The Miami Beach Convention Center welcomed a global soccer star, Thiago Alcantara, who has played 350 matches for some of Europe’s top clubs—Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool—winning an impressive number of domestic and international titles, including two Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups. On the sidelines of Day 3 at the motorola razr Premier Padel P1, Thiago admitted to being a huge fan of padel, especially since he stopped playing soccer: “Yes, it’s a sport that blends many exciting elements—fast-paced and thrilling. I have a lot of friends who have lived here for a long time and play for Inter Miami. It’s fantastic to be here, spend a few days relaxing, and watch so many high-level matches. I can’t wait”.
But he’s not just a spectator—Thiago also loves to play. “Yes, absolutely. Padel is hugely popular in Spain, as everyone knows. As a professional soccer player, I got to play a little, of course, but not too much. After retiring from soccer, I started playing more, and I have to say, it’s becoming a daily and overwhelming passion. It’s such a fun sport.” Speaking about the sport’s potential in the U.S., he added:
“I think it will be a success here in the U.S., just like soccer has been. The great thing about padel is that players of all levels can take part and have fun. The weather is also a key factor—here, the conditions are fantastic. This sport is bound to grow. Americans are passionate about sports, eager to learn, and very competitive. Padel is a perfect fit for them, and you’ll see—it’s going to be a huge success here.”
Of course, he couldn’t avoid talking about European soccer and his beloved Barcelona: “They are definitely one of the favorites to win the Champions League—that’s just a fact.” And what about a potential semifinal clash with Inter, 15 years after the epic Guardiola vs. Mourinho showdown? “Yes, it’s possible, but Inter has to face Bayern Munich first, and that won’t be easy. If it happens, though, I wouldn’t call it a real rematch. Too many things have changed—different times, teams, and characters. But it would be great to see them face each other again. It would surely be a fantastic game and an incredible show”.