Most Popular Sports in The World

Most Popular Sports in The World

Soccer or Football is considered one of the most watched and popular sports in the world. A popular sport would undoubtedly attract more fans and followers from all around the world.

Sports and games have a long and illustrious history while some of the oldest sports are still practiced in some form or another. The number of supporters throughout the world is one of the most important criteria in determining the popularity of sports.

The following are some of the strategies we utilized in assessing these world-famous sports:

  • The number of people who follow that sport on social media.
  • There are a lot of professional leagues throughout the world.
  • The number of professional athletes involved in the sport.
  • The popularity of well-known athletes or players in that sport
  • The number of people who follow or watch that sport’s mega-events.
  • Professional individuals or teams affiliated with that sport’s wealth or net worth

1. Soccer/Football – 4.1 Billion Fans

  • Number of Fans: 4.1 Billion
  • Popularity Region: Worldwide Especially in Europe & Africa
  • Number of Leagues: More than any other sports
  • Prominent Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar
  • Mega Events: FIFA World Cup, Euro Cup, UEFA Finals, El Classico
  • Popular Leagues: English Primer League, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Series A

You may have already guessed which sports will be the most popular. Football is the most popular sport in the world, with over 4.1 billion fans around the world.

Soccer, often known as association football, is a popular sport played and watched all over the world, particularly in Europe and Africa.

The fact that it has the most professional leagues in the world is the second most important factor for its top ranking. More than 7.7 million people came to Russia to watch the FIFA World Cup 2018.

This massive number outnumbers any other sporting event in the World Cup. The forthcoming World Cup in football will reveal the true number of fans worldwide. This is expected to be the world’s largest sporting event ever.

2. Basketball – 2.7 Billion Fans

  • Number of Fans: 7 Billion
  • Popularity Region: USA, Canada, Europe & Africa
  • Number of Leagues: More than 100 Around the world
  • Prominent Players: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Dwyane Wade
  • Mega Events: FIBA World Cup, NBA Finals, Olympic Games
  • Popular Leagues: NBA, FIBA, EuroLeague

Basketball is the world’s second most popular sport, with over 2.7 billion fans worldwide. Because fan support is the most important factor in rating popular sports, basketball has surpassed cricket for second place.

Basketball is more popular in the United States, Canada, Europe, and a variety of other countries. There are more than 100 leagues around the world dedicated to the game.

Basketball boasts some of the world’s wealthiest athletes. It implies that this popular sport pays well.

3. Cricket – 2.6 Billion Fans

  • Number of Fans: 6 Billion
  • Popularity Region: Asia, South Africa, Australia
  • Number of Leagues: 10+ (Series Based)
  • Prominent Players: Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers
  • Mega Events: ICC World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy
  • Popular Leagues: IPL, PSL, BPL

Cricket is the world’s third most popular sport, with over 2.6 billion supporters worldwide. In Asia, South Africa, and Australia, cricket is mostly played and watched.

Cricket is played, watched, and enjoyed by a great number of people in these areas. Cricket, unlike football, is primarily played in series.

However, in the previous decade, several changes have been made, and numerous popular cricket leagues have been formed, increasing its appeal.

4. Tennis – 1.5 Billion Fans

  • Number of Fans: 5 Billion
  • Popularity Region: Europe, America, Asia
  • Number of Leagues: More than 50
  • Prominent Players: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams
  • Mega Events: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon

Popular Leagues:  US Open, Davis CupTennis is the world’s fourth most popular sport, with over 1.5 billion fans. There are around 50 professional tennis leagues worldwide, with numerous mega-events.

This is a unique sport in which just one or two team members compete. More than 1.5 billion people watch mega-events and significant rivalry matches.

5. Boxing – 900 Million Fans

  • Number of Fans: 900 Million
  • Popularity Region: USA, Mexico, Japan
  • Number of Leagues: More than 50
  • Prominent Players: Floyd Mayweather, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson
  • Mega Events: Boxing at the Olympic Games, World Boxing Championships
  • Popular Leagues: Ultimate Fighting Championship, One Championship

With over 900 million fans worldwide, boxing is the fifth most popular sport on the planet. Another famous and powerful aspect of boxing that has contributed to its popularity is the players’ individual riches and net worth.

Some boxers are among the world’s wealthiest athletes. People all across the world, particularly in the United States, Mexico, and Japan, enjoy and watch boxing.

6. Volleyball – 900 Million Fans

  • Number of Fans: 900 Million
  • Popularity Region: Brazil, China, Russia
  • Number of Leagues: More than 50
  • Prominent Players: Kerri Walsh Jennings, Giba, Ivan Zaytsev
  • Mega Events: Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup
  • Popular Leagues: FIVB Volleyball World League, Federation Internationale de Volleyball

Volleyball is currently the world’s sixth most popular sport, with almost 900 million fans. Volleyball grew in popularity during the last decade as a result of the Olympic Games. It has risen to the top sports in the world as a result of a significant increase in its global fan base.

7. Rugby – 500 Million Fans

  • Number of Fans: 500 Million
  • Popularity Regio: USA, England, France
  • Number of Leagues: More than 20
  • Prominent Players: David Pocock, Jonah Lomu, Dan Carter
  • Mega Events: Olympic Games, World Cup
  • Popular Leagues: Super League, National Rugby League

Rugby is the world’s seventh most watched and played sport, with 500 million fans worldwide. Rugby is one of the oldest sports in the world, and it is being played today, albeit with significant changes. The Olympic Games have increased Rugby’s fan base to 500 million people. Rugby has more than 20 leagues around the world, thanks to the Olympic games and the World Cup.

8. ICE HOCKEY – 500 Million Fans

  • Number of Fans: 500 Million
  • Popularity Region: Canada, United States, Russia
  • Number of Leagues: More than 30
  • Prominent Players: Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Steve Yzerman
  • Mega Events: Winter Olympics, Stanley Cup, World Cup
  • Popular Leagues: NHL, KHL, American Hockey League

Currently, ice hockey is the world’s eighth most popular sport. It has a fan base of over 500 million people, making it one of the most popular and watched sports on the planet. It is an ice-based team sport with a high level of contact.

Ice hockey is one of the world’s most entertaining sports. Hockey is more popular in Canada, the United States, and Russia. As a result, ice hockey has become one of the most popular American sports in recent years.

9. Baseball – 480 Million Fans

  • Number of Fans: 480 Million
  • Popularity Region: United States, Mexico, Cuba
  • Number of Leagues: 10 Plus
  • Prominent Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar
  • Mega Events: World Series, World Baseball Classic
  • Popular Leagues: MLB, Minor League Baseball, National League

Baseball is the world’s 9th most popular sport, with over 480 million fans. In the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, the sport is increasingly popular.

It is also popular in several other nations. Baseball, like cricket, is a bat-and-ball sport, but the regulations are very different.

10. Golf – 450 Million Fans

  • Number of Fans: 450 Million
  • Popularity Region: United States, Italy, NewZealand
  • Number of Leagues: More than 10
  • Prominent Players: Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson
  • Mega Events: Olympic Games, Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup
  • Popular Leagues: PGA TOUR, LPGA, THE PLAYERS Championship

Golf is the world’s 10th most popular sport, with more than 450 million fans worldwide. In the United States and New Zealand, golf is more popular. It is home to some of the world’s wealthiest athletes, including Tiger Woods. Prominent Players’ names are based on the number of social media admirers they have.


Also Read: Richest Tennis Players in the World