From the energy of a soccer stadium to the strategy of golf, sports transcend national borders and shape cultures worldwide. International sports events draw billions of fans and viewers, and can influence how societies view certain athletes or teams. Whether it’s the NFL Superbowl or a rugby match between New Zealand and South Africa, international sports are shaped by many factors, including the political, social, and economic issues at play.
The top 10 most popular international sports
From football to baseball, tennis to volley ball, these are the most popular and widely followed international sports around the world. Each has a unique global fan base, from the millions that follow American football to those who watch cricket to support their national team.
The upcoming Olympic Games are the pinnacle of international sport, and bring together athletes from around the world. But the global reach of these sporting competitions has also led to negative impacts on some of the world’s most vulnerable people. For example, the sexual abuse of women basketball players in Mali, caused by a member of the country’s national federation, had serious consequences for those involved and affected the wider public. This is just one of many examples that have been reported in recent years.