It’s no secret that Germans love their sports. But what sports do Germans actually play? Here’s a look at some of the most popular sports in Germany.
Checkout this video:
Football
Football is perhaps the most popular sport in Germany, with over six millionplayers nationwide. The German Football Association (Deutscher Fußball-Bund) is the sport’s governing body. The Bundesliga,Germany’s top football league, attracted an average of 43,000 spectators per game in the 2016-2017 season. Other popular sports in Germany include tennis, basketball, hockey, and handball.
Soccer
Germany is a soccer-mad country, and the sport is by far the most popular one played here. An estimated six million Germans play soccer regularly, and the country has produced some of the world’s greatest players, including Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, and Jurgen Klinsmann. Soccer is so popular in Germany that it’s not uncommon for cities to have two or more professional teams, each with its own stadium and dedicated fan base.
Tennis
Tennis is one of the most popular sports in Germany. German tennis players have had great success in recent years, with several players ranking in the top ten in the world. Some of the most successful German tennis players include Alexander Zverev, Angelique Kerber, and Boris Becker.
Rugby
Germany has a long and proud history of rugby, with the sport first being introduced in 1871. It is now one of the most popular sports in the country, with over two million people playing it regularly. The German national team is currently ranked ninth in the world, and they have competed in every Rugby World Cup since 1987. German rugby clubs compete in both the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
Boxing
The Germans have a long and proud tradition of boxing, with some of the sport’s most legendary names having come from the country. Boxing is hugely popular in Germany, with both amateur and professional boxers regularly taking part in competitions.
Some of the most successful German boxers include Max Schmeling, who was world heavyweight champion in the 1930s, and Klaus von Kreht, who won a gold medal at the 1972 Olympic Games. More recent German boxing stars include Wladimir Klitschko, who held multiple world heavyweight titles, and Regina Halmich, who was one of the world’s leading female boxers for many years.
MMA
MMA is a growing sport in Germany with multiple gyms and clubs across the country teaching the discipline. The country has produced some notable fighters such as Nick Hein and Peter Sobotta in the UFC, while others such as Dennis Siver, Paul Bradley and Vitaly Minakov have fought in Bellator.
Golf
In Germany, golf is a very popular sport. Many Germans enjoy playing golf and there are many golf courses throughout the country. German golfers often have a high level of skill and they often compete in international tournaments.
Swimming
Swimming is a very popular sport in Germany, with around three million people regularly swimming in the country. This is partly due to the fact that there are so many lakes and rivers, but also because swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy. There are also a number of professional swimming competitions held in Germany each year.
Winter Sports
While Germany is not typically known for its participation in winter sports, that does not mean that the country does not offer its fair share of options for winter sports enthusiasts. Some of the most popular winter sports in Germany include alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, Ice hockey, and snowboarding.
Alpine skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in Germany and is practiced in all of the country’s 16 federal states. The sport can be traced back to the late 19th century when it was first introduced by English tourists. Cross-country skiing is another popular winter sport in Germany with a long history dating back to the 18th century. Today, the sport is practiced all across the country, with some of the best cross-country skiing trails being located in Bavaria.
Ice hockey is another popular winter sport in Germany and has been played since the late 19th century. The German Ice Hockey Federation was founded in 1896 and today there are over 200 ice hockey clubs throughout the country. Snowboarding is a relatively new addition to the list of popular winter sports in Germany but has quickly gained popularity in recent years.
Extreme Sports
Germans are known for their love of extreme sports, and there are plenty of options to choose from if you’re looking for a thrill. Popular extreme sports in Germany include paragliding, bungee jumping, skydiving, and rock climbing. There are also plenty of opportunities to go mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking in the beautiful German countryside.
