Results of the European Games 2023: 8 out of 9 medals for Italy and Spain

Spain and Italy have refueled in these 2023 European Games. Of the nine medals at stake, eight were won by these two nations, thus showing their dominance on the European level. Portugal, however, managed to impose themselves by obtaining the bronze medal in the men's category, against another Italian pair. These results confirm the growing popularity of padel in Europe and the strength of these countries in this sport.

It is obvious that France's failure to obtain a medal at the 2023 European Games in padel is a source of disappointment. Expectations were high given the potential of our players in competitions.

The results

Mixed:

Bronze – Martinez / Gala (Spain)
Silver – Sussarello / Cassetta (Italy)
Gold – Canovas / Santigosa (Spain)

That is 2 medals for Spain and 1 for Italy.

Ladies:

Bronze – Pappacena / Sussarello (Italy)
Silver – Barrera / Caparros (Spain)
Gold – Orsi / Marchetti (Italy)

That is 2 medals for Italy and 1 for Spain.

Gentlemen:

Bronze – Fazendeiro / Oliveira (Portugal)
Silver – Garcia / Rodriguez (Spain)
Gold – Santigosa / Gala (Spain)

That is 2 medals for Spain and 1 medal for Portugal

European Games David Gala Daniel Santigosa Gold

The teachings

Out of 6 possible medals, Spain obtains 5. It is therefore obviously a great success for the Spanish school which had sent its young people for these European Games.

2 gold medals
2 silver medals
1 bronze medal

Spain's bold bet

Spain made a bold bet for these first European Games by betting on youth. This choice, which proved to be profitable, testifies to the richness of the school of padel Spanish. However, it is already announced that for the next tournaments, Spain will mobilize its best players. A trend that should be followed by all the other nations that have had players involved in other competitions at these European Games, like France with our first female pair, Léa Godallier and Alix Collombon.

Italy a 3 out of 6

Italy, with its three out of six medals, including gold for the ladies, stood out during this competition. A feat that highlights the excellence of its program of development of the padel. Italy, a time behind on the international scene, is becoming a strong nation.

The little ones are progressing!

We also noted the impressive progress of nations traditionally considered “weak”, such as Poland and Norway. The differences in level are narrowing more and more, and the initial capital of France is no longer as dominant as before. These European Games have clearly demonstrated this.

Portugal takes bronze

The nice surprise of these Games comes from Portugal, which managed to win a bronze medal thanks to Miguel Oliveira and Afonso Fazendeiro. Their performances against French and Italian pairings showed their potential, despite the shadow of Cremona's injury.

France: the 4th nation of these European Games

Finally, France was able to climb among the four best nations, with a place in the last four thanks to the pair Leygue / Pothier. A success that was narrowly played out, but which promises a brilliant future, in particular thanks to the remarkable development of Lucile Pothier, who has become an essential player in the padel French, renowned for its regularity.

France has another asset in its game, a very homogeneous team which makes the difference. Next international competitions, the European Championships 2023.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.