
He concluded the interview by reaffirming his commitment: "When you've already been a good teammate, you can become one again. And I'm convinced I will succeed."
With a new paddle, a strong brand, a new partner, and a renewed mindset, Juan Lebrón begins a transition that could well redefine his role in world padel: that of a more complete, more mature player, still guided by the same flame.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.