Key Takeaways
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88 athletes from 18 nations competing from August 22–28
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Spain leads with stars like David Gala and Lucia Sainz
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Italy fields Carolina Orsi and rising talent Giulia Dal Pozzo
Historic debut in Taranto
Padel will make its first appearance at the Mediterranean Games, with competitions scheduled from August 22 to 28 at the Parc del Mediterraneo Salinella. A total of 88 athletes — 49 men and 39 women — will represent 18 nations across men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles.
Spain’s elite squad
Spain arrives with one of the strongest teams. Rising star David Gala, ranked 34 in the world and already a European champion, headlines the men’s side alongside José Diestro, Pol Hernandez, and Guille Collado. On the women’s side, former world number ones Lucia Sainz and Patty Llaguno lead the lineup, joined by Jimena Velasco and Nuria Rodriguez. Their mix of experience and youth makes Spain the team to beat.
Italy’s home advantage
Italy will also present a competitive squad, strengthened by home support. Carolina Orsi, ranked 31, joins Giorgia Marchetti, Carlotta Casali, and Marco Cassetta, all with international podium experience. Young talents Flavio Abbate, Alvaro Montiel, and Simone Iacovino add depth, while Giulia Dal Pozzo, ranked 30, has emerged as one of the season’s revelations.
Portugal and France in contention
Portugal brings top-ranked players including siblings Sofia and Pedro Araujo and the Deus brothers, Miguel and Nuno, who won silver at the 2025 FIP Euro Padel Cup. France counters with Louise Bahurel, Lucile Pothier, Charlotte Soubrié, and Steffi Merah, supported by Bastien Blanqué and Dylan Guichard in the men’s draw. Both nations are strong medal contenders.
Emerging nations make their mark
Egypt and Kosovo will field large squads, while Tunisia’s Dora Chamli, the first African player to win a Premier Padel World Tour match, adds historic significance. Morocco’s team includes former ATP player Reda El Amrani, and Monaco introduces Noah Minioni, born in 2009, the youngest competitor in the tournament. These nations highlight padel’s growing global reach.
A new chapter for padel
With established powers and emerging nations competing side by side, the debut of padel at the Mediterranean Games reflects the sport’s rapid rise. The event promises high-level competition, international diversity, and a showcase of talent that could shape padel’s future on the Olympic pathway.
