Courtois launches his first bet in international Premier Padel
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 34, announced on Monday an investment in Premier Padel through his platform NXTPLAY, while he was at the Bernabéu for the NFL's Madrid Game, covered by Europa Press.
Investment details
The deal marks Courtois's first foray into the world of padel and opens a path for international expansion for his firm. Courtois accessed the investment via NXTPLAY, the platform he co‑founded with Gonzalo Vila, and partnered with Gallop Global, promoter of the Emaar Dubai Premier Padel P1. Gallop Global, founded in Dubai in 2023, has Iván Modia as chief executive officer and co‑founder and is dedicated to the creation, acquisition, development and commercialization of its own events.
The company organizes the Dubai tournament and develops other live events and experiences, while NXTPLAY acts as a strategic partner providing financing, advice and commercial contacts to accelerate the business’s growth. The padel tournament, one of Gallop Global’s main assets, serves as a showcase for the company operating in the Middle East and Asia. The alliance with NXTPLAY aims to broaden that portfolio and facilitate entry into new markets.
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International expansion outlook
The announcement coincided with the staging of the Emaar Dubai Premier Padel P1, which takes place from November 8 to 15 at the Hamdan Sports Complex. This competition is part of the Premier Padel international calendar and brings together men’s and women’s draws, with the P1 category indicating the tournament’s level within the circuit.
Courtois said he has been a great padel fan for years and follows the circuit very closely, emphasizing that his investment stems from a personal passion. His involvement is structured through NXTPLAY and does not constitute a simple sponsorship nor a promotional collaboration linked to his image. Vila, chief executive officer of NXTPLAY, places padel among the platform’s priorities and believes Gallop provides a foundation to develop business in the Middle East. The approach combines the investor’s resources with the promoter’s operational experience, also providing connections in sport and media to seek sponsors and new commercial opportunities.
The companies aim to develop more of their own events, extend their geographic presence and build lasting commercial agreements, beyond the continuity of the Dubai tournament. However, new competitions, specific destinations or an expansion schedule have not yet been identified, nor has Gallop’s valuation or the financial mechanism used been disclosed. For Courtois, the deal incorporates padel into an investment strategy linked to sport, media and entertainment. The move confirms his interest in growing outside football, although the economic results of the bet are still unknown.