Once again, Cristiano Ronaldo has garnered media attention due to a significant off-field investment. The Lisbon Racket Centre, situated in Oeiras, a town in the Lisbon area with a population of around 100,000, is now fully owned by the Portuguese legend. The venue is mostly used for padel, a sport that is quickly becoming more and more popular worldwide, and the €5 million agreement includes both the acquisition and significant upgrades.
Ricardo Oliveira, president of the Portuguese Padel Federation, stated that Cristiano’s participation would transform padel not only in Portugal but also on a global scale. He practices soccer every day, but I’ve heard that he also plays padel nearly every day. He genuinely adores it.
worldwide visibility thanks to Ronaldo’s impact
Ronaldo’s love for padel extends beyond private games. He introduced padel to his enormous internet following, which now numbers over one billion followers across all platforms, by regularly posting videos of himself playing the game on social media. Padel has received previously unheard-of publicity because to his prominence and reach, which has helped it expand into new regions and draw in younger admirers.
According to Oliveira, “for many, his influence is the single most significant boost padel has ever received.” Over 30 million people play the sport, which combines aspects of squash and tennis, and is one of the racket sports with the fastest growth rates in the globe.
The Lisbon Racket Center’s interior
With Ronaldo’s full financial support, work on the renovated Lisbon Racket Centre got underway in February 2025. With the following features, the facility is expected to rank among the most cutting-edge padel complexes in Europe:
There are seventeen padel courts, eleven of which are covered for year-round play.
A stadium court in the middle that can accommodate 2,000 people
First-rate workout and wellness centers designed for athletes and fans
It is anticipated that the center would organize important competitions and act as a center for the growth of padel in Portugal. International federations, professional athletes, and sponsors are already showing interest in Ronaldo’s involvement.
A legacy that goes beyond football
Ronaldo is still guiding Portugal to the FIFA World Cup in 2026, but his interest in padel suggests a larger goal to influence sports outside of football. His entrepreneurial endeavors, which range from upscale hotels to medical clinics, have demonstrated his capacity to create enduring effects. He is currently redefining the future of racquet sports with padel.
Oliveira came to the conclusion that “he’s not just investing—he’s elevating the entire sport.” Ronaldo’s decision to play padel is more than just a business one; it’s a testament to his constant desire to lead, inspire, and create.