Born in Nice, Padovani began his career on FC Villefranche’s youth system, and joined Monaco in 2001. He then left the club in the following season, finishing his formation with Cavigal Nice Sports. In 2008, he returned to Monaco, after a brief period with Rapid Menton (only playing friendlies). He was assigned with the club’s B-side, in CFA. On 6 January 2009, he appeared on the bench in a first-team friendly against Juventus. In June 2010, Padovani signed a one-year professional deal with Monaco, which was renewed a year later.

He was released at the end of 2011–12 season, without featuring with the first team. However, after failed trials with Nantes, Laval and CA Bastia, he returned to Monaco II with an amateur contract. He then was a regular starter at the reserve side for 2012–13. In April 2013, Padovani went on a trial at Leyton Orient. He trained with the club for a week, but nothing came of it.

Padovani made his Portsmouth debut on 9 July 2013, in a pre-season friendly against Havant & Waterlooville; he also scored the fourth of a 5–0 win. In his following game, against Bognor Regis Town, he scored the second of 4–2 win.

Padovani made his league debut in a 4–1 home defeat to Oxford United on 3 August 2013. He scored his first goal in English football on 26 December, scoring the only goal in a 1–0 home win over Dagenham & Redbridge, through a 45th-minute header. On 23 June of the following year, Padovani was released from Pompey by mutual consent.