Ronaldo wants to revive padel in Brazil with a multi-million euro project

Brazilian padel could be entering a new phase. Ronaldo Nazário, the former iconic striker who played for Real Madrid, is preparing a major project to revitalize racket sports in his country. It is called Galácticos Rackets The initiative is based on an initial investment estimated at 25 million Brazilian reais (approximately 4 million euros) and a clear ambition: to reposition Brazil on the world padel map.

A project structured around three pillars (source: Exame)

According to information relayed by the economic media outlet Exame, the project is structured around three complementary axes, designed to sustainably structure the ecosystem.

The first pillar, Galácticos Club aims to create premium centers with a limited number of members. The goal is to offer a high-end experience blending padel, tennis and wellness , in line with certain exclusive clubs in Europe and the United States.

The second axis, Galácticos Arena It is based on a digital platform that allows users to book, play, and interact with a community. This hybrid model, combining company-owned clubs and franchises, was designed to accelerate the brand's nationwide rollout.

Finally, the third pillar concerns social and urban projects , with the transformation of unused spaces into areas accessible to the general public, particularly in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. An approach that aims to democratize the practice.

"Huge demand, but insufficient infrastructure"

According to Exame, Ronaldo Nazário justifies this investment with a simple observation:

“We strongly believe in these two sports. Brazil has enormous demand, but insufficient infrastructure. We want to take tennis and padel to another level.”

The project is not limited to an economic logic. It is part of a broader vision, oriented towards market development:

"The goal is not only immediate, but to sustainably transform the ecosystem and create a virtuous circle."

His partner Marco Farah also specifies that the long-term strategy will include partners capable of providing real added value, beyond simple financial support.

200 sites eventually and a launch as early as 2026

The project's initial ambitions date back to 2025, with the idea of creating a national network of 100 padel courts and 100 tennis courts The operational phase should begin as soon as 2026 , with an initial focus on major Brazilian metropolises.

A strategic issue for Brazilian padel

Historically, Brazil has been a strong padel nation, driven by players like Pablo Lima. Even today, players like Lucas Bergamini and Lucas Campagnolo remain on the international circuit, but the overall player base has decreased.

This project therefore comes at a time when the country is seeking to regain competitive momentum With Galácticos Rackets, Ronaldo intends to capitalize on the global growth of padel to reposition Brazil as a major player in the 20×10.

A clear, structured ambition, and now launched.

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.