June 14, 2026

Irish Padel Goes Global: The Full FIP Rankings

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Padel is growing fast in Ireland, and the numbers are starting to show it. For the first time, a small but determined group of Irish players are appearing on the FIP (International Padel Federation) world rankings, competing against players from countries where padel has been established for decades.

This page tracks every Irish player currently ranked by the FIP. Rankings are updated on the 1st of each month, so you can follow progress throughout the year.

What Are the FIP Rankings?

The FIP rankings are the official world rankings for padel, covering both the professional circuit (Premier Padel, Cupra FIP Tour) and amateur international events. Points are awarded at sanctioned FIP tournaments worldwide. For most Irish players, points come from participating in domestic FIP-sanctioned events, travel to events abroad or through international championships representing Ireland.

A ranking (at any level) means a player has competed at an internationally recognised padel event. With padel still in its infancy here, every Irish name on this list is a trailblazer.

Ireland's Ranked Players

The table below shows all Irish-registered players with active FIP ranking points. It is refreshed on the 1st of each month.

Last updated: June 2026 · 19 Irish players ranked

Women

World Rank	Player	FIP Points
#603	Anna Zuka	19
#937	Amy Flynn	8
#1192	Maria Perez Gavino	5
#1192	Anna Kurkul	5
#1192	Yvonne Flynn	5
#1192	Susan Mc Rann	5
#1192	Francisca Danae Lopez Escobar	5
#1192	Katie Nolan	5
#1542	Moya Ryan	3
#1542	Mia Smyth	3
#1542	Sinead Lohan	3
#1542	Marjorie Croke	3
#1542	Lisa Keegan	3
#1542	Julie Hill	3

Men

World Rank	Player	FIP Points
#1209	Louis Jarrold	12
#1850	Alan Joseph Healy	5
#2284	Ivan Ignacio Herrera	3
#2284	Lorcan Loughrey	3
#2284	John Clerkin	3

Source: padelfip.com · Updated 1st of each month

Leading the Way

Anna Zuka is currently Ireland's highest-ranked player overall, sitting at world #603 in the women's draw with 19 points. That's a remarkable achievement and places her well ahead of the rest of the Irish contingent.

On the men's side, Louis Jarrold leads at world #1209 with 12 points, followed by Alan Joseph Healy at #1850.

A notable cluster of players sit at the same ranking positions. This happens when multiple players share identical point totals. As more Irish players compete internationally, we expect to see these rankings spread and climb.

Why This Matters

Ireland only affiliated with the FIP in recent years, and Irish padel infrastructure (courts, clubs, coaching) is still developing. Yet already, players are making the journey to compete on the international stage. Each tournament appearance, each point earned, helps put Irish padel on the map and opens doors for future generations.

If you're an Irish player competing in FIP-sanctioned events and don't see your name here, it's worth checking your registration is correctly linked to Ireland (IRL) on the FIP system.

June 9, 2026

Stop Guessing! Here's Which Wilson Defy Is Actually for You

If you've landed on the Wilson Defy range and found yourself staring at names like Defy V1, Defy LS V1, Defy Pro V1, and then an SE 2 version of each — you're not alone. It's a rich range with a lot of options, and knowing where to start isn't always obvious. Here's the short version: there are three distinct rackets in the Defy family, each aimed at a different type of attacking player. Each one also comes in a Special Edition (SE) version — same racket, different cosmetics. Once you understand the three core models, the whole range makes sense. All three share the same foundation: diamond shape, Duo Grid hole pattern, Aeroexact Design aerodynamics, Spin² surface texture, Power Foam core, and Impact Beam stiffness technology. What separates them is weight and face material — two factors that dramatically change how a racket plays. The Three Models Defy Range Breakdown Defy LS V1 — €140 Defy LS V1 SE 2 — €198 Advanced · Arm-Friendly Wilson Defy LS V1 "LS" = Light Speed. The lightest racket in the Defy family. The Defy LS V1 is the lightest version of the Defy, weighing in at 355g. Instead of a carbon face, it uses Wilson's Comfort Flex Face — a more forgiving, fibreglass-composite surface that absorbs impact more gently than carbon. This makes it the most arm-friendly option of the three. Don't mistake "light" for "weak." This racket is still built for attacking play — it's fast through the air, generates aggressive spin, and rewards players who rely on wrist speed and quick exchanges at the net. The lighter frame means less fatigue over long matches or frequent training sessions. Weight 355g Face Comfort Flex Shape Diamond Balance 265mm Price (Standard) €140 €240 Price (SE 2) €198 €290 Best for Advanced players who play aggressively but want a lighter, faster swing. Ideal if you have a history of elbow or shoulder discomfort, train multiple times per week, or simply prefer a racket that feels quicker in your hand without sacrificing power. LS V1 SE 2: Same 355g Comfort Flex racket in a special-edition colourway (White/Geometric). Identical performance, different look. View the SE 2 → Defy V1 — €180 Defy V1 SE 2 — €240 Advanced / Pro · Balanced Power Wilson Defy V1 The core Defy. The classic choice for advanced attacking players. The Defy V1 is the heart of the range — 10g heavier than the LS at 365g, and upgraded to a 3K Carbon Face. Carbon is stiffer than Comfort Flex, which means the ball leaves the face faster, with more raw power and a sharper, crisper feel on every hit. This is the racket for players who want the full Defy attacking experience. The 3K carbon weave delivers explosive overheads, punishing drives, and the satisfying, direct feedback that advanced players look for. It's heavier than the LS, but the difference is noticeable rather than significant — most players adapt to it quickly. Weight 365g Face 3K Carbon Shape Diamond Balance 265mm Price (Standard) €180 €290 Price (SE 2) €240 €290 Best for Advanced to pro-level players with an attacking style who want the full Wilson Defy experience. If you're comfortable with a medium-heavy attacking racket and want the extra stiffness and power of carbon, this is your racket. The best all-round choice in the range. V1 SE 2: Same 365g 3K Carbon racket in a special-edition White/Gold colourway. Same performance, collector-level finish. View the SE 2 → Defy Pro V1 — €196 Defy Pro V1 SE — €280 Pro Level · Maximum Power Wilson Defy Pro V1 The heaviest, stiffest, most powerful Defy. Built for serious players only. The Pro V1 takes everything up a level. At 370g and with a 15K Carbon Face, this is the most demanding and most powerful racket in the range. 15K carbon is a denser, higher-grade carbon weave than the 3K used in the standard V1 — it's stiffer, transfers energy more efficiently, and generates noticeably more pace on attacking shots. Wilson also adds Sharp Hole Technology and C2 Tubular Construction to the Pro V1 — refinements not found in the other two models. C2 Tubular ensures uniform thickness throughout the frame for consistent feel and superior durability, while Sharp Hole Technology creates extra ball bite on every stroke. Weight 370g Face 15K Carbon Shape Diamond Balance 265mm Price (Standard) €196 €340 Price (SE) €280 €340 Best for Pro and elite-level attacking players who have the technique to control a heavy, stiff racket and want to extract every bit of power the Defy platform can offer. Not recommended for players still developing their game — the reduced forgiveness will work against you if your technique isn't consistent. Pro V1 SE: Same 370g 15K Carbon racket in a special-edition White/Black-Orange colourway. Same performance as the standard Pro V1. View the SE → Side by Side The Full Defy Range at a Glance Model Weight Face Material Key Feel Standard Price SE Price Defy LS V1 355g Comfort Flex Fast, arm-friendly, forgiving €140 €240 €198 €290 Defy V1 365g 3K Carbon Crisp, powerful, direct €180 €290 €240 €290 Defy Pro V1 370g 15K Carbon Explosive, stiff, maximum pace €196 €340 €280 €340 All six rackets share the same diamond shape, Duo Grid Pattern, Aeroexact Design, Spin² Texture, Power Foam, and Impact Beam. SE versions are cosmetic variants with no performance difference. Which Defy is right for you? Not sure where you fit? Use this as a quick guide. You play 2–3x per week → Defy LS V1 The lighter Comfort Flex face reduces fatigue and strain. Great for high-frequency players who value longevity and speed. You're an advanced attacker → Defy V1 The 3K Carbon Face gives you the full attacking power of the Defy platform. The best balance of weight, power, and feel in the range. You play at a high/elite level → Defy Pro V1 Maximum power and stiffness via 15K Carbon. Exclusive C2 Tubular build. Only suits players with consistent technique who can handle a heavier, less forgiving frame. You want a limited edition → Any SE version Pick the SE of whichever model suits your game. You're paying for exclusive colourways — the performance is identical to the standard version. Shop the full Wilson Defy range at LovePadel — Ireland's home of padel equipment. Shop Wilson Defy Rackets →

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April 20, 2026

Why Padel Shoes Matter: Choosing the Right Footwear for Padel Courts

Padel is growing rapidly across Ireland. New courts are opening in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick, and thousands of new players are stepping onto the court every month. One of the most common questions beginners ask is: Can you play padel with tennis shoes, or do you actually need padel shoes? The short answer is yes, you should use padel shoes if you play regularly. While tennis and padel may look similar, the movement patterns and court surfaces are different. Wearing the wrong footwear can affect your performance, reduce stability and increase injury risk. This guide explains: The difference between padel shoes and tennis shoes Why padel shoes are better for artificial turf courts What features to look for when buying padel footwear How the right shoes help prevent common padel injuries Why Padel Movement Is Different From Tennis Although both sports use rackets and balls, padel requires different footwork and movement patterns. Tennis movement is largely linear, meaning players move forward and backward across a larger court. Padel, by contrast, involves: Quick lateral movement Short explosive sprints Constant direction changes Recovering rebounds from glass walls Because padel is played on a 20m × 10m enclosed court, players react quickly in tight spaces. This creates significantly more side-to-side stress on the ankle and knee joints. Shoes designed for forward running movement are not built for these demands. Running shoes typically include: Thick cushioning Raised heels Soft flexible soles These features are ideal for running but unstable during lateral padel movement. Padel Shoes vs Tennis Shoes: The Key Differences The most important difference between padel and tennis shoes is the outsole design. The outsole determines: Court grip Sliding control Stability during lateral cuts Tennis Shoe Soles Tennis shoes are designed for surfaces such as: Hard courts Clay courts Grass courts Most tennis shoes use a pure herringbone pattern, which provides traction for tennis but is not ideal for padel turf. On artificial padel courts this can cause: Unpredictable grip Reduced lateral stability Excessive friction on turf Padel Shoe Soles Padel shoes use a hybrid outsole pattern combining: Modified herringbone grooves Small traction studs This design provides: Controlled grip on artificial turf Better lateral movement stability Reduced slipping on sand-filled courts Most padel courts in Ireland use synthetic turf with sand or rubber infill, making this outsole design essential for safe play. Are Padel Shoes Necessary for Artificial Turf Courts? Yes. Padel shoes are specifically designed for artificial turf surfaces, which behave differently from tennis courts. Artificial turf requires a balance of grip and slide. Too much traction can cause the foot to stick during movement, increasing injury risk. Too little traction can cause slipping. Padel shoes are engineered to provide controlled traction and smooth directional changes, which is crucial during fast rallies near the net. Many Irish clubs also require non-marking court shoes, which most padel shoes provide. Indoor vs Outdoor Padel Courts in Ireland Ireland's climate means that most padel is played indoors. Indoor padel courts usually feature carpet-style synthetic turf, offering consistent grip throughout the match. For indoor courts, ideal shoes include: Non-marking rubber soles Balanced traction patterns Flexible lateral stability Outdoor courts often use sand-filled artificial turf, which can require slightly more durable outsole patterns. The good news is that most modern padel shoes perform well on both indoor and outdoor courts, meaning players usually only need one pair. Injury Prevention: Why Proper Padel Shoes Matter Padel places significant stress on the lower body. Common recreational padel injuries include: Ankle sprains Knee strain Plantar fasciitis Achilles tendon irritation These injuries often occur when players wear running shoes or casual trainers, which lack the lateral support needed for the sport. Padel shoes are designed with features that help reduce these risks, including: Reinforced sidewalls Stable midfoot chassis Controlled traction patterns Flatter heel-to-toe geometry These features help players maintain balance and stability during rapid directional movement. What to Look for When Buying Padel Shoes Choosing the right padel shoes can improve both performance and comfort on court. Here are the key features to consider. Outsole Pattern Look for a hybrid herringbone or studded outsole pattern designed for artificial turf. Avoid: Running shoe soles Chunky cleats Smooth flat soles Lateral Support Padel involves frequent sideways movement, so shoes should include reinforced sidewalls and heel stability. This helps prevent ankle roll during fast direction changes. Heel-to-Toe Drop Padel shoes typically have a lower heel drop than running shoes. A flatter profile helps players maintain the ready stance used during padel rallies, improving reaction speed and balance. Breathability Padel matches can be intense, particularly on indoor courts. Look for shoes with: Mesh or engineered knit uppers Breathable materials Ventilation zones Fit and Comfort Padel shoes should feel secure around the midfoot while leaving a small amount of space at the toe. A snug fit prevents the foot from sliding inside the shoe during lateral movement. When Should You Upgrade to Padel Shoes? If you are new to the sport, you may initially play with general sports shoes. However, upgrading to proper padel footwear becomes important as you play more often. Use this guideline: Occasional player (once every few months)Regular trainers may be acceptable temporarily. Weekly playerPadel shoes are strongly recommended for stability and injury prevention. Frequent player (multiple sessions per week)Dedicated padel shoes are essential for performance and safety. Why Dedicated Padel Shoes Improve Performance Players who switch from running or tennis shoes to padel footwear often notice immediate improvements. Benefits include: Faster lateral movement Better court grip Increased stability during rallies Improved comfort during long matches Over time, the correct footwear also helps reduce fatigue and protect joints from repetitive strain. FAQ: Padel Shoes Can you play padel with tennis shoes? Yes, but it is not recommended for regular play. Tennis shoes are designed for different court surfaces and movement patterns. Padel shoes provide better grip and lateral stability on artificial turf courts. Are running shoes good for padel? Running shoes are not suitable for padel because they are designed for forward movement rather than lateral stability. This increases the risk of ankle injuries during rapid direction changes. What type of sole do padel shoes have? Padel shoes typically feature a hybrid outsole combining herringbone grooves and small studs. This design provides controlled traction on artificial turf courts. Do padel clubs require special shoes? Many clubs require non-marking court shoes to protect the turf surface. Most padel shoes are designed with non-marking outsoles. Are padel shoes worth it for beginners? Yes. Beginners often benefit the most from proper padel footwear because it improves stability, comfort and safety while learning the sport.

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February 3, 2026

Why Padel Is the Perfect Sport for Irish Brands to Sponsor

Over the last decade, sports sponsorship in Ireland has undergone a quiet but profound shift. Where once it was dominated by a small number of high-profile, legacy sports, today’s landscape is far more fragmented, more digital, and far more focused on engagement than exposure alone. This evolution is clearly outlined in the ONSIDE Irish Sponsorship Industry Outlook 2026, which highlights a move away from traditional, logo-led sponsorships towards platforms that deliver participation, content and measurable impact. Against that backdrop, padel has emerged as one of the most compelling new opportunities for Irish brands looking to sponsor sport in a smarter, more effective way. Still relatively young in Ireland but growing at remarkable speed, padel sits at the intersection of participation, community, lifestyle and content. These are exactly the areas where modern sponsorship is heading. Sponsorship Has Changed and Padel Fits the New Model The ONSIDE report shows that Irish sponsors are under increasing pressure to prove return on investment. Budget constraints and ROI measurement are now cited as two of the biggest challenges facing sponsors in 2026, making it clear that exposure alone is no longer enough. As a result, brands are prioritising: Sports with clear growth trajectories Platforms that allow for authentic storytelling Properties that deliver measurable engagement, not just visibility Opportunities that work across social, content and community Padel aligns naturally with all of these priorities. Rather than competing for attention in saturated environments, brands that partner with padel can grow alongside the sport and benefit from its momentum instead of fighting for space. Officially Recognised as a Growth Opportunity One of the strongest signals from the ONSIDE Outlook is the industry’s increasing interest in emerging sports. In its assessment of future growth opportunities, padel is named among the top 10 strongest growth platforms, alongside formats such as Hyrox and just outside Ireland’s traditional “big four” sports. This recognition matters. It confirms that padel is no longer viewed as a fringe activity, but as a credible sponsorship platform that agencies, rights holders and brands are actively watching. In a market where clutter is a growing concern, this kind of early validation is significant. A Participation-First Sport in a Participation-Driven Era Another key theme from the ONSIDE report is the shift towards community-focused and experiential sponsorships. Brands are increasingly drawn to platforms that allow them to be part of people’s everyday lives, not just major sporting moments. Padel is fundamentally a participation sport: Easy to start Social by design Played year-round Suitable for all ages and abilities This creates frequent, repeat touchpoints between players, clubs and communities. Every match played, coaching session booked or social league organised becomes an opportunity for meaningful brand interaction. For sponsors, this means: Ongoing engagement rather than one-off exposure Deeper association with health, activity and social connection Strong local relevance at club and regional level Built for Content and Built for Social The ONSIDE Outlook identifies social media and content marketing as the dominant activation channels for 2026, with the majority of sponsors planning to increase their use of both. Padel is exceptionally well suited to this environment. The sport is: Visually engaging Easy to capture on short-form video Played in compact, social settings Driven by personality as much as performance From beginner journeys and coaching tips to club leagues, mixed doubles and social tournaments, padel naturally produces authentic, relatable content. This is exactly the type of material sponsors are looking to amplify. Crucially, this content does not rely on elite athletes or broadcast exposure. It is everyday players, coaches and communities that drive the story, making sponsorship feel more human and less transactional. Less Clutter and More Creative Freedom One of the biggest challenges highlighted in the ONSIDE report is competition and marketplace clutter, particularly in established sports where sponsorship inventory is saturated. Padel offers a refreshing alternative: Fewer competing sponsors Greater creative flexibility More collaborative partnerships Easier access to players, clubs and organisers This allows brands to move beyond rigid sponsorship packages and instead co-create activations, campaigns and experiences that feel relevant and distinctive. For brands testing sponsorship for the first time or looking to innovate without committing to major long-term deals, padel provides a lower-risk and higher-learning environment. Aligned With Modern Lifestyle and Wellness Values ONSIDE also points to growing opportunities around wellness, sustainability, community and personality-led platforms. These are all areas where padel naturally performs well. Padel connects seamlessly with broader lifestyle trends: Physical and mental wellbeing Social connection Inclusivity and accessibility Urban and time-efficient activity This makes it attractive not only to traditional sports sponsors, but also to sectors such as financial services, non-alcoholic drinks, wellness, beauty, technology and sustainability-focused brands. Rather than forcing a brand into sport, padel allows brands to show up in spaces where people are already enjoying themselves and investing in their health. A Growth Sport With Long-Term Upside Perhaps most importantly, padel is still early in its Irish journey. The ONSIDE report estimates continued growth in sponsorship investment through 2026, with brands increasingly open to new platforms that can deliver clarity of purpose and measurable results. Padel fits squarely within that brief. For sponsors, this represents a rare opportunity. It is a chance to be seen as an early supporter of a fast-growing sport, rather than a late entrant into an overcrowded market. History suggests that brands who back sports at the right moment, before peak saturation, often enjoy the strongest associations and the greatest long-term returns. As Irish sponsorship continues to evolve, the most effective partnerships will be those rooted in relevance, engagement and shared growth. The insights from the ONSIDE Irish Sponsorship Industry Outlook 2026 make one thing clear. Emerging, participation-led sports with strong digital potential are where sponsorship is heading. Padel offers all of that and more. For brands willing to look beyond the obvious, padel is not just an alternative sponsorship platform. It is a glimpse of the future of sports sponsorship in Ireland.

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