The phenomenon is no longer marginal. Season after season, the professional padel sees some of its players move away from Spain, despite being the historical birthplace of the modern circuit, to relocate to areas deemed more attractive in terms of logistics, economics and sportsThe most recent example: Victoria Iglesias, who announced his installation at Dubai.

Victoria Iglesias chooses Dubai to open a new chapter

Classified around 20th place in the worldThe Andalusian player officially announced her departure via her social media accounts, with a personal and forthright message. While not mentioning a definitive break with Spain, Victoria Iglesias clearly evokes a career choicedictated by the need to continue to evolve in an environment adapted to the demands of the highest level.

Originally from Seville, a recognized figure of women's circuitShe is coming off a strong end to the season alongsideAranza Osoronarrowly missing out on the Finals. Consistent, high-profile, and also enjoying a strong off-court presence, she fully embodies this new generation of players who are strategically planning their careers. beyond the purely sporting aspect.

A fundamental shift, not an isolated case

The departure of Victoria Iglesias fits into a much broader trendIn recent months, several Spanish players have announced or considered moving abroad to... United Arab Emirates, to start with Jon sanzwho also confirmed his intention to settle in Dubai.

There are many reasons:
- very busy international calendar,
- constant movement,
- optimized training conditions,
- fiscal advantages,
– and presence of high-level structures.

In this context, settling in a connecting city like Dubai makes it possible to reduce certain constraints while maintaining maximum exposure on the circuit.

Miami, another strategic hub for world padel

The Emirates are not the only ones attracting stars. Arturo Coello, world number one, has for several months made a habit of reside in MiamiThis confirms the emergence of another strategic hub for international padel. The United States, and particularly Florida, offers a similar combination: modern infrastructure, air connections, rapid commercial development of padel, and an attractive living environment.

Again, this is not simply a personal move, but rather a a key decision in managing a top-level career.

The Emirates are also strengthening their national team

Beyond welcoming foreign players, the United Arab Emirates pursue a deliberate policy of sports naturalizationSeveral Spanish players now play under the Emirati flag, including Inigo Jofre, Enri Goenaga, Arnau Ayats, Fran Jurado, Sergio Icardo or, Nacho VilariñoA strategy aimed at rapidly strengthen the competitiveness of the national team, while accelerating the local structuring of padel.

Dubai, the new nerve center of training

The rise of padel in the region also relies on state-of-the-art infrastructure, such as the NAS Sports Complex, which has become a true high-performance centerfrequented by athletes from numerous disciplines. The gradual establishment of professional players from the FIP circuit and Premier Padel further enhances the attractiveness of the destination.

A strong signal for the future of padel

Without calling into question the central role of Spain and Argentina in the history and development of padel, these movements reflect a new reality: The center of gravity of global padel is diversifying.Miami, Dubai and other emerging hubs are becoming living and working bases for players who now think on a global scale.

Far from being a mere fad, this gradual exodus raises a fundamental question: Where will the padel of tomorrow be built?
On the historic tracks… or in these new territories capable of offering players an environment generally better suited to the demands of the very highest level.

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.

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