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The most popular sports in the world thrill fans in a wide variety of countries. The number one sport is also very popular in this country.
The most popular sports in the world
All over the world, people are enthusiastic about a wide variety of sports. But which sport captivates the most? The benchmark for the most popular sports in the world is the estimated number of fans, i.e., active followers of the respective sport. Unsurprisingly, the number one spot in the global top 10 is no surprise.
- Soccer ranks unchallenged in first place. The sport has around 4 billion supporters. No other sport comes close to these figures.
- In second place is a sport that receives little attention in this country, but is actively followed by 2.5 billion people worldwide: cricket.
- In comparison, hockey is also quite popular in Germany – just think of the Olympic successes of the teams. With an estimated two billion fans, it ranks third among the most popular sports in the world.
- Tennis also has over a billion fans.
- Volleyball, which is particularly popular on the beach in summer, is the fifth most popular sport worldwide. Almost 900 million people are actively interested in this ball sport involving spiking and digging.
- Sixth place goes to table tennis, which does not make it into the top 10 in Germany. However, around 875 million people worldwide are interested in the sport, which is particularly popular and successful in Asia.
- In contrast, basketball is particularly popular in America, with the NBA arguably the strongest league in the world. The USA also regularly tops the world rankings. Around 825 million people worldwide are enthusiastic about basketball.
- With 500 million fans, baseball is significantly less popular, although most of its fans are likely to come from America.
- The same applies to rugby, which receives little attention in Germany. Of the 475 million people who find rugby attractive, the largest proportion are likely to come from the United States.
- Finally, the often-maligned sport of golf occupies the last place in the ranking of the ten most popular sports worldwide. Although it is often criticized as a “sport for the rich,” at least 450 million people worldwide find golf interesting, so this cliché is only partially true.
These are the top 10 sports in Germany
If you think some popular sports are missing from the global ranking, it’s worth taking a look at the top 10 most popular sports in Germany.
- Soccer is also by far the most popular sport in Germany. According to Statista, 31.2 percent of survey participants in 2023 are interested in the ball sport.
- Ski jumping follows in second place. No less than 13.7 percent of the people who took part in the survey are enthusiastic about this sport.
- Handball ranks third with 12.8 percent.
- Athletics is also very popular in Germany, with 12.5 percent of the votes.
- Biathlon achieved the same result.
- 11.4 percent of respondents are interested in motor racing.
- Alpine skiing ranks seventh among the most popular sports in Germany.
- 8.9 percent of respondents enjoy watching boxing.
- 8.6 percent are tennis fans.
- Swimming ranks tenth in Germany. 8.3 percent of survey participants said they were interested in it.
These are the 7 most unusual sports in the world
You probably know some of the most popular sports, but what about the most unusual ones? These are very special hobbies for people who like to be active:
- Extreme ironing: Ironing as an extreme sport? Yes, it really exists! Athletes iron their clothes in the most unusual places – on mountain peaks, underwater, or even while skydiving.
- Underwater archery: This special discipline requires strength, endurance, and good lung capacity. Underwater, participants shoot at targets with special bows—a real challenge for any scuba diver.
- Wife Carrying: This competition, which originated in Finland, requires participants to carry their partners on their backs over an obstacle course. The winner traditionally receives his wife’s weight in beer!
- Quidditch: Inspired by the Harry Potter series, Quidditch has developed into a real sport. With broomsticks between their legs, players run, pass, and score in a fast-paced mix of rugby and dodgeball.
- Ice golf: Played like golf, but on frozen lakes or snow-covered surfaces. The cold and unpredictable ground conditions make every game an exciting challenge.
- Chess boxing: A fascinating combination of body and mind. In alternating rounds of chess and boxing, athletes must demonstrate both strategic thinking and physical endurance.
- Zorb Football: Here, players are enclosed in giant inflatable balls and attempt to play soccer. The result? Spectacular collisions and lots of fun!
