Padel tennis, a sport with combined elements of both squash and tennis, has surged in popularity in recent years. Just like its two sister games, this racket-based sport features some globally renowned players, credited to the national and international tournaments held occasionally.
However, international player ranking is not random. It’s based on a set of clearly defined criteria that determine the current athletes’ positions on the ranking board. This article walks you through the global ranking system for Padel and profiles some of the best Padel professionals currently.
Global Padel Ranking System
Let’s explore the set criteria for the international ranking of Padel players.
(Based on the World Padel Tour Criteria)
1. Points System
The World Padel Tour (WPT) ranks players using a points-based system. The more the players participate in and win WPT tournaments, the more points they secure. Ultimately, the player is ranked higher on the board.
2. Rolling 12-Month Period
Apart from the point-based system, the player rankings are based on a rolling 12-month period. This means that the value of points earned from a specific tournament gradually decreases.
For instance, if a player wins a tournament in a year and is ranked high, after 12 months, the player will fall off the list due to the decreased value of the earned points. This system encourages players to consistently perform well to keep their rank high on the list.
3. Best Results Count
Adding more to the previous point, a player’s points do decrease in value after a year but are not entirely useless. The number of best performances a player gives in a year all add to the player’s score on the ranking table.
What matters here is the fact that the best performance points from previous years also add to the score table, determining the player’s final rank.
(Based on the International Padel Federation (FIP) Criteria)
The ranking system for 2025 announced by FIP is in conjunction with the Qatar Airways Premier Padel and CUPRA FIP TOUR tournaments. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria:
The Premier Padel Tournaments are divided into three categories:
- Majors: The highest-ranked Padel series
- P1 tournaments: The second highest-ranked series
- P2 tournaments: The third highest-ranked matches
The FIP Tour tournaments have its division into four major categories:
- Platinum
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
The tournament’s final features the top players, who are then ranked accordingly on the international rank table.
Note: The earned points are based on how well a player performs in a match series. Also, the points from previous performances are added to determine the final rank on the performance board.
The Best Padel Players in 2025
Now, let’s have a look at the current stars of the world of Padel, ranked according to the FIP standards.
Top Male Padel Players
1. Augustín Tapia
Agustín Tapia, an Argentine padel champion, dominates the padel industry in 2025. He won the Master Final in World Padel Tour at the age of 19, becoming the youngest player to win a WPT tournament. Tapia has played a total of 142 games, winning 130 of them, and brought his winning percentage to 91.5%. He never misses a ball, which is why he is the top padel champion.
2. Arturo Coello
This Spanish individual is another inspiration for padel enthusiasts. Coello stepped into professional sports in 2019 at the age of 17. Since then, he has successfully secured seven World Padel Tour wins to his name, making him one of the youngest winners of the WPT tournament.
3. Alejandro Galán
Since his pairing with Lebrón in 2020, Galán had a breakthrough in his padel career. The 27-year-old Spanish player has already secured his position as the president of the Professional Padel Association. For any beginner aiming to advance to a professional level, Galán is a true inspiration.
Top Female Padel Players
1. Ariana Sanchez Fallada
Ariana Sánchez Fallada, a female padel champion, has pursued WPT’s No. 1 spot since 2016. Nicknamed ‘magic’ for her perfect shots, she holds 22 WPT titles and a World Championship. Arian is ranked No. 3 in WPT and No. 1 in FIP and boasts a 72%-win rate.
2. Paula Josemaria Martin
The second in line on the list of female padel champions, Paula Josemaria Martin started playing padel at the age of 17. She is well-known for her aggressive playstyle and has earned the nickname “Dinamita” (Spanish for the word Dynamite). With Ariana Sánchez as her court partner since 2021, Paula dominated the World Padel Tour, finishing as the No. 1 pair in 2023 and 2024.
3. Claudia Fernandez Sanchez
Claudia Fernández Sánchez is another rising Spanish padel star. With 13,620 points, she ranks third in the FIP rankings. She is well-known for her aggressive playing style and remarkable defensive skills. In 2024, she partnered with Gemma Triay and secured multiple titles, including the GNP Mexico Major Premier Padel.
Final Words
With the continuous evolution in the global padel scenario, the competition for the top position also grows fiercer with every passing year. The players securing the top positions today may not be the ones in the same position tomorrow. This demands the players showcase exceptional skill, strategy, and mental toughness through consistent play.
The article lists some of the best padel players in the present times. The players have rightfully earned their position through their consistent hard work. Their achievements have made them deserve the top rankings as they match the criteria of WPT and the FIP. As the rankings change and new talents continue to emerge, one thing is clear: Padel is in for an exciting ride ahead.
