The upcoming FIP World Cup in Doha features a star-studded lineup of legendary former players who have transitioned into coaching roles to lead their respective national teams. These icons are tasked with the critical responsibility of managing team dynamics, selecting winning pairs, and guiding the next generation of talent toward world championship glory.
Legendary Coaches Leading the Charge in Doha
The coaching benches at this year’s tournament are filled with figures who defined the sport, each bringing unique tactical expertise and leadership styles to their national squads:
- Juanjo (Juan José Gutierrez Vicario): Leading the Spanish men’s team, Juanjo faces the immediate challenge of managing a roster adjustment following Ale Galan’s injury-related withdrawal, which saw Javi Leal join the squad. He is tasked with guiding stars like Arturo Coello and Juan Lebron to reclaim the world title for Spain.
- Carolina Navarro: A former world number one for nine years, Navarro transitioned from her playing career at the end of 2025 to take charge of the Spanish women’s team, providing both tactical acumen and veteran leadership.
- Gaby Reca and Rodri Ovide: These two icons lead the Argentine effort to defend their men’s title and contend for the women’s crown. Reca, a former world number one, and Ovide, a highly experienced coach, are supported by assistant captain Juan Manuel Restivo.
- Marcela Ferrari, Saverio Palmieri, and Filippo Scala: Ferrari, the first woman to coach a top-tier male player (Fernando Belasteguin), leads the Italian strategy. Alongside Palmieri and Scala, she aims to keep the Italian women on the podium for a fourth consecutive time while pushing the men’s team toward their first-ever medal.
- Gervasio Del Bono: A former World Pairs Champion from Brazil, Del Bono brings his extensive competitive experience to the coaching bench as he continues his work with the Brazilian national program.
- Pablo Lima: The former world-dominating player, who retired in 2023, is now focused on developing Brazilian talent, working closely with on-court captain Lucas Bergamini.
- Iciar Montes: Great Britain has secured the services of Montes, a legendary figure who held the world number one spot for 12 years and boasts an impressive resume of nine world titles and three European titles as a coach.
- Juan Alday: The Argentine coach, known for his work with top players like Marta Marrero and his time as an assistant to Fernando Belasteguin, is currently leading the French women’s national team.
Whether managing the pressure of the group stages or making the high-stakes decisions required for the final, these legends are proving that their impact on padel extends far beyond their time as active competitors.
