LIST: Top 10 best male players in padel history

Since the beginning of padel back in 1962, many players have surprised us with their skill on the court. Times have changed, and the sport has evolved, but they will always remain in our memory as the best in history. Padel Alto put together a list (probably unfair) of what we consider to be the 10 best players of all time in this young sport.

10. Javier/Gustavo Maquirrian, Argentina

Comment: The Maquirriain brothers were the first number one of the professional padel era during the 86 and 87 seasons. Gustavo was the creator of strokes used today as the ”vibora” and the ”dormilona”. Javier was the doctor of the Argentinean Davies Cup team and contributed great things to padel until he passed away in 2018 at the age of 55.

9. Sanyo Gutierrez, Argentina

Comment: Sanyo is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in history. In 2018, the Argentinean Drive player was world number one alongside Maxi Sanchez, ending Fernando Belasteguin's reign after 16 consecutive years.

8. Roby Gattiker, Argentina

Comment: He started as a professional tennis player but then switched to padel. He formed with Lasaigues, the so-called "best duo in history," remaining undefeated for five consecutive seasons, from 92 to 96.

7. Alejandro Galan, Spain

Comment: The Madrileno is today with Juan Lebron, the world's number-one ranked player. With an enviable physique and power, at 26 years of age, Galan already has a great deal of experience on the court. Last season he won 14 titles, including the Master Final, making him one of the players with the most Master titles in history.

6. Paquito Navarro, Spain

Comment: Although today he is number 7 in the ranking, Navarro was number one in the world with Juan Lebron. The Sevillian is also the only player who has been Spanish Champion in all categories, from Benjamins to Absolute. Owner of undisputed quality, at 33 years of age, Paco continues to be one of the best in the world.

5. Pablo Lima, Brazil

Comment: Lima is considered the best Brazilian player of all time. The "Canon of Porto Alegre" formed one of the best duos of the professional circuit with Juani Mieres, to later become, along with Fernando Belasteguin, world number one between 2015 and 2018. The Brazilian holds the most WPT titles with 50, only behind Fernando Belasteguin.

4. Juan Lebron, Spain

Comment: ”El Lobo” is the clear dominator of modern padel. In 2019, he reached the top of the ranking with Paquito Navarro, and since then, he hasn't let go of it again. He has formed an excellent relationship with Alejandro Galan on court for the last three years. Time will make him one of the greatest in history.

3. Alejandro Lasaigues, Argentina

Comment: Lasaigues is one of the best players of all time. The Argentinean became the world's number-one pairing with Alvarez Clementi in 88, 89, 90, and 91. Then, together with Gattiker, he formed one of the most remembered duos in history, being unbeaten number one from 1992 to 1996. 

2. Juan Martin Diaz, Argentina/Spain

Comment: Next to Fernando Belasteguin, Juan Martin managed to stay at the top of the world padel, being the number 1 pairing for 13 consecutive years, winning 170 finals out of the 191 played between 2002 and 2015. His extensive track record, added to his quality and reflexes on the court, makes Juan Martin the second on our list.

1. Fernando Belasteguin, Argentina

Comment: The Boss, the king, the GOAT. Fernando Belasteguin was world number one for 16 consecutive years. With unbelievable 230 titles, the best of all time managed with Juan Martin Diaz and Pablo Lima to dominate with the iron point the professional padel. Bela is still in force today, occupying the number 2 (or 3) position in the world ranking.