The former star of Arsenal and the French national team, Sylvain Wiltord, has started a thrilling new chapter in his life. Wiltord, who made a name for himself by scoring the game-winning goal in the Euro 2000 final against Italy and going on to have successful careers at Bordeaux, Lyon, and Arsenal, has now switched from playing football to padel court.
Following his 2012 retirement Wiltord pursued a number of interests, including a brief stint as a sports consultant. But his love of sports never went away, and he eventually discovered padel, a hybrid of squash and tennis. In 2015, Wiltord developed a keen interest in padel and soon became a proficient player. He was enthralled by the sport’s lively and friendly atmosphere as well as its less physically taxing activity when compared to football.
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Wiltord’s dedication to padel grew, and he decided to take his involvement to the next level by becoming a certified padel coach. He enrolled in a comprehensive training program, which included six months of intensive coursework and practical experience. His commitment paid off, and he successfully earned his coaching certification.
Now, Wiltord is sharing his love for padel with others, coaching aspiring players and promoting the sport’s growth. His journey from football legend to padel coach is a testament to his enduring passion for sports and his ability to adapt and excel in new challenges. As he continues to inspire both football and padel enthusiasts, Wiltord’s story serves as a reminder that the love for sports can lead to exciting and unexpected new paths.
