Navarro named Spain women's padel captain

Carolina Navarro is one of the defining figures in international padel. Just months after ending her professional playing career, the former world number one now takes over as captain of the Spanish women's national team. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo during the Padel World Summit in Barcelona, the Andalusian discussed her retirement from the tour, the sport's rapid growth, and her responsibility ahead of the upcoming World Championship cycle.

From wooden rackets to Roland-Garros

With more than three decades of experience at the highest level, Navarro has witnessed padel's transformation up close. She recalls modest beginnings with wooden rackets, small clubs, and facilities far from today's major standards. Today the sport fills venues such as Roland-Garros and the Foro Italico, draws tens of thousands of fans, and attracts global brand partners.

The pace still surprises her: she expected growth, but not at this speed. Navarro also noted that she organized early international padel trade shows long before the market reached its current momentum. For her, this evolution is measurable in every aspect of the professional circuit.

A new role, same passion

Since November, Navarro has no longer competed regularly on the World Tour, yet she has remained closely connected to the sport. She works with Joma, appears at events, clinics, and training camps, and stays active in the development of women's padel. The major change is her appointment as Spain's national captain, replacing Icíar Montes.

For Navarro, representing the national team is the highest expression of sporting identity. She describes the position as an honor and a test, because decisions directly affect individual players' careers. That mix of pride and responsibility defines her start in the new role.

Eight spots, many candidates

Selection for the upcoming World Championship will be Navarro's first major challenge. Spain has exceptional depth in women's padel, but only eight players can be nominated. She stresses that despite the country's quality, tough calls are inevitable and some top athletes will be left out.

On a possible comeback by Alejandra Salazar, who plans to end her own pro career at season's end, Navarro remains cautious. She hopes to count on the former world number one but considers a final squad premature. She also confirmed that, despite uncertainty around the Qatar Major, the World Championship is still expected to take place in Doha for now.

Spain and Argentina lead, Europe closes in

In Navarro's view, Spain and Argentina remain the dominant nations in world padel. At the same time, she sees several European federations closing the gap. She names Italy, Portugal, France, and Belgium as the strongest challengers in international team competition.

That assessment reflects current competition: while Iberian and South American teams set the benchmark, pressure from Europe is growing. For Spain, that means added responsibility to defend its leading position.

Peace after retirement

Unlike some former pros, Navarro says she does not feel intense competitive pressure after retiring. She still plays for enjoyment but has found a new balance outside tour life. The final season, with numerous tributes, remains especially emotional for her.

Her farewell in Málaga, her home city, marked the real end for her. Navarro wanted to choose the moment herself and aimed to finish in Acapulco, where modern padel has its roots. That deliberate planning helped her manage the transition on and off court.

Padel World Summit as a stage

The Padel World Summit in Barcelona provided the right setting for Navarro's first public framing as national team captain. There she met stakeholders, partners, and media representatives driving the sport's global expansion. For Spain, timing matters: the World Championship cycle is approaching while sponsors and federations continue to raise visibility for women's padel.

Navarro stresses that her playing background helps communication with the squad. She knows pressure phases, travel loads, and the psychological swings of a season. That understanding should support fair, transparent decisions when only eight names can make the final list.

Women's padel as a growth field

In the interview, Navarro made clear that women's padel is no longer just an add-on to the men's circuit. Bigger stages, higher prize money, and more professional structures change demands on players and staff alike. As captain, she wants to use that momentum to develop young talent while integrating experienced leaders.

She sees Spain's squad depth as both strength and burden. Every selection call is debated publicly and every nomination sends signals nationally and internationally. Navarro accepts that responsibility and emphasizes transparency and respect for all candidates.

A legacy beyond trophies

Despite an impressive record, Navarro stresses that titles alone do not define her career. What matters is the values she leaves behind and how she is remembered as a person. That outlook fits her new role as mentor and role model for Spain's next generation of players.

As national team captain, Navarro opens a chapter that can further shape women's padel. Between demanding squad decisions, growing international competition, and personal calm after active play, she now stands on the sideline—yet at the center of Spanish elite sport.