Sports are a great part of our lives as they give us something to participate in, watch, bond over, and talk about. With so many sports in the world, it can be difficult to know which are the most popular. This article takes a look at the top most popular sports across the world and why they have managed to maintain their widespread appeal.
Top Most Popular Sports Around the World
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Soccer: Not surprisingly, soccer is the most popular sport in the world. The sport has been around for centuries, in various forms, with the modern game evolving in the Middle Ages in England. Today, soccer is the world’s most popular sport and it is no surprise; the game is fun and easy to learn, inexpensive to play, and is seen as a great way to exercise. There are over 265 million active soccer players in the world, with the majority of players aged 15-34. Over 200 countries host an organized national team, making it one of the most widely-played sports in the world.
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Basketball: Basketball is another sport that enjoys a great level of popularity. Basketball is a sport that is easy to learn, requires minimal equipment, and can be played almost anywhere. Originally played in the United States, the game quickly spread throughout the world, with a number of countries forming professional leagues and national teams. Today, there are over 300 million active basketball players in the world.
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Cricket: Cricket is one of the most popular team sports in many countries, particularly in India, England, and the Caribbean. The game is played with 2 teams of 11 players and is based on batting, bowling, and field placements. It takes a lot of skill to play well, which can take a while to master, but once your team gains momentum – you can be in the game for days. There are an estimated 2.5 billion people who follow cricket around the world.
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Tennis: Tennis is a game that transcends age, race, and gender. The simple yet challenging game is easy to play and perfect for anyone wanting to stay active and have fun. There are an estimated one billion tennis fans around the world, with tennis players competing in tennis clubs, tournaments, and leagues.
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Volleyball: Volleyball is a similar game to tennis in that it is great for anyone wanting to stay active, but the game requires much less equipment and skills. It has been played in various forms for hundreds of years and is now enjoyed by about 800 million players and spectators worldwide. With its fast, energetic pace and emphasis on team effort, it’s no surprise that the game is so popular.
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Table Tennis:
Often associated with China, table tennis is a sport that enjoys a great level of popularity around the world. Like most racket sports, the game is easy to learn and requires minimal equipment. It has been around since the 1880s and is now played in over 190 countries. The game has over 900 million active players and spectators worldwide. -
Baseball: Baseball has been around since the mid-19th century and is still one of the most popular sports around the world. Although it is the dominant sport in Japan and the United States, it is enjoyed in many other countries too. It requires great physical and mental dexterity and is incredibly skillful to watch. There are 500 million people who actively enjoy the game of baseball.
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Rugby: Rugby is another sport that enjoys a great deal of popularity. It is a physical game that mixes team strategy and muscular strength and can be quite violent at times. It has been played in various forms since the 19th century and is now enjoyed by over 475 million people across the world.
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Golf: Golf is a sport that has been around since the 15th century and is enjoyed by players and enthusiasts across the world. It is a skillful game that requires accuracy and precision, while also providing an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. It is estimated that more than 486 million people play golf across the world.
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American Football:
American Football is a rising sport in popularity. While it has been around for a long time, it is only in the last two decades or so that it has enjoyed a truly worldwide appeal. It requires a lot of tactical thinking and physical conditioning, which is why it is becoming popular in both the United States and abroad. An estimated 498 million people around the world are currently enjoying American Football.
The popularity of sports around the world is immense, with a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of the physicality of rugby or the finesse of golf, there’s a sport for everyone. This article has looked at the top 10 most popular sports around the world, highlighting why they have managed to maintain their worldwide appeal.
