The popularity of many sports does vary from country to country, but there is no doubt that people from all over the world enjoy participating in and watching their favorite sports for entertainment. Some people are fortunate enough to make a career out of playing sports. The following is an overview of the top 10 most popular sports in the world.
1. Soccer
Soccer may be called by another name in some other countries, but the sport’s popularity around the world is definitely made known. Every four years the World Cup is held and the whole world is watching to see who returns as champions. Names like David Beckham and many other players have continued to put this sport at the top. While Americans wouldn’t rank soccer as the top sport, it garners this recognition when you consider the whole world.
2. Basketball
Basketball is definitely one of the top sports in the world. For years, big names like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Charles Barkley and many more brought exciting plays to the court. Basketball is also a prominent sport in the Olympics, and American teams see people coming from all over the world to play in the NBA. While basketball has suffered some popularity decline as of late, it’s still one of the best sports in the world.
3. Football
No doubt the Superbowl is one of the most watched sports games in history. Football is one of the most physical sports, and it’s popularity on the collegiate and high school levels is also at the top. Bowl games during the holidays are always fun to watch. And, you know where people are going to be on Friday night in America because it’s time for high school football.
4. Baseball
Baseball is considered America’s pastime, and it is popular throughout the world. Just like with other sports in America, many people from other countries come over to play professional baseball. Of course, other countries do have their professional leagues as well. The World Series is a big deal in America, and there is a feeling to baseball that is always going to be a part of Americana.
5. Golf
Golfing is all about technique, patience, the right equipment and skill. There are many similar sports to golf, and it is also set apart from other top sports on the list because of the difference in play. Many sports are fast-paced and physical, while golf is viewed and played quite differently. The PGA and LPGA tours welcome players from around the world, and names like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus have propelled this sport over the years to the top 10.
6. Tennis
At the mention of tennis, all the great names from the past decades come to mind. This sport is one that features just as many women greats as there are men greats within the sport. The four grand slams held throughout each year are viewed all around the world and feature some great match ups.
7. Hockey
While hockey doesn’t make everyone’s top 10 list, it is popular enough to make the overall list and is known for standing out from other sports. People tackle each other in football, but they fight each other often in hockey. Viewed as the most physical sport, it cannot be left off the list. The Stanley Cup is a coveted championship trophy, and this sport played on ice is popular in many other countries.
8. Volleyball
Volleyball has always been a fun sport to play but has made its way to the top 10 within the last few decades. Men and women love this sport, and it is often a one night a week community event in many towns and cities. While it is played in other countries, what keeps this sport on the lower end of the top 10 most popular sports is that it’s mostly enjoyed by Americans. Another great thing about volleyball is that it’s a fun sport to play on the beach!
9. Swimming
Not all schools have a swim team, but everyone knows the name Michael Phelps. And, swimming is a popular sport and fun activity for people throughout the whole world. Furthermore, it is also one of the best forms of total body exercise. Most everyone has viewed an Olympic swimming competition, and people flock to the swimming pools during the summer months.
10. Table Tennis
Did this last spot surprise you? The most populous country in the entire world is China. One of the most popular sports in all Asian countries is table tennis and Cricket, and it is also enjoyed by many people in other countries as well. Table tennis is fast-paced and extremely fun to watch when you see the top players show off their skills.
Was your favorite sport on the top 10 most popular sports list? There are other great sports that people enjoy as well, some of them like cricket being played for centuries. No doubt sports bring entertainment into the lives of billions of people, and it’s hard to find a person that doesn’t enjoy either playing, watching or both.
