Countless pages have been written about the life of Diego Armando Maradona, marked by unforgettable triumphs and excesses that made him a figure as admired as he was controversial. However, few people know one of his best-kept secrets: his passion for padel, a sport in which he also managed to stand out with the same talent that accompanied him throughout his life.

Nito Brea Shares an Untold Maradona Padel Story

Nito Brea, former player and renowned coach and father of current star Delfina Brea shared a curious story in an interview with Padel Vibes that reveals Diego little-known connection with the sport.

“Maradona played padel, he was a phenomenon, and he was right-handed. One day I played with him, and when I scored a point, he would say: ‘What a phenomenal point you made!’ And I was thinking: ‘El Diego is saying that to me!’” Brea recounted with admiration.

But the story doesn’t end there. Nito treasures a jersey signed by Maradona that he keeps like a relic. On it, the number ten wrote: “My captain, we shared the best. Delfi.”

He shared this during his appearance on Padel Vibes by beIN SPORTS.

Padel as Part of His Training

Even his son, Diego Maradona Jr., confirmed in several interviews that padel wasn’t just a hobby for his father, but a fundamental part of his training routine.

“My father was very good at it. He played twice a week. We are a family that loves this sport,” he said. Diego was also an open admirer of Fernando Belasteguín, the most decorated player in padel history and world number one for over 16 consecutive years, he confessed on Argentine television.

Maradona, a Star Guest at the First Padel World Championship

The year was 1992. Seville was preparing to be one of the host cities for Expo ’92 and also for the first Padel World Championship in history. At the same time, Maradona signed with Sevilla FC, coached by fellow Argentine Carlos Bilardo, after serving a 15-month doping ban.

At that time, padel was beginning to gain traction both in Argentina and Spain. In his home country, it was already considered by many as the second national sport, just behind football. The coincidence of Diego arrival in Andalusia and the World Championship was seized upon by the Argentine team, who saw in him the ideal ambassador.

Argentina men and women teams were crowned champions at that historic tournament, held in Madrid and Seville. Maradona didn’t just attend several matches: he even skipped a pre-match camp ahead of his debut against Bayern Munich to support the team. His commitment was so strong that he even co commentated the final on live TV.

As reported by El Gráfico magazine, issue 3810 (October 13, 1992).

A Legacy That Goes Beyond Football

Maradona love for padel was genuine and intense. His presence helped bring visibility and recognition to the sport on an international level. Once again, the legend showed that his talent knew no limits or borders.

Diego legacy, of course, lives on in football grand history but also on every padel court where a ball bounces with power. Because even there, El Pelusa left his magic.