Hatem Ben Arfa, the former Newcastle United player, has not played professional football since 2022 but has found success in padel, a sport similar to tennis. Despite not officially retiring, Ben Arfa has been without a club since parting ways with Lille in 2022. He has won 70 tournaments and is ranked within the top 1,500 of 42,000 competitive players globally. Ben Arfa’s dedication to padel has impressed officials, and he plays almost every day, showcasing his commitment to his new passion.
Throughout his football career, Ben Arfa’s fitness and lifestyle choices often drew criticism, with some feeling he did not fully tap into his vast potential. His ex-agent revealed that Ben Arfa’s childhood played a role in his lack of work ethic, preventing him from achieving his full potential. Despite his talent, which was often praised, Ben Arfa was criticized for not putting in the necessary effort to reach the highest levels in football. His ex-agent believed that with the right mindset and work ethic, Ben Arfa could have gone on to win the Ballon d’Or, considering his immense talent.
Padel is growing in popularity, with dedicated centers for the sport in locations such as London. Ben Arfa’s success in padel has brought more attention to the sport, showcasing the opportunities it provides for former football players looking to stay active and competitive. While Ben Arfa has had an impressive football career, winning several titles, his transition to padel has allowed him to continue competing and excelling in a new arena. His dedication to the sport and the success he has achieved in a short period of time highlight his skill and passion for padel.
Ben Arfa’s last match was a 0-0 draw against Bordeaux while playing for Lille in February 2022. Since then, he has focused on padel and has seen significant success in the sport, winning multiple tournaments and climbing the global rankings. His decision to embrace padel highlights the opportunities available to former athletes to pursue new passions and continue competing at a high level. Ben Arfa’s commitment to his new sport and the recognition he has received within the padel community showcase his resilience and determination to excel outside of football.
Despite being seen as a player who didn’t fulfill his potential in football, Ben Arfa has found success in padel, demonstrating his competitiveness and skill in a different sport. With a trophy collection that includes Ligue 1 titles, French Cups, and French League Cups, Ben Arfa has had a decorated football career. His transition to padel has allowed him to continue showcasing his abilities and passion for competition, proving that it’s never too late to explore new avenues and find success in different sports. Ben Arfa’s journey in padel serves as an inspiring example of adapting to new challenges and excelling in alternative avenues after retiring from professional football.
