Arjen Robben embraces new challenge after football career

Padel has quickly grown into a European phenomenon, with high-profile ex-footballers helping fuel its popularity. Ibrahimovic has already driven the sport’s surge in Sweden, and Robben now hopes to spark a similar trend in the Netherlands.

The 41-year-old, who announced his retirement from football four years ago, competed in the FIP Bronze tournament in Westerbork, partnering Werner Lootsma. The pair reached the main draw before exiting the tournament, but Robben’s performance drew admiration, with rivals calling him the “best former professional footballer” to embrace the sport.

Speaking after his padel debut, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid star said: "Zlatan Ibrahimovic made padel big in Sweden, and I think I can do the same in the Netherlands. I used to play three times a week in Germany. I don't take myself too seriously. I started with low expectations. But I fought, gave it my all on the court, and got as many points as I could."

Robben has already earned his first points in the world rankings, sitting 244th in the Netherlands. The former winger is expected to feature in more tournaments while raising the sport’s profile in his home country. 

His new sporting chapter follows a successful football career, registering 209 goals and 166 assists in 614 appearances. He donned the colours of several top teams in Europe, including Bayern Munich, where he netted 144 goals in 309 matches and reached club legend status after claiming 17 titles.