A ranked list of 10 of the most popular sports in Germany

What are the most popular sports in Germany? The European country has a long-standing sports culture and is home to some top athletes globally. Some sports have existed since the 19th century, while others have gained popularity recently. Discover the popular sports in Germany and why they are the preferred choice.

What are some of the most popular sports in Germany? The country is home to legendary athletes, including Michael Schumacher, Mesut Ozil, and Dirk Nowitzki. Their success has boosted the viewership and participation in these sports, inspiring others to join their professions. Which are the most popular sports in Germany? Keep reading and find out.

Top 10 most popular sports in Germany

What are the most popular sports in Germany? The World Cup is the most-watched sport in Germany. The country has numerous indoor and outdoor sports that have attracted participants from all walks of life. Here is a list of the 10 most popular sports in the country:

10. Skiing

What sports is Germany known for? Skiing is among the popular sports in the country. According to statista.com, over 14.6 million individuals practice it. Skiers can enjoy over 450 skiing destinations across the county, especially during winter. You can also experience the thrill of the sport in different mountains like the Alps.

9. Boxing

Boxing is among the popular traditional German sports that bring together thousands of fans in various rings nationwide. Germany is home to legendary boxers like Max Schmeling, with a professional record of 40 knockouts, and Henry Maske, a 1988 Olympic gold medalist.

8. Formula 1

Thanks to renowned drivers like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, Formula 1 is one of the most popular sports in Germany. Their track record has inspired several athletes to take up the sport. Currently, there are over 50 German Formula 1 drivers. On average, a race attracts approximately 2.54 million viewers, per statista.com.

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Other Sports

Which is the most popular sports car in Germany? German vehicles are among the most preferred globally. According to hotcars.com, The 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S – 640 HP is the best German sports car you can purchase.

7. Tennis

Tennis gained popularity in the 90s, thanks to Boris Becker and Steffi Graf. Boris was the youngest player to win a Wimbledon title at 17, while Steffi was the top female tennis player for a long time. The German Tennis Federation has a membership of 1.4 million, making it the most prominent worldwide. While some players have taken it up professionally, many enthusiasts play tennis recreationally.

6. Volleyball

The biggest German league association is the Volleyball Bundesliga, which has over 70 clubs. The championship matches attract thousands of spectators countrywide. Additionally, beach volleyball has gained popularity over the years, with several participants gathering to enjoy a game as they spend time on the beach.

5. Basketball

Basketball has existed in the country since the late 19th century and became an organized sport in 1935. The German basketball league, the BBL (Basketball Bundesliga), has 18 teams and is one of the top leagues in Europe. Several German players now represent different franchises in the NBA, including Dirk Nowitzki (formerly of the Dallas Mavericks) and Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic).

4. Handball

Handball in Germany is a historic sport, bringing together teams and fans from all corners of the country. It has existed since the 19th century and is the home of modern handball. The German Handball League (HBL) is the top professional body in the country. The German national team has an impressive performance record, with three IHF (International Handball Federation) World Championship titles and two European championships.

3. Golf

There are over 700 golf clubs in Germany, a sport which has more than half a million active golfers. The golf infrastructure in the country ranks second in Europe, per statista.com. The sport primarily attracts wealthy players who sign up for club membership. However, there are several that are open to the public.

2. Ice hockey

Ice hockey is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in Germany. There are about 400 clubs in the country and an estimated 80,000 active players. Most cities have representation in the NHL, the national ice hockey league. In 2018, the German team won a silver medal at the Winter Olympics. That same year, the crew was named the German sports team of the year.

1. Football

What is Germany's favourite sport? Football is Germany's most popular sport, with 7% of the population as players. The country's football league, the Bundesliga, is among the most popular globally and boasts 18 teams. The German national team has four FIFA World Cup titles, ranking it second after Brazil. The women's national team has two World Cup wins (2003 and 2007).

Germans in different sporting activities have bagged medals and titles in various championships. As they are celebrated back home, their global fan base has greatly increased, placing the country high in the sports scene. As upcoming sports continue to attract players, netizens will look out for new sports trends in the country and their uptake among the citizens.

Sports Brief published a list of indoor sports you can enjoy with friends and family for relaxation or competition. These sports require indoor space and equipment to set up and are an excellent way to keep you physically fit. Which are some of them?

Bowling is a popular indoor game with an alley in several arenas, malls, and entertainment spots. Athletes aim to knock down as many pins to earn points. Badminton and table tennis are popular indoor games requiring two competing players. Check out the above article for the complete list of indoor games you can participate in.