What are the most popular sports worldwide?

This iconic phrase comes in many forms and has been credited to different people over the years, but its core message remains: if you truly love sports, you appreciate them in all their different forms.

 

Take Cristiano Ronaldo as an example: one of the greatest football players of all time, who also enjoys playing basketball. Gareth Bale? He’s obsessed with golf. Zidane? Before dazzling the world on the pitch, he practiced judo.

 

There’s no doubt that football is one of the most popular sports worldwide, but it’s far from being the only one, even for the best football players on the planet.

 

So, besides football taking the number one spot, what are the most popular sports in the world?

 

Let’s find out!

 

 

The 7 Most Popular Sports Worldwide 

 

As we mentioned, football leads the pack. But some of the other most watched sports around the world might surprise you. Want to take a guess?

 

1 – Football 

 

It’s estimated that over 4 billion people play and follow football across every continent.

 

Even in remote Pacific islands—where rugby is also beloved—football unites communities. Just look at the passionate crowds at iconic stadiums like Lawson Tama National Stadium in the Solomon Islands.

 

Football isn't just the most played sport; it’s also one of the most watched sports worldwide. According to UEFA, the last European Championship reached around 5.2 billion viewers across TV and mobile platforms.

 

 

2 – Cricket 

 

It’s the first big surprise on our list.

 

While it’s not very popular in Europe (except in England) or South America, it’s absolutely massive in South Asia, especially in India and Pakistan.

 

Cricket enjoys a massive global following of around 2.5 billion fans, fueled by epic showdowns like England vs. India, the intense India vs. Pakistan rivalry, and the worldwide appeal of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

 

 

3 – Basketball 

 

Now picture this: Ronaldo swapping cleats for sneakers and dominating a basketball court with three-pointers and slam dunks.

 

Basketball, another of Ronaldo’s favorite sports, is followed by over 2.4 billion fans worldwide.

 

 

4 – Hockey (Field and Ice) 

 

Together, ice and field hockey attract around 2 billion fans globally.

 

In North America, ice hockey shines through the NHL and the Winter Olympics. Field hockey dominates in countries like the Netherlands, India, Pakistan, and Argentina, especially during the Summer Olympics and the FIH Hockey World Cup.

 

 

5 – Tennis

 

The fast-paced yellow-ball game keeps winning hearts across the globe.

 

About 1 billion people follow the ATP and WTA tours and tune in for major tournaments like Wimbledon and Roland Garros, especially when players like Alcaraz, Djokovic, or Sinner take the stage.

 

 

6 – Volleyball

 

Volleyball may not be the first sport that comes to mind, but it deserves a spot on this list.

 

With about 900 million fans, it's popular in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. All you need is a net and a ball, and you’re ready to play—on the beach, at the park, or indoors.

 

The Olympic Games, the FIVB World Championship (where Portugal is set to compete in 2025!), and the FIVB Nations League are among the sport’s most-watched events

 

7 – Table Tennis

 

And finally: table tennis.

 

It may come as a surprise, but this fast-paced game is extremely popular in East Asia, particularly in China (where it’s the national sport), Japan, and South Korea.

 

With its simplicity and speed, table tennis manages to attract around 850 million fans around the world.

 

From football stadiums packed with roaring fans to intense table tennis rallies in bustling Asian arenas, the world of sports is as diverse as it is thrilling. Whether you're into the best goals in football or jaw-dropping slam dunks, there's a sport—and a community—out there for everyone.

 

So, if you're curious about football or want to follow stories about the Portuguese national team, head over to our Editorial section for more articles!