The Milan Premier Padel P1, held from December 2 to 8, became the stage where Fernando Belasteguín, known as Bela or "El Jefe," played his last match as a professional. This historic event not only marked the end of a chapter but also the beginning of a new one. His collaboration with Wilson Sporting Goods will continue, as the legacy of a champion extends beyond retirement.
Bela will remain a key member of Wilson’s advisory staff, serving as a global ambassador and promoter of padel. His extensive experience and expertise will continue to drive the development of high-quality, high-performance products, strengthening his connection with Wilson and leaving an even greater mark on the sport that unites them.
“Some athletes leave a mark. And then there are those who redefine history. Fernando Belasteguín, our beloved Bela, belongs to the latter. Over thirty years, he has been much more than a professional padel player; he has set the standard for excellence, passion, and perseverance on the court,” commented Iñaki Cabrera, Global Director of Padel at Wilson Sporting Goods.
With thirty years of competition and 230 titles won from 286 finals, Bela has dominated padel like no one else. His extraordinary 16-year reign as the world’s number one player is an achievement that transcends statistics. But beyond the numbers, what truly sets him apart is his unwavering work ethic, his love for the sport, and his ability to inspire generations of players and fans.
Fernando Belasteguín joined Wilson’s prestigious advisory program, a group that includes over 10,000 professional athletes, coaches, teaching experts, and advisors across a wide variety of sports worldwide. Bela became part of a team of iconic ambassadors alongside legends like Roger Federer and Serena Williams, who, like him, have helped define and grow their respective sports.
From the moment he joined the Wilson family, the brand knew they were welcoming not just a legend but a true ambassador for padel. Together, they have created products that have revolutionized the sport-from rackets and bags to high-performance apparel and footwear-combining Bela’s unmatched on-court expertise with over a century of Wilson’s innovation in racquet sports.
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