(Have photos to go with this story? Email pics to Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com and dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and also list the photo credit as well.)
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews
BY KENNEDY BROADWELL
PMG-MSN CORRESPONDENT
If you’ve ever watched a World Cup match or seen a stadium packed with fans, you’ve felt it — the power of soccer. But did you know it’s the most popular sport in the world, played by over 265 million people globally?
So why is soccer so huge? For one, it's simple to play. All you need is a ball and a bit of space. No expensive equipment or big fields required. This makes it accessible to people from all walks of life, whether you're in a city, a village, or even just on a street corner.
But it's not just about playing. Soccer has a global reach like no other sport. The FIFA World Cup draws billions of viewers, and the sport’s passionate fan base spans the globe. From club rivalries like Barcelona vs. Real Madrid to national teams like Brazil vs. Argentina, soccer isn't just a game — it’s a cultural event.
Even beyond the pros, soccer is played everywhere. It’s often the first sport kids fall in love with, and the sense of community it creates is unmatched.
So, next time you watch a match or kick a ball around with friends, remember: You're part of something massive. Soccer isn’t just the world’s most popular sport — it’s a universal language that connects people everywhere.
POPULAR SPORTS NOTEBOOK
There are 208 nations on earth that have organized soccer leagues for different age groups, and in more than 100 nations on earth soccer (or football as it is known in most countries) is the most played sport in terms of registered players. There are more than 265 million registered players from youth leagues up to professional soccer leagues around the planet.
According to an article posted on Yahoo Sports in early November 2024, Soccer rang in at No. 1 as the world’s most popular sport in terms of viewership with an estimated 3.5 billion fans watching games. Cricket came in in the runner-up slot with an estimated 2.5 billion, while field hockey, tennis, volleyball, table tennis, basketball, baseball, rugby and golf rounded out the top 10.
According to Spond.com, the top 10 most viewed sports in the United States varies greatly from most of the world. American football checks in at the pole position and basketball is ranked second. Baseball is third, followed by soccer, ice hockey, tennis, golf, motorsports, combat sports (boxing and MMA) and track and field in the top 10.
(Kennedy Broadwell is a freelance contributor to the Premier Media Group, Michigan Soccer Network and the National Soccer Network. She has worked in the Michigan, Ohio and Montana media circles for nearly a decade, serving as a TV personality, on-air host, in-game host, arena-host, freelance producer, color commentator, and freelance writer for various media outlets, TV stations and arena facilities. Broadwell, a multimedia journalist, can be reached at kennedybroadwell@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter/X @BroadwellK. For inquiries or to submit tidbits to the ‘Did You Know’ column, email Kennedy Broadwell at the above-listed email or contact PMG-MSN-NSN Web and Content Editor Dan Stickradt at dstickradt@thepremeirmediagrp.com or stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com.)
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/misoccernetwork
Twitter/X: @MiSoccerNetwork, @msn_stickradt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/misoccernetwork/
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(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
WATCH THE MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK YOUTUBE CHANNEL: www.youtube.com/@MICHIGANSOCCERNETWORK
— All Rights Reserved, Premier Media Group / Michigan Soccer Network / National Soccer Network
DID YOU KNOW? LINKS:
DID YOU KNOW: There was once a ‘Football War’: https://wix.to/Puy5jbp
DID YOU KNOW: Why Do Americans Call It "Soccer" Instead of "Football"?: https://wix.to/WxnRIRC
DID YOU KNOW: Soccer Is the Most Popular Sport in the World?
DID YOU KNOW: Soccer’s origins include wild medieval matches with no rules:
DID YOU KNOW: Some still can’t tell what offside really is out on the field:
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INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE
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Contact both Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner at 248-525-2083 or jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com and Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at (248) 525-2349 and dstickradt@thepremeiermediagrp.com.
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