Paquito Navarro: Living Legend, Tribute… or Time to Retire?

Few players in padel are as instantly recognisable as Paquito Navarro. From his explosive celebrations to his emotional connection with the crowd, he has been a central character in the sport’s rise.

What He’s Already Achieved

Paquito’s career includes:

• Reaching the world No. 1 spot.

• Winning titles with multiple partners and across different eras.

• Playing a crucial role in padel’s growth with his showmanship and charisma.

He has been both elite competitor and unofficial ambassador for the sport.

The Case for “Living Legend”

It’s not just the trophies. It’s how he plays:

• Creative shotmaking on the right side.

• Willingness to take responsibility in big moments.

• A style that combines skill with theatre – crowds feel every point with him.

You don’t just watch Paquito; you experience him.

Is It Time to Think About Retirement?

The big question is not “Can he still win matches?” – he clearly can. Instead, it’s:

• Can he handle the physical demands of a long, dense calendar?

• Is he still enjoying the grind, not just the big stages?

• Would he prefer to pivot into a different role: mentor, commentator, team leader, club owner?

The danger for any legend is staying too long, letting the final years overshadow everything that came before.

What a Perfect Farewell Could Look Like

If he chooses to step away in the coming years, the ideal scenario might be:

• One clearly announced “last full season,” allowing fans to say goodbye.

• A farewell tour hitting key cities and venues that marked his career.

• A seamless transition into roles where his personality still benefits padel.

Handled right, Paquito’s retirement could itself be a celebration of the sport.

Practical Tasks

For storytellers & media:

• Build a Paquito Timeline: key partners, biggest titles, most emotional wins and losses.

• Collect quotes from teammates, opponents, and fans to use in a future tribute piece.

• Curate a “Top 10 Paquito Moments” collection – not just points, but reactions, interviews, and crowd interactions.