Sports unite people, ignite passions and thrill billions of fans around the world. But which are the most popular sports on the planet? What criteria are used to classify them: number of fans, TV ratings, number of licensees, media reach?
Here’s our ranking of the world’s 10 most popular sports, based on a combination of audience, practitioners, social network following and cultural impact.
N°1 - Football (Soccer)
4+ billion fans worldwide
Soccer is THE king of sports. It is played in almost every country and followed religiously on every continent. The World Cup attracts billions of TV viewers. Clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United and PSG have fans on every continent.
Its simplicity (all you need is a ball!) and high media profile make it the most universal of sports.
N°2 - Cricket
2.5 billion fans
You may not play it, but cricket is a monster of popularity, especially in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia and the UK. The Indian Premier League (IPL) generates billions of views and dollars every season.
It’s a complex sport, but deeply rooted in certain cultures.
N°3 - Field field hockey
2 billion fans
Widely practiced in Asia, Europe and Africa, field field hockey remains an Olympic sport, with a strong following in countries such as India, the Netherlands and Germany.
It is often overlooked in the Western media, but is played on a massive scale.
N°4 - Tennis
1 billion fans
An elegant, competitive and global sport, tennis is followed the world over thanks to the Grand Slams (Wimbledon, Roland-Garros, US Open, Australian Open) and stars like Nadal, Djokovic and Swiatek.
It’s a highly publicized and respected individual sport.
N°5 - Basketball
2.4 billion fans
The NBA has transformed basketball into a global phenomenon. Players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Stephen Curry have become global icons. Basketball is also a very popular sport in schools and universities.
It combines spectacle, intensity and urban culture.
N°6 - Volleyball
Volleyball is played in high schools, on beaches, in clubs and in international competitions. It has a strong presence at the Olympic Games and appeals for its collective and accessible dimension.
N°7 - Table tennis
Often underestimated, table tennis is an ultra-popular sport, particularly in Asia. It is even the national sport in China. Extremely fast and demanding, it shines at the Olympic Games and in world competitions.
N°8 - Baseball
Baseball is extremely popular in the USA, Cuba, Japan, South Korea and the Caribbean. Major League Baseball (MLB) remains an institution.
It’s a sport with deep cultural roots in many countries.
N°9 - Rugby
Rugby, whether 7-a-side or 15-a-side, is adored in countries such as France, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and England. The Rugby World Cup generates millions of spectators and a unique craze.
N°10 - Golf
Once considered a sport for the rich, golf has evolved. Thanks to stars like Tiger Woods, it has gained in accessibility and visibility. It is followed the world over through the Masters and the Ryder Cup.
Other sports close to the Top 10
Formula 1: high media profile, strong growth
Cycling: with the Tour de France in the lead
MMA / UFC: explosive and spectacular
e-sport: on the rise, especially among young people
Athletics: popularity peaks during the Olympic Games
Conclusion
Every sport has its fans, its legends, its culture. But in terms of worldwide popularity, soccer remains king. Cricket and field field hockey impress with their mass fan bases in specific regions. Other disciplines, such as basketball and tennis, shine through their global reach.
But what of tomorrow? Perhaps e-sports, padel or new emerging sports will shake up this top 10..
The 10 most popular sports in the world
