Marc Quílez: "Making a living solely through competition is really difficult"

Le paddle continues to grow at an impressive rate, the stands are filling up, the prize money increase… and yet, behind the spotlights, the reality is often far less stellar That's what he says, without mincing words. Marc Quílez , current No. 80 worldwide and former partner of Benjamin Tison, in a long interview given to Sports world A testimony sincere , sometimes brut , which highlights the daily life of the majority of players on the circuit .

A challenging 2025 season, both on and off the field

At the end of the 2025 season, Marc Quílez posted a very personal message on his social media. In it, he explained that he had lived the most difficult year of his career , to the point of considering stopping. While the first few months were encouraging, everything became more complicated afterward, with serious personal problems to be managed in parallel with the competition.

« People only see what is shown on social media. "The trips, the hotels… but they don't see everything that's behind it," he explains. When you move between qualifying and first rounds Every defeat has a cost: hotel nights, flights, meals . " It all adds up. "That sums it up," the Catalan summarizes. And at the dawn of a new season, the situation remains fragile: With one month to go before the start of the year, I still don't have a sponsor. ».

The big misunderstanding surrounding professional padel

With media boom Many people, especially in Spain, imagine a life similar to that of padel players. footballers A largely erroneous view, according to Quílez. People think we live in a reality similar to that of footballers "But this only concerns a handful of players."

Television primarily highlights the stars end and headliners For others, the reality is quite different. Brands are betting on top-ranked players because they are the ones who offer the most visibility. The rest of us are relegated to the background. " he explains, referring to the difficulty in find sponsors and to remain competitive over the long term.

"Before, you lost and you went home."

Quílez also compares two periods in his career. Ten years ago, the circuit was more local , cheaper travel and limited risks. "Before, I travelled to Spain, the ticket cost 80 euros and if I lost, I could go home."

Today, padel has become global "Now you have to go to Paraguay or Argentina; the ticket costs 1,200 euros, and if you lose in the first round, you have to stay in a hotel for a week until the next tournament." earnings have increased , but the spending has exploded even faster. Not to mention the extreme professionalization: physical trainer, physiotherapist, nutritionist… “All of this represents even more costs.”

Continue, but not at any price.

Nevertheless, Marc Quílez is approaching the 2026 season with send et lucidity next to Tonet Sans 78th in the world. The support of his loved ones and mental work allowed him to rediscovering pleasure in the field. “ Today, despite the economic situation, I am happy and motivated to tackle a new season."

The passion remains intact, but the message is still clear: I don't know if this will be my last year I love this sport, but I'm at an age where I can't continue playing. if it's going to lose money "A sentence that perfectly sums up the paradox of modern padel : a sport experiencing explosive growth, but still unable to to live properly the majority of its players.

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!