Curious about the heartbeat of Egypt?
It’s not just in its pyramids or Nile!
Soccer dominates the sports scene in Egypt, but there’s more fueling Egyptian passion.
Explore the 11 most popular sports in Egypt in our list.
Most Popular Sports in Egypt:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Handball
- Volleyball
- Squash
- Table Tennis
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Boxing
- Taekwondo
Table of Contents
#1 Soccer
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: 1890s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Egypt: Mohamed Salah (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Egypt: 5 Million
Soccer is indisputably the most popular sport in Egypt, with a passionate and devoted fan base across the country. The Egyptian Premier League remains a significant part of the culture, featuring vibrant matches and fervent supporters.
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward known for his incredible skills and goal-scoring abilities, is a national icon, with his success as a player for Liverpool and the Egyptian national team. Cairo’s Al Ahly and Zamalek are the two most popular clubs in Egypt, and their fierce rivalry is the highlight of the soccer scene.
For a deeper dive into Egypt’s national sport and some fascinating facts about its history and significance, check out our article on Egypt’s National Sport: Soccer (7 Facts).
Latest Posts about Soccer
#2 Basketball
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: 1930s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Egypt: Alaa Abdelnaby (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Egypt: 500,000
Basketball enjoys a significant following in Egypt, providing an energetic and competitive outlet for its youth. The Egyptian Basketball Super League is the top-tier professional basketball league in the country, witnessing intense competition among talented teams.
The most famous Egyptian basketball player is Alaa Abdelnaby, the first Egyptian to play in the NBA. Basketball in Egypt has grown tremendously in recent years, thanks to substantial investments in infrastructure and development of home-grown talents, further cementing its status as a popular sport.
Latest Posts about Basketball
#3 Handball
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: 1950s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Egypt: Ahmed El-Ahmar (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Egypt: 150,000
Handball is well-loved in Egypt, offering an exciting and engaging sport for spectators and players alike. The Egyptian Handball League showcases the country’s best talent in fierce competition, drawing crowds and capturing the nation’s interest.
Ahmed El-Ahmar, a skilled handball player who has competed in multiple international tournaments, is Egypt’s pride in the sport. Handball’s increasing popularity can be attributed to successful Egyptian teams on the international stage, with the men’s national team consistently ranking among the world’s top teams.
Latest Posts about Handball
#4 Volleyball
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: 1920s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Egypt: Ahmed Salah (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Egypt: 100,000
Volleyball in Egypt is a popular sport that captivates audiences with its dynamic and technical gameplay. The Egyptian Volleyball League serves as the premier competition platform, featuring strong teams and exceptional athletes.
Ahmed Salah, an accomplished volleyball player who has represented Egypt in international competitions, stands as a testament to the sport’s growth in the country. Egypt’s national teams have displayed remarkable performance in global tournaments, with the men’s team consistently ranking high in Africa, further elevating volleyball’s status in the nation.
Latest Posts about Volleyball
#5 Squash
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: 1930s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Egypt: Ramy Ashour (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Egypt: 50,000
Squash has emerged as a prominent sport in Egypt, thanks to the country’s exceptional talent and world domination in recent years. Egyptian players often hold top positions in international rankings, firmly establishing a global presence.
Ramy Ashour, a former world number one, is a squash legend from Egypt, inspiring many to take up the sport. Egypt’s premier squash league and various international tournaments held in the country, such as the El Gouna International Squash Open, draw keen interest from fans. Egyptian squash players’ success plays a significant role in the growing popularity of the sport in the country.
Latest Posts about Squash
#6 Table Tennis
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: 1920s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Egypt: Omar Assar (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Egypt: 200,000
Table tennis, commonly known as ping-pong, is a popular sport in Egypt that enthralls players and spectators alike with its fast-paced gameplay. The Egyptian Table Tennis Federation oversees national and international competitions, fostering talent and nurturing the sport’s growth.
Omar Assar, a top-ranking Egyptian player, has made a mark in the international table tennis arena, inspiring young talent. The sport has a strong grassroots presence in the country, with many clubs and academies dedicated to its development, ensuring that table tennis remains a well-loved sport in Egypt.
Latest Posts about Table Tennis
#7 Athletics
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: Ancient Times
- 🌟 Most Famous Athlete from Egypt: Hassan El-Hachad (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Athletics Enthusiasts in Egypt: 1 Million
Athletics has a long-standing tradition in Egypt, tracing back to ancient times when Egyptians participated in various sports and physical activities in their daily lives. The sport has evolved over the years, with Egypt producing numerous talented athletes competing on the international stage.
Hassan El-Hachad, a renowned Egyptian athlete known for his achievements in triple jump, serves as a beacon of inspiration for young athletes. The Egyptian Athletics Championships and regular international events, such as the Cairo Grand Prix, draw attention and encourage emerging athletes, ensuring the sport’s continued growth and popularity.
Latest Posts about Athletics
#8 Swimming
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: Ancient Times
- 🌟 Most Famous Swimmer from Egypt: Farida Osman (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Swimmers in Egypt: 500,000
Swimming holds a special place in Egyptian culture, given the country’s rich aquatic history. Its popularity as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport has grown exponentially over the years, with numerous swimming schools and clubs catering to all levels.
Egyptian swimmer Farida Osman, nicknamed the “Golden Fish,” has made a significant impact on the sport, winning several international championships and inspiring a new generation of swimmers. The Egyptian Swimming Federation hosts various tournaments and oversees the development of the sport, ensuring that swimming remains an integral part of Egypt’s sporting landscape.
Latest Posts about Swimming
#9 Tennis
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: 1900s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Egypt: Ismail El Shafei (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Egypt: 150,000
Tennis in Egypt has a loyal following, with many enthusiasts drawn to its strategic and exhilarating gameplay. Both recreational and professional players contribute to the sport’s vibrant community.
Ismail El Shafei, a former Egyptian tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of 34, is a celebrated figure in the sport, inspiring upcoming talent. The ATP Challenger Tour’s Alexandrian Open and the ITF Women’s Circuit events, held in Egypt, attract tennis fans and players alike.
With various clubs, academies, and tournaments dedicated to its growth, tennis continues to hold a special place in Egypt’s sports scene.
Latest Posts about Tennis
#10 Boxing
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: 1920s
- 🌟 Most Famous Boxer from Egypt: Mohamed Aly (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Boxing Enthusiasts in Egypt: 100,000
Boxing commands considerable respect in Egypt, both as a sport that requires dedication and discipline and as a showcase of physicality and strategy. Egypt has produced various champions over the years, from local heroes to world-renowned professionals.
Mohamed Aly, known for his heavyweight boxing accomplishments, stands as a proud figure in Egypt’s boxing history. Local gyms and boxing clubs form an integral part of the sports landscape, ensuring a steady stream of home-grown talent.
Egypt’s international feats and promising developments continue to reinforce the sport’s strong presence in the country.
Latest Posts about Boxing
#11 Taekwondo
- 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Egypt: 1970s
- 🌟 Most Famous Player from Egypt: Hedaya Malak (Egyptian)
- 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Egypt: 50,000
Taekwondo has gained immense popularity in Egypt as a dynamic martial art and sport, captivating spectators and participants with its blend of discipline, athleticism, and technique. The sport’s following in Egypt has risen significantly, with numerous clubs and gyms devoted to its practice and promotion.
Hedaya Malak, an Egyptian Olympic medalist, is a shining example of the country’s prowess in taekwondo, inspiring the next generation of athletes. National and international events, such as the Egyptian Taekwondo Championships and the African Taekwondo Championships, draw attention and appreciation for the sport, further solidifying taekwondo’s place in Egypt’s sports offerings.
Latest Posts about Taekwondo
FAQ
What is the most popular sport in Egypt?
Soccer, also known as football, reigns as the most popular sport in Egypt, with a passionate fan base and a strong presence in the country’s culture, highlighted by the Egyptian Premier League and national team.
What is the national sport of Egypt?
The national sport of Egypt is soccer (football), deeply rooted in the country’s sporting and cultural traditions, and embraced by a wide majority of the population.
What are the most watched sports in Egypt?
The most watched sports in Egypt include soccer (football), basketball, handball, volleyball, squash, table tennis, athletics, swimming, tennis, boxing, and taekwondo, each boasting significant fan followings and viewership across the nation.
