It’s the smile of two stars who just had a stellar weekend. Paulo Dybala and Leandro Paredes, both World Cup champions with Argentina and key players in Roma’s four-goal victory over Lecce, took some time off to enjoy another passion of theirs: padel. Like many in Argentina, the two share a deep love for the sport. So, missing the finals of the Milano Premier Padel P1 at the Allianz Cloud was simply not an option.
They arrived just before 3 PM, accompanied by their partners, Camila Galante and Oriana Sabatini. Welcomed by photographers and the tournament’s social media team, they smiled, shook hands, and made their way through the tunnel while chatting about their passion for padel. “Yeah, I play padel whenever I can. I really like it, but I’m not the good one”, Dybala joked, pointing at Paredes. “He’s the one who’s great, no doubt about it”. Paredes, smiling, shrugged and replied: “I’ve always loved padel. Am I the better player? Well, if he says so…”
Relaxed and happy, the two posed for selfies, signed autographs, and chatted with fans, showing the same connection they share on the football field. As for their favorite padel player? Without hesitation, they both said: “Agustin Tapia.” They shared this while shaking hands with Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation, and Marco Gamberale, the tournament organizer. It’s a meeting of champions: just like Dybala, Paredes, and Tapia are world-class athletes in their respective sports, they also share a bond as World Cup winners. Tapia is competing in the men’s final, which has the flavor of an Argentine derby as fellow World Cup winner Fede Chingotto is also in the match.
In the women’s final, their pick is equally clear: “We’re supporting Delfi Brea”, they said in unison, showing their support for another top Argentine talent. The Allianz Cloud was buzzing with excitement, not just from the padel action but also from the presence of these two football stars. The atmosphere was tinged not only with Roma’s colors but also with the unmistakable Albiceleste pride. As Paredes put it while settling into his seat: “It’s the call of Argentina”. What followed was an afternoon full of sport, passion, and unforgettable moments, as Dybala and Paredes soaked in the magic of the Milano Premier Padel P1 finals.