Former Manchester City and England defender Joleon Lescott skippered his team into the London Grand Final at the third Pro Am Padel Tour event of 2025 at Pure Padel Stockport on Wednesday.
Now in its third year, the UK’s leading pro-celebrity padel series once again blended celebrity entertainment, elite-level sport, and community impact.
The Greater Manchester showcase featured an LTA-delivered Community Day followed by the high-energy Pro Am tournament, which saw sporting legends and TV personalities go head-to-head alongside some of GB’s top-ranked padel professionals.
The day featured a series of tightly contested matches in a round-robin format, culminating in an all-celebrity showdown to decide which captain advances to the London Grand Final this October.
After a dramatic finale, Lescott — who also played for Wolves, Everton and West Brom during a stellar career — emerged victorious over Team Houghton, captained by former Lionesses captain Steph Houghton.
Team Lescott therefore sealed their place alongside teams skippered by Jason Manford and Dion Dublin in the Grand Final on 14 October.
Lescott, who’s now a football pundit, coach and part-time DJ, told The Padel Paper: “In the first game, Frankie [Langan, GB no.5] was playing it as an exhibition match, but he soon ramped it up. When the pros turn it on, it’s amazing to watch. I’m just trying not to let him down!
“Padel is taking off massively. I fit a game in whenever I can. Wherever I am up and down the country, I’m looking for the nearest court.
“I think padel could potentially replace golf as the go-to sport for footballers. You can play a lot more as it takes less time, plus you can play this all year round. It doesn’t impact on your body which is important as a pro.”
Team Lescott
Joleon Lescott – Ex-England & Man City defender
Alex Aljoe – Premier League presenter
Phil Jones – Former Man United & England defender
Freddie Steward – England rugby fullback
James Stewart – TV presenter
Jeff Brazier – TV presenter & personality
Team Houghton
Steph Houghton – Ex-England captain & Man City legend
Bethany Shriever – Olympic BMX gold medallist
Spencer Owen – Creator of Hashtag United
Anthony Watson – England rugby star & Lion
Jason Robinson – Rugby World Cup winner
David Ornstein – Football commentator
Pro line-up
Louie Harris (GB No.3), Tia Norton (GB No.3), Laura Jackson (LTA No.3), Cameron Dollimore (GB No.7), Hanna Maddock (GB No.7), Frankie Langan (GB No.9), Alfonso Patacho (LTA No.1).
The winner in London will receive the Captain’s Fund, a charity prize pot launched with a £10,000 donation from the Pro Am Padel Tour and boosted throughout the season by celebrity challenges and partner contributions.
MVP honours went to Houghton, who earned 121 England caps and three WSL trophies in her career, and TV presenter James Stewart, each receiving a Certina DS-7 timepiece in recognition of their performances.
All celebrity participants received exclusive gift bags from Yoovy, Skechers, Nox, CUPRA, and Padel Shack.
