There are hundreds of different sports games. Some are regionally based and some are cultural. Different parts of the world have several sports specifically played by the natives. However, some of the sports are popular universally. Among the top 10 popular sports, many are played almost in 90% of countries of the world. Here’s a list of the most popular sports internationally.
Football/Soccer
Football is the top most popular sport across the world. It’s not just about the number of people who enthusiastically watch the games, but also the people who play and participate. It could be at the grassroots level or 5-a-side leagues or just for fun with friends in the playground or parks or even on the streets. The sports governing body FIFA conducted a global census in which it was revealed that there are around 265 million people who play football. In addition to that, more than 5 million participate as referees. The numbers equate to approximately 4% of the world’s total population.
Badminton
It might come as a shock to you but badminton is among the top 10 popular sports. It is the most commonly played indoor sport. Around 220 million people regularly play the sport. Additionally, Asia is the hub of badminton and the most famous and exceptional players are from the continent.
Field Hockey
Field hockey is a fast-paced sport. Both men and women participate in it from over 100 countries on 5 continents across the globe. It is also a must at the Olympic games every year. Field hockey is different from ice hockey and much more technical. It includes 10 outfield players and a goalkeeper.
Volleyball
Volleyball was originated in America, but it is one of the top 10 popular sports played by approximately 998 million people. It is both an indoor and outdoor game and people across the world enjoy both versions. There are over 220 affiliated national federations that are registered with FIVB – the global governing body of Volleyball.
Basketball
According to FIBA – Federation of International Basketball Association, 450 million people at minimum plays basketball all across the world. Though, it could be through structured competitions or just for recreational purposes. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant; the basketball legends are the main reason for the rise in popularity of the sport. Originally, people started playing Basketball in America.
Tennis
Tennis is not just one of the top 10 popular sports played all over the world, rather it is the most popular individual sport as well. Approximately 60 million people including men and women across the globe enthusiastically play the sport. Moreover, other than its individual version, its double version is quite popular as well.
Cricket
Cricket is the most popular sport in Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, UK, and India. The majority of the players and participants are from these regions. However, it is now eventually gaining popularity in other countries across the world. According to ICC – the International Cricket Council, around 125 countries on the globe play cricket.
Table tennis
Table tennis is a very popular indoor sport. Around 300 million across the world play table tennis regularly. Over the years, the sport has gained more popularity especially due to integration in clubs, schools, and sports centers.
Baseball
In older times, baseball was only popular in America. However, over the years it is now gaining popularity worldwide especially in Japan. Softball is the female version of this game. According to WBSC – the World Baseball Softball Confederation approximately 65 million people in more than 140 countries play either of the two versions.
Golf
Golf is one of the most popular pastimes. Approximately 60 million people regularly participate in the sport across the world. However, by regularly playing golf it means taking part in one round of golf per year. Besides, it could also mean using a facility like a driving range.
