Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimović has opened a state-of-the-art sports complex in Sollentuna, Stockholm, under his brand, Padel Zenter. Even though many padel establishments in Sweden have closed due to an oversaturated market, Zlatan is still optimistic about the sport’s future. Rekindling interest and fostering its expansion are the goals of his new, high-tech arena.
Padel, a sport that combines aspects of squash and tennis, has quickly become one of the most well-liked pastimes worldwide. Players of all ages and ability levels have been drawn to it by its social aspects, accessibility, and exciting gameplay.
“I love padel and truly believe in its future. It’s the fastest-growing sport globally, and I want to give Sweden the chance to keep playing without facilities closing down. If I’m being honest, I think this is the best padel facility in Sweden—if not the world. With seven years of experience, we’ve continuously improved with each center,” Zlatan shared with Dagens Nyheter
.In addition to padel courts, the facility has cutting-edge football training areas like a 5×5 pitch and Zpeed Football spaces that are intended to develop the next generation of football players.
“My goal is to develop a new type of football player within five to ten years, and that requires a proper platform. This concept, called speedball, is part of that vision,” Zlatan explained.
Speedball offers a dynamic, imaginative take on football. It uses handball goals, continuous, line-free gameplay, and plexiglass barriers that are one meter high. Teams of two or three play it. Zlatan claims that it offers a special method of fostering individual potential in Sweden by emphasizing the development of both offensive and defensive skills.
Zlatan sees this project as more than simply an economic opportunity; it’s about advancing football player development and ensuring padel has a sustainable future. He is still dedicated to making a significant contribution to both sports at the age of 43.