Week playing padel with ultra-competitive Ronaldo
Source: telegraph.co.uk
TL;DR
- Ronaldo Padel Week: Nikhil Mohindra recounts his week as training partner to Cristiano Ronaldo at padel in Dubai's Nas Sports Complex.[[1]](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2026/04/15/my-week-battling-cristiano-ronaldo-padel-dubai/)[[2]](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2026/04/15/my-week-battling-cristiano-ronaldo-padel-dubai)
- Insane Competitiveness: Ronaldo retrieved an out ball, ran around all four glass walls, and ended with his "Siu" celebration before six spectators.[[1]](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2026/04/15/my-week-battling-cristiano-ronaldo-padel-dubai/)
- Discipline Lesson: Ronaldo's routine of early ice baths, red-light therapy, and midnight protein drinks highlights his unmatched athletic drive.[[1]](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2026/04/15/my-week-battling-cristiano-ronaldo-padel-dubai/)
The story at a glance
Nikhil Mohindra, a British padel team member who runs The Padel Foundation charity, describes his surreal week playing padel with Cristiano Ronaldo in Dubai over the Christmas holiday break. Ronaldo arrived with a large entourage including family, friend José Semedo, physio, massage therapist, and recovery equipment, training daily at the Nas Sports Complex with Mohindra and coach Javi Lopez Garcia against Ronaldo and José. The piece is reported now as a first-person account from Mohindra, who has played with other football stars like John Terry and Patrick Vieira. Padel, a mix of tennis and squash, is gaining popularity among athletes.
Key points
- Ronaldo travelled in two black Mercedes SUVs with tinted windows, one for him, driver, and family; the other for support staff, recovery gear like massage guns, treatment table, and red-light therapy equipment from his own company.
- Sessions ran Monday to Friday, 9-11am plus evenings; Ronaldo started at 7:30-7:45am with ice baths, physio beds, and red-light therapy, followed by immediate post-session massages.
- Mohindra and Javi (coach to Dubai's crown prince Sheikh Hamdan) played doubles against Ronaldo and José Semedo daily, with match results even by week's end.
- Ronaldo displayed elite athleticism: high jumps, fast movement, hard smashes sending balls over the back wall; he accidentally hit Mohindra during warm-up.
- During changeovers, Ronaldo discussed his drive, recovery, and fluid sachets, advising midnight protein drinks to fuel overnight recovery.
- Ronaldo is the best celebrity Mohindra has played with, outshining figures like John Terry (aggressive smasher) and Andrés Iniesta (crafty).
Details and context
Mohindra got the invitation just before Christmas from Javi Lopez Garcia. Training emphasised Ronaldo's relentless routine, which Mohindra said he couldn't match even for legendary status. The small group setting amplified the intensity, with Ronaldo's "Siu" celebration—jumping then arms down like Superman—after chasing a loose ball around the court's glass walls and alley.
Padel's rising appeal among footballers stems from its demands for agility and power, traits Ronaldo carries from the pitch. Mohindra notes Ronaldo never sits still, always training or competing, supported by a full team.
Key quotes
"It's a waste of good recovery time if the body doesn’t have protein to fuel itself through the time you’re asleep." – Cristiano Ronaldo, on drinking protein overnight.
"Wow, I’m so happy." – Nikhil Mohindra, after Ronaldo accidentally smashed a ball into him during warm-up.
Why it matters
Ronaldo's padel exploits show how top athletes extend their mindset to new sports, boosting padel's growth among elites and fans. Readers interested in fitness or Ronaldo gain insights into his real-life discipline and competitiveness off the football pitch. Watch for Ronaldo's potential in padel tournaments or more crossover stories from his circle.
FAQ
Q: What entourage did Ronaldo bring to padel training in Dubai?
A: He arrived in two black Mercedes SUVs: one with him, driver, and family; the other with friend José Semedo, massage therapist, physio, liquid provider, red-light therapy assistant, plus equipment like treatment table and massage guns.
Q: How did Ronaldo show his competitiveness during padel matches?
A: When Mohindra popped a ball out, Ronaldo ran into the alley to hit it back, circled all four glass walls, and finished with his "Siu" celebration before six onlookers.
Q: What recovery habits did Ronaldo share with Mohindra?
A: He arrived early for ice baths, physio, and red-light therapy; used fluid sachets between points; and recommended midnight protein drinks to optimise overnight recovery.
Q: Who were Ronaldo's padel partners and opponents?
A: Mohindra and Javi Lopez Garcia played doubles against Ronaldo and José Semedo daily, with results even after the week.