Argentina, often recognized for its passion for soccer and tango, has a rich sporting culture.
But, apart from soccer, which sports stir the hearts of Argentinians?
Explore the 10 most popular sports in Argentina in our list– you might be in for a surprise!
Most Popular Sports in Argentina:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Field Hockey
- Rugby
- Volleyball
- Handball
- Polo
- Golf
- Athletics
- Boxing
Table of Contents
#1 Soccer
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: 1860s
- 🌟Most Famous Player from Argentina: Diego Maradona (Argentinian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Argentina: 2.1 Million
Soccer is undeniably Argentina’s national passion, uniting the country with its fervor and excitement. From local clubs to world-class teams, soccer plays a significant role in Argentinian culture.
The Argentine Primera División is the top professional soccer league, where clubs like River Plate and Boca Juniors compete fiercely. The iconic player Diego Maradona still holds a special place in the nation’s heart, and his legendary “Hand of God” goal is remembered with pride.
Moments like their 1986 World Cup victory highlight Argentina’s exceptional soccer legacy, making it central to the country’s sporting heartbeat.
Latest Posts about Soccer
#2 Basketball
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: 1920s
- 🌟Most Famous Player from Argentina: Manu Ginóbili (Argentinian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Argentina: 600,000
Basketball has a long and storied history in Argentina, capturing the imagination of sports fans with its high-octane action and skill.
Liga Nacional de Básquet is the country’s prime basketball league, followed passionately by many supporters. Manu Ginóbili, the beloved NBA star, emerged as a role model for aspiring players in Argentina.
Argentina’s triumphant 2004 Olympic gold medal victory in basketball remains etched in the nation’s memory. With such accomplishments, basketball continues to hold a prominent position in Argentina’s sports landscape.
Latest Posts about Basketball
#3 Tennis
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: Late 1800s
- 🌟Most Famous Player from Argentina: Guillermo Vilas (Argentinian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Argentina: 500,000
Tennis enjoys a substantial following in Argentina, with numerous outstanding players hailing from the country. The sport’s blend of individual skill and strategy captivates many Argentine fans.
Argentina Open, a prestigious ATP tournament, draws an international audience and highlights the country’s passion for tennis. Guillermo Vilas, one of the most successful tennis players in the country’s history, remains an inspiration to many.
Argentinians take pride in their rich tennis tradition, and with a constant stream of emerging talent, the sport’s popularity shows no signs of waning.
Latest Posts about Tennis
#4 Field Hockey
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: Early 1900s
- 🌟Most Famous Player from Argentina: Luciana Aymar (Argentinian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Argentina: 120,000
Field hockey is a popular sport in Argentina, with the country boasting strong national teams in both men’s and women’s categories. The fast-paced, tactical gameplay appeals to a wide audience.
The Argentine Hockey Federation organizes various domestic leagues and tournaments, with fans supporting their local teams passionately. Luciana Aymar, a legendary player often referred to as the “Maradona of Field Hockey,” has left an indelible mark on the sport in Argentina.
Moments like Argentina’s numerous World Cup and Olympic victories serve to solidify field hockey’s position as a beloved sport in the country.
Latest Posts about Field Hockey
#5 Rugby
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: Late 1800s
- 🌟Most Famous Player from Argentina: Hugo Porta (Argentinian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Argentina: 110,000
Rugby has gained significant popularity in Argentina over the years, offering a perfect blend of physicality and strategy. The Argentine public appreciates the camaraderie and sportsmanship showcased by rugby players and teams.
The Unión Argentina de Rugby organizes domestic leagues and competitions, with fans supporting their local clubs with great enthusiasm. Hugo Porta, a revered former player, is considered an icon of Argentinian rugby.
Argentina’s national rugby team, Los Pumas, has achieved remarkable success on the international stage, enhancing the sport’s prestige and following in the country.
Latest Posts about Rugby
#6 Volleyball
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: Early 1900s
- 🌟Most Famous Player from Argentina: Marcos Milinkovic (Argentinian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Argentina: 350,000
Volleyball is a beloved sport in Argentina, known for its exciting pace and tactical gameplay. Its appeal stretches across different age groups and fitness levels.
The Argentine Volleyball Federation (FeVA) oversees both amateur and professional leagues in the country, generating enthusiasm and passion among fans and players. Marcos Milinkovic, a legendary former player, has left an indelible impact on Argentine volleyball.
National team achievements, such as qualifying for the Olympic Games and World Championships, further boost the sport’s popularity in Argentina, securing its place in the nation’s sporting pantheon.
Latest Posts about Volleyball
#7 Polo
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: Late 1800s
- 🌟Most Famous Player from Argentina: Adolfo Cambiaso (Argentinian)
- Estimated Number of Players in Argentina: 15,000
Polo is synonymous with Argentine high society and tradition. The sport, often referred to as the “Game of Kings,” is strongly associated with the country’s equestrian culture and skilled horsemanship.
The Argentine Polo Association organizes prestigious tournaments like the Argentine Open Championship, drawing an elite audience and top-tier players from around the world. Adolfo Cambiaso, one of the greatest polo players of all time, hails from Argentina.
Argentina’s status as a global powerhouse in polo is undisputed, and the sport remains deeply ingrained in the nation’s culture and identity.
#8 Golf
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: Late 1800s
- 🌟Most Famous Player from Argentina: Roberto De Vicenzo (Argentinian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Argentina: 90,000
Golf might not share the same limelight as soccer in Argentina, but it has a dedicated following. The sport’s relaxing atmosphere and challenging courses attract numerous players and fans.
The Argentine Golf Association is responsible for organizing various tournaments, but the Argentine Open stands as a significant highlight, hosting national and international golfers. Roberto De Vicenzo, the celebrated professional golfer, has been an ambassador for the sport in Argentina, with his many victories and well-regarded sportsmanship.
With more up-and-coming talents, golf’s popularity in Argentina continues to grow, positioning it as an important element of the country’s sports scene.
Latest Posts about Golf
#9 Athletics
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: Early 1900s
- 🌟Most Famous Athlete from Argentina: Juan Carlos Zabala (Argentinian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Athletics Enthusiasts in Argentina: 1.5 Million
Athletics has a dynamic presence in Argentina’s sports scene, with enthusiasts and athletes participating in various disciplines. The sport’s diverse nature and its display of physical prowess appeal to a wide audience.
The Argentine Athletics Federation is responsible for organizing popular events, such as the Buenos Aires Marathon, South American Championships, and Argentine Championship. Juan Carlos Zabala, the renowned marathon runner who won the Olympic gold medal in 1932, is an inspiration to budding athletes.
Athletics in Argentina continues to foster talent and showcase the nation’s athletic abilities on the international stage, solidifying its place in the country’s sports culture.
Latest Posts about Athletics
#10 Boxing
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Argentina: Early 1900s
- 🌟Most Famous Boxer from Argentina: Carlos Monzón (Argentinian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Boxing Enthusiasts in Argentina: 1 Million
Boxing is a long-standing sport in Argentina, with a rich history of producing world-class champions. The intensity and strategy involved in boxing resonate with the Argentine public.
Domestic and international boxing matches captivate large audiences, with fans gathering to watch and support their favorite fighters. Carlos Monzón, a legendary middleweight champion, left a lasting impression on Argentine boxing.
Boxing’s position in Argentina’s sports landscape is well established, and with each generation of fighters, the sport’s legacy in the nation only grows stronger.
Latest Posts about Boxing
FAQ
What is the most popular sport in Argentina?
Soccer, also known as football, is the most popular sport in Argentina, playing an integral role in the nation’s culture with passionate fans and an impressive history of successful teams and players.
What is the national sport of Argentina?
The national sport of Argentina is soccer (football), which holds a special place in the country’s cultural and sporting traditions, capturing the hearts of a vast majority of the population.
What are the most watched sports in Argentina?
The most watched sports in Argentina include soccer (football), basketball, tennis, field hockey, rugby, volleyball, polo, golf, athletics, and boxing, each sport boasting a dedicated following and significant viewership across the country.
