Top 10 Most Popular Sports In The World | 2023 Power Rankings (Updated)

Here, we’ll be looking at some of the best sports in the world. But before this is possible, it’s important for us to know how important sports are in the rankings. We have sports as part of our lifestyle. From our childhood, when sports were taken seriously, to later years of life, we considered them a hobby, a routine fitness activity, or maybe even an occupation. In almost everything on earth, sports are enjoyed. The Summer. Most people regard the role models they portray in sports as role models.

Sports have been a part of human culture for centuries. Today, sports are still one of the most beloved pastimes around the world. But which are genuinely the most popular sports?

Sports have an incredible power to captivate, inspire, and unite people across the globe. With numerous disciplines and competitions, the world is home to a rich tapestry of athletic pursuits. From traditional favorites to emerging sensations, this article explores the ten most popular sports that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide.

Ranking of 10 Most Popular Sports (Country Vise)

Ranking	Sport	Worldwide Followers	Most Popular Sports (Country)
1	Football	4.2 Billion Followers	Brazil, Argentina, England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Mexico
2	Basketball	3.2 Billion	USA, Canada, and Australia
3	Cricket	3.2 Billion	India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia, and England
4	Hockey	1.6 Billion	India, Pakistan, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, and England
5	Tennis	1.4 Billion	USA, UK, Australia, Spain, France, Switzerland, and Italy
6	Volleyball	1 Billion	Brazil, the United States, and Russia
7	Baseball	950 Million	United States, Japan, and South Korea
8	Rugby	900 Million	Australia, England and New Zealand
9	Golf	895 Million	Ireland, Canada, and the UK
10	Ice Hockey	800 Million	Canada, USA, Russia, and Sweden

Top 10 Most Popular Sports in the World:

Sports have been around for centuries, and most can agree that they are a great way to stay active and build friendships. But which are the most popular sports in the world? We did our research and compiled a list of the 10 most popular sports in the world in 2023.

1. Soccer/Football: (4.2 Billion Followers)

Football tops this list. A 2023 survey looking at global audience engagement found that soccer (or football, as it’s known in many countries) was the most popular sport in the world. The survey showed that nearly 4.4 billion people, or half of the world’s population, watched or engaged with soccer in some way in 2022. This should come as no surprise, as it is easily the most popular sport in the world. It is played in almost every country, has tens of millions of fans, and its most important competitions have huge viewership numbers. It is also the most-watched sport in the world.

The two most well-known international soccer competitions are the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League. These tournaments draw massive television viewership every single year, making them two of the most-watched sports events in the world.

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2. Basketball: (3.2 Billion Followers) Most Popular Sports in USA

This second most popular sport in the world is most likely growing faster than any other. Its success can be attributed to how easy it is to play and the fact that most countries have their own basketball leagues. It is also one of the most popular sports in America. It is also one of the best sports and most loved sports worldwide.

Basketball is an action-packed sport, celebrated for its spectacular dunks and high-scoring matches. The National Basketball Association (NBA), which has been instrumental in making basketball a global phenomenon loved by fans on all continents, has further fueled its enormous popularity.

Apart from being one of the most popular sports in the world in 2023, Basketball also has some of the best sponsorship deals with big Brands worldwide.

LeBron James has an annual deal with Nike that earns him approximately $50 million. In stark contrast, basketball legend Michael Jordan earns a whopping $100 million, twice as much as James.

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3. Cricket: (3.2 Billion Followers)

Cricket, beloved in countries like India, Australia, England, and South Africa, boasts a massive following. Combining strategy, skill, and endurance, this bat-and-ball sport enthralls fans with its various formats, including Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and the faster-paced Twenty20 (T20) games. IPL Teams are also the most popular sports teams in the world. Also, cricket is the most popular sports in India.

Originating in England, cricket is most popular in the Indian subcontinent, but it’s also played throughout most of Asia and parts of Africa. It has several different versions, and its most important matches attract huge crowds. Cricket is a sport that originated in England and has been around since the 16th century. It is a bat-and-ball game that is typically played on a cricket field, which is rectangular and has a 22-yard-long pitch in the middle. Two teams of 11 players each take turns batting and fielding. The objective of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team. Also, Cricket is the most popular sport in India.

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4. Field Hockey: (1.6 Billion Followers)

The most popular team sport on the planet, field hockey, is most popular in India and Pakistan, but it’s also widely played in Europe and parts of South America.

The game of field hockey originated in England in the late 1800s. It was originally played with a ball that was made out of wood. The modern-day field hockey stick was first introduced in the early 1900s. Field hockey is now played in over 100 countries around the world.

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5. Tennis: (1.4 Billion Followers)

This individual sport has been around for centuries and is most popular in Europe and the United States. It has several important tournaments worldwide, and its most prestigious one, Wimbledon, dates back to 1877.

Tennis is a sport that many people enjoy. Anyone can participate in this challenge because it is both physical and mental. The game of tennis is played with a racket and a ball on a court. There are different types of strokes that can be used to hit the ball, and the player must use strategy to win points. Tennis can be played in singles or doubles.

Known for its elegance and individual brilliance, tennis attracts fans with its showcase of skill, agility, and mental fortitude. The Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open, and the US Open, consistently draw worldwide attention, while superstars like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams captivate audiences with their exceptional talent.

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6. Volleyball: (1 Billion Followers)

This indoor sport originated in the United States and is most popular throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. Its most successful variations are beach volleyball and water polo.

Volleyball’s energetic gameplay and accessibility have propelled its popularity across the world. Played both indoors and on sandy beaches, this team sport showcases remarkable athleticism and requires coordination and teamwork. International competitions, including the FIVB World Championships and the Olympic Games, have contributed to

Volleyball is a sport that many people enjoy. It is a fast-paced sport that can be played indoors or outdoors. Volleyball is a great sport to play because it is not too physically demanding, and you can enjoy it with friends.

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7. Baseball: (950 Million Followers)

This World Series sport was most popular in the United States, but it is slowly gaining a potential audience in Europe and Asia.

For centuries, people all over the world have enjoyed playing baseball. It is a straightforward game that people of all ages can enjoy. Baseball is a game that can be played with any number of people. There are many different ways to play baseball.

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8. Rugby: (900 Million Followers)

Most popular in the United Kingdom, this sport has several different versions, most notably rugby union, and rugby league, which are most popular outside of Britain.

Originating in England, rugby has evolved into a global sport, divided into two main formats: rugby union and rugby league. With their bone-crunching tackles and fierce rivalries, these fast-paced games have avid followings in countries like New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England, and France.

Rugby is a dangerous sport that can lead to many injuries. In order to play rugby safely, it is important to know the proper techniques and how to protect yourself. Injuries can occur from contact with other players, or from contact with the ground. Some common injuries include bruises, scrapes, cuts, and concussions.

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9. Golf: (895 Million Followers)- Rich People’s game

Golf, often described as a sport of precision and patience, enjoys global appeal, with enthusiasts following major tournaments like the Masters, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. The serene landscapes, skillful shots, and the mental challenge of the game have made golf a beloved sport worldwide.

Often associated with high society, this sport most notably has the most prestigious tournament in the world, The Masters. Golf is a sport that many people enjoy. People of all ages can play it, and it is a great way to exercise. Golf is also a challenging sport, and it can be quite addictive. It is also among the top 10 most popular sports in America.

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10. Ice hockey: (805 Million Followers)

This sport is most popular in places with cold climates, such as Russia and Canada. The most popular league is the NHL (National Hockey League). Ice hockey is a popular sport that is played on a sheet of ice. Two teams of players use hockey sticks to hit a puck around and try to score goals. People of all ages can enjoy playing ice hockey because it is a fast-paced and exciting sport.

Summary

Sports have been around for centuries, and most can agree that they provide us with a great deal of entertainment and joy. The 10 most popular sports in the world are soccer, basketball, cricket, field hockey, tennis, volleyball, baseball, rugby, golf, and ice hockey. Whether you’re an avid fan of one or all of these sports or simply watch them for fun from time to time, you can be sure that there’s something for everyone. So, these were the most popular sports in the world.

Most likely, these sports will keep us interested for a long time and become even more popular as time goes on. It’s safe to say that most of us are lucky to have such an entertaining form of entertainment available to us.

Also Read: India To Host MotoGP For First Time In 2023, Organisers Confirm

So, whether you’re a fan of one or all of these sports, make sure to catch up on the latest news and stay tuned for upcoming events. After all, who knows what surprises await us in the near future? Happy watching! Whether you like to watch or play sports, it is safe to say that soccer is the most popular sport in the world today. It’s no wonder that millions of people across the globe can’t get enough of this thrilling game.

If you’re looking for a way to get into the game, why not give soccer a try? Even if you’ve never kicked a ball before, it shouldn’t take long for you to start having fun! Who knows—maybe one day we’ll be talking about you as one of the most famous soccer players in the world.

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