Brazilian table tennis star Hugo Calderano, currently ranked World No. 2, has officially signed a landmark partnership with the legendary equipment brand JOOLA for the 2026 season and beyond. JOOLA, a historic manufacturer founded in 1952, announced this signing on January 2nd as one of the most significant moves in its recent history, adding a true global powerhouse to its elite roster.
Joining the Elite
By joining Team JOOLA, Calderano aligns himself with other top international stars such as Liam Pitchford and Lily Zhang. As the first player from the Americas to reach the Olympic semi-finals and achieve a top-three world ranking, Hugo brings a unique “pioneer” status to the brand.
“I’m excited to begin this new chapter with JOOLA,” Calderano shared. “Together, I believe we can help bring even more visibility and energy to table tennis and inspire players across the Americas and beyond.”
The “One of One” Campaign
To mark the launch, JOOLA introduced the “One of One” campaign. This initiative is designed around Hugo’s distinct personality—celebrating his relentless pursuit of excellence, his unique hobbies (like solving a Rubik’s cube in 9 seconds!), and his deep commitment to developing the sport in Brazil through school leagues and material donations.
For JOOLA, this partnership isn’t just about high-performance gear; it’s a strategic roadmap leading toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, positioning Hugo as the face of the brand for the upcoming home-continent games.
Reference
JOOLA Blog (January 2, 2026) – Table Tennis Phenom Hugo Calderano Chooses JOOLA in Landmark Partnership
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