馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Football leads as world's most-watched sport, new data reveals
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A recent global sports analysis has identified the world's most popular sports by estimated fan base, confirming football as the undisputed leader with an estimated 3.5 to 4 billion followers worldwide. The ranking, based on global viewership data, participation rates, and industry reports, places football far ahead of other sports due to its universal appeal and major international competitions like the FIFA World Cup. Cricket ranks second with over 2.5 billion global fans, thriving in South Asia, Australia, the UK, and emerging African markets. Basketball follows with 2.2 to 2.4 billion fans, driven by the NBA and FIBA competitions. Hockey, combining field and ice variations, has 1.3 to 2 billion fans, while tennis attracts 1 billion. Volleyball is popular with 900 million fans, and table tennis, dominated by Asia, has 850 million. Baseball garners 500 million fans, primarily in the United States, Japan, and Latin America. Golf has 450 million fans, and American football, while strongest in the United States, has 400 million global fans.
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Lionel Messi has become the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, achieving this feat by scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. The Argentine captain now has a total of 18 World Cup goals, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. This milestone occurred as Argentina secured their spot in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, maintaining a perfect record with six points from two matches. Other top scorers include Ronaldo of Brazil with 15 goals, Gerd M眉ller of Germany and Kylian Mbapp茅 of France both with 14 goals, and Just Fontaine of France with 13 goals.
Must ReadLionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, netting twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to secure a spot in the last 32. Messi scored his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16. The victory guarantees Argentina a place in the knockout rounds. Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe is set to play his 100th game for France, aiming to add to his 14 World Cup goals. France will face Iraq, while Norway, with Erling Haaland, could also advance from Group I. German defender Nico Schlotterbeck is out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. In other matches, Spain thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0, and Cape Verde drew 2-2 with Uruguay, with their coach Bubista expressing hopes for a knockout stage berth. Belgium drew 0-0 with Iran, who left a message promoting peace, and Egypt secured their first World Cup victory, beating New Zealand 3-1.
Must ReadThe Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Fatai Tijani, has assured residents of safety following an explosion suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device IED in the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin. One person sustained injuries and is in stable condition. Mr. Tijani stated that preliminary findings indicate the IED was planted under a vehicle and detonated when the engine was started. Explosive Ordnance Disposal operatives were deployed to cordon off and search the area, and no additional devices were found. Remnants of the device have been recovered for forensic examination. The Commissioner urged the public to remain calm and disregard rumors of widespread insecurity. The Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr. Tajudeen Faronbi, described contacting authorities after being alerted to the suspicious vehicle early Monday morning. He noted the swift response of security operatives helped to manage the situation, though the vehicle's identity and ownership remain unclear.