10 Reasons Why Soccer is the Best Sport in the World
Soccer is the best sport. There I said it!
Take that fans of American football, baseball, basketball, pickleball, field hockey, ice hockey, and tennis.
For the haters, I recommend you watch one soccer game and make the determination yourself.
Or, just read on to see why soccer is the best sport in the world.
Soccer is loved and played by billions across the world. From youth soccer players developing their game to dedicated Premier League and MLS fans, and everyone in between, soccer is entertaining, strategic, and thrilling.
Soccer is not only a global sport, but it is also a passionate community, where people come together to support their favorite teams and players.
Am I biased? Kind of. I used to love basketball but the more I got into soccer, the more I enjoyed watching and playing it.
In this article, we will explore 10 solid reasons why soccer is the best sport in the world!
Why is Soccer the Best Sport in the Entire World?
With an estimated 4 billion fans worldwide (and counting), soccer is the most popular sport in the world.
It is played in almost every country, and the FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event on the planet.
The beauty of the game is unmatched. The players are put on a pedestal. And, the sport does not discriminate on gender, age, weight, or geography.
Here are some reasons why soccer is the best sport in the world:
Uniting People Around the World
Soccer has the power to bring people together, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or culture. It is a sport that transcends borders and unites people around the world.
For example, the World Cup brings together people from every corner of the globe to root for their favorite teams. Backed by their fans, the players compete for their home country to win the international cup.
In league play, passionate fans storm the arenas to watch their team compete in a 90-minute game against “the other side”.
Simplicity
At its core, soccer is a very simple sport that can be played by anyone, anywhere.
The rules of the game are straightforward, and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or expensive gear.
Unlike sports like American football and basketball, there is little downtime.
The object of the game is to simply score goals. Whichever team has the most goals at the end of regulation wins.
This simplicity makes soccer accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Soccer Can Be Played Inside and Outside
Soccer can be played both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile sport that can be enjoyed in any weather condition.
Outdoor soccer is primarily played on natural grass or turf but can be casually played anywhere like a basketball court.
Indoor soccer is a popular variation of the sport, played on a smaller field with fewer players. It is a perfect alternative for players who want to play year-round but live in a colder climate during the winter months. There’s also futsal which is bred from soccer and can be played on hardwood.
On the other hand, there’s something special about watching soccer matches in the fall and spring seasons. The crisp air, players communicating, and the build-up of plays make it exciting to watch on a Saturday afternoon.
“Inexpensive”
Soccer is a relatively inexpensive sport to play, especially if you look at the costs for other countries.
This makes it an ideal sport for children and families who may not have the financial means to participate in more expensive sports. In the U.S., this is true for pickup, recreational, and sometimes travel soccer.
With that said, club soccer in the U.S. is expensive. The pay-to-play system has put a hurdle in the youth soccer scene. At this point, “it is what it is” but we’d love to see a change in the system to make it more affordable for all families.
Just Need a Few Pieces of Equipment
As I mentioned earlier, all you need to play soccer is a ball and a few basic items including a ball, shin guards, cleats, and uniform.
This makes it easy to get started and means that you don’t need to invest a lot of money in equipment.
This is especially important for young children who may outgrow their gear quickly.
Lack of Physical Size Advantages
Soccer is a sport that doesn’t rely heavily on physical size or strength.
Unlike other sports like American football or basketball, where bigger players have an advantage, soccer is a sport where skill and technique are more important than physical size.
This doesn’t deter players from trying to achieve their goals of playing soccer in college and/or professionally.
Your bone structure is what it will be…there’s not much you can do. Your skills can be worked on.
Strategy Matters
Soccer is a sport that requires strategy and teamwork. Coaches can spend their time analyzing the opposition and devising tactics to outsmart them.
This makes soccer a mentally challenging sport that requires players to think on their feet and make split-second decisions.
Soccer formations matter. Putting players in a position to succeed matters. And, motivating your players to give it their all requires strategy.
Soccer’s History
Soccer has a rich history that spans centuries. The modern game of soccer originated in England in the 19th century and has since spread around the world.
Honestly, soccer has played a significant role in the history of many countries and has been used as a tool for diplomacy and peacekeeping.
The tradition continues in the modern game. The ‘old rules‘ still apply and the same passion still exists among players, coaches, and fans.
No Timeouts
Fortunately, soccer is a sport that doesn’t have timeouts. This means that the game is constantly in motion, making it more exciting to watch.
It also means that players need to be in top physical condition to keep up with the pace of the game.
If you’ve watched most other live sports, you’ll know the constant stoppage in time often kills momentum. At times, it can be quite annoying.
Dedicated Fans
Soccer has some of the most dedicated fans in the world. They are passionate about their teams and will go to great lengths to support them.
Soccer fans create a sense of community and belonging, and they are an integral part of the sport’s culture.
Maybe not so much in the U.S., but when we went to England, we witnessed the streets lined up with fans chanting before the matches. They were loud and proud of their team.
We’d love to see the U.S. get to this place. Although we think it’s heading there, we still have a long way to go with the MLS. Messi joining Inter Miami is a great start.
We Love Soccer
SoccerNovo is a reflection of our pure passion for the game of soccer.
We enjoy every aspect of the game – from experiencing young players develop to watching our favorite MLS teams compete.
Soccer is one of the few sports where it provides almost equal opportunity to succeed. Skills, speed, and mental toughness are more of a recipe for success than simply being 6’7″.
If you ❤️️ soccer too, we suggest subscribing to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with our content and receive goodies.
Written By: Beau Bridges
Founder of SoccerNovo
I’m Beau 👋 a proud dad of an MLS NEXT player, former soccer coach, soccer enthusiast, and board member of our local youth sports program. I created soccernovo.com to share my knowledge of the game and help parents learn more about youth soccer in the U.S. I also authored an eBook ‘Soccer Coach Made Simple‘. Learn more about Beau.
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