In the history of padel, few players have left such a mark on their era as  Pablo Lima The Brazilian left-footer has experienced it all. Above all, he remains to this day  the first and only Brazilian to have reached the world number 1 ranking , an achievement that sets him apart in the history of this sport.

From his beginnings in Brazil to his Spanish exile

Born the  February 11, 1986 in Porto Alegre Lima discovered padel at the age of 9 with his father. Very quickly, he dominated the youth categories in Brazil and attracted the attention of  Roby Gattiker , Argentine legend, who took him to the Spanish circuit in the mid-2000s.
This move to Spain was a turning point: he left his country, changed his padel culture and entered the world elite.

The breakthrough with Marcello Jardim and then the “Princes”

The first explosion occurs in  2008  next to  Marcello Jardim  :
14 quarter-finals and 4 semi-finals despite an injury.
But above all, it's the association with  Juani Mieres  which will take him into another dimension.

The duo, nicknamed  “The Princes” becomes the main threat to the legendary pair  Belasteguín / Juan Martín Díaz For several seasons, they established themselves firmly as  World No. 2 win major titles.

The pinnacle with Fernando Belasteguín: three years at the top

En  2015 After the Bela/JMD split, Lima joined  Fernando Belasteguín .
This is the beginning of a domination.

During  three seasons they become the  world number 1 pair , racking up titles and winning streaks.
Their 2015 was a historic year with  12 tournaments won followed by another monstrous season in 2016.

In total, Lima has accumulated:

  •  66 tracks World Padel Tour 
  • a series of  53 consecutive wins 
  • several seasons completed  No. 1 worldwide 

With Bela, he redefines the role of the powerful right-handed player, capable of consistently finishing points.

A second part of his career focused on new generations

After losing the throne in 2018, Lima continues to win with different partners:

  •  Alejandro Galán  → WPT titles and  Final Master 2019 
  •  Paquito Navarro  → title in Marbella
  •  Agustín Tapia  → two tournaments won in 2021
  •  Franco Stupaczuk  → a WPT title and  two titles Premier Padel in 2022.  

His ability to remain competitive with younger players shows his  tactical intelligence  and its ongoing adaptation.

A style of play that defined a generation

Dubbed  “The Canyon of Porto Alegre” Lima imposed:

  • un  smash by 3 among the most powerful in history 
  • a huge physical presence
  • exceptional consistency on the right side
  • a very modern interpretation of the game for its time

Many current players, especially right-sided attacking players, have been inspired by his model.

The end of a career, between physical pain and emotion

En  2023 His body said stop. Knee problems were piling up, and he decided to retire after the  Madrid Master .
His last appearance, alongside Agustin Silingo , ends with a defeat against Lebrón/Galán, but the  Caja Mágica gives him a standing ovation .
Visibly moved, he leaves the circuit “with a clear conscience”.

The greatest Brazilian player in history

Pablo Lima is not just a champion. He is:

  • le  best Brazilian player of all time 
  • un  pioneer  for South America excluding Argentina
  • a model of  professionalism and humility 

In a sport dominated by Argentinians and Spaniards, he managed to establish himself while remaining true to his identity.

A lasting legacy

Even today, his influence is visible; Pablo Lima paved the way for an entire generation and proved that a Brazilian could reign over world padel.
An immense list of achievements, an exemplary career, and a guaranteed place among  the greatest legends in the history of padel .

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

On the same subject

Tags