Table Of Contents
- Most popular sport in France : Methodology and Dataset
- 15 most popular sports in France (2023)
- Top 10 popular sports in France (2023)
- 10. gymnastic – 278,847 members
- 9. Swimming (Natation) – 286,397 members
- 8. Rugby – 332,579 members
- 7. Golf – 441,961 members
- 6. Judo – Jujitsu – 500,000 members
- 5. Handball – 531,864 members
- 4. Horse riding – 692,400 members
- 3. Basketball – 711,237 members
- 2. Tennis – 1,100,450 members
- 1. Soccer (Football) – 2,215,786 members
- What are the 3 most popular sports in French ?
- What is the most popular sport in France ?
- What are the top five sports in France ?
- What are 2 popular French sports ?
Only 310 days to go until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games !
Today, I’d like to take a look at the most popular sports in France in 2023.
You’re asking yourself these questions:
What are the most popular sports in France?
I’ve based this ranking on official and governmental datas !
And I’ve learned some interesting things about sport in France.
You will be surprised !
Most popular sport in France : Methodology and Dataset
My ranking of most popular sports in France is based on multiple official datasets from :
- Agence Nationale de la Cohésion des territoires (Eng : National Agency for Territorial Cohesion)
- Observatoire des Territoires (Eng : Territorial Observatory)
- INSEE, Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques (The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies)
- Data directly from each sport’s french federation (FF)
Ranking by number of Licensees in sport
I’m choosing to present you the most popular sports in France ranked by number of “licenciés” (registered member or licensee in English) in each sport’s federation.
Note the difference between a licensee and a practitioner :
- A licensee is officially registered with a sports federation. Ex : play soccer in official club.
- A practitioner simply practices his or her sport independently of a sports federation. Ex : play soccer with your friends.
So my ranking of most popular French sports is based on number of licensees :
15 most popular sports in France (2023)
Top 15 of the most popular sports based on the number of official licensees (members), from the lowest to the higher number of licensees (members) :
15. Tir – 229,135 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de tir
- Headquarters: Paris
- Members in 2021: 229,135
- Members in 2020: 228,298
14. Gymnastic – 246,688 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de gymnastique
- Headquarters: Paris
- Members in 2021: 246,688
- Members in 2020: 321,476
- History of Gymnastique in France:
13. Track & Field (Athlétisme) – 261,082 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF d’athlétisme
- Headquarters: Paris
- Members in 2021: 261,082
- Members in 2020: 305,914
- History of Athlétisme in France:
France’s athletic prowess is evident in its track and field achievements. From sprints to marathons, jumps to throws, the country has produced stellar athletes who’ve shone on global platforms. Events like the Paris Marathon draw international participants, while stadiums across the country regularly host meets. Legends like Marie-José Pérec, with her distinctive stride, have set world records and brought home Olympic golds.
Louise
12. Canoe-Kayak & Paddle Sports – 262,703 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de canoë-kayak et sports de pagaie
- Headquarters: Vaires-sur-Marne (near Paris)
- Members in 2021: 262,703
- Members in 2020: 338,781
11. Sailing (Voile) – 270,239 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de voile
- Headquarters: Paris
- Members in 2021: 270,239
- Members in 2020: 237,188
- History of Voile in France:
Sailing, or “voile” in French, is deeply rooted in France’s maritime heritage. With its extensive coastline and historic ports, the country is a sailor’s paradise. France hosts prestigious events like the Vendée Globe, a grueling single-handed around-the-world race starting every four years. The French also excel in professional sailing circuits, leaving their mark in various international competitions. France have some sailor’s legends like Eric Tabarly, Franck Cammas, Jean-Luc Van Den Heede or Maud Fontenoy…
Louise
Top 10 popular sports in France (2023)
Here is my ranking of 10 most popular sports in France in 2023, based on number of members (licenciés) :
10. gymnastic – 278,847 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF d’éducation physique et de gymnastique volontaire
- Headquarters: Paris
- Members in 2021: 278,847
- Members in 2020: 477,344
9. Swimming (Natation) – 286,397 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de natation
- Headquarters: Clichy (near Paris)
- Members in 2021: 286,397
- Members in 2020: 378,032
- History of Natation in France:
The country boasts a rich history of producing elite swimmers, with legends like Laure Manaudou and Florent Manaudou, Leon Marchand, Alin Bernard… making waves on the international stage. France’s coastline and numerous pools offer ample opportunities for both competitive and recreational swimming. Events like the French Open Swimming Championships draw global talent and attention.
Louise
8. Rugby – 332,579 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de rugby
- Headquarters: Marcoussis (near Paris)
- Members in 2021: 332,579
- Members in 2020: 345,820
- History of Rugby in France:
Rugby has a fervent following in France, especially in the southern regions. Introduced by the British in the 1870s, it has since flourished, with cities like Toulouse becoming rugby heartlands. The Top 14 league showcases elite French club action, while on the international front, the national team competes fiercely in the Six Nations Championship. With outright wins and appearances in every Rugby World Cup, including being runners-up thrice, the French side has made its mark. For visitors, experiencing a rugby match, with its raw passion and camaraderie, is a quintessential French sporting treat. Join the scrum!
Louise
7. Golf – 441,961 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de golf
- Headquarters: Levallois-Perret (near Paris)
- Members in 2022: 441,961 (source : FF Golf)
- Members in 2021: 436,846
- Members in 2020: 402,991
- History of Golf in France:
Golf in France:
Golf has a prominent presence in France. The country is adorned with world-class golf courses, such as the iconic Le Golf National near Paris, which hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup. Historically, French golfers like Jean van de Velde, Thomas Levet and more recently, Victor Dubuisson, have represented the nation on the global stage. France offers a blend of traditional and modern courses, set against picturesque landscapes of vineyards, coastlines, and chateaux.
Louise
6. Judo – Jujitsu – 500,000 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de judo-jujitsu et disciplines associées
- Headquarters: Paris
- Members in 2023: 500,000 (source : FF judo)
- Members in 2022: 439,280
- Members in 2021: 328,722
- Members in 2020: 542,353
- History of Judo-Jujitsu et disciplines associées in France:
Judo & Jujitsu in France:
Judo stands as one of France’s top sports, with its practitioners and enthusiasts spread nationwide. The country reveres Teddy Riner, a judoka boasting 12 World Championship gold medals and 3 Olympic golds, making him a global judo icon. Or David Douillet and Clarisse Agbegnenou.
Louise
5. Handball – 531,864 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de handball
- Headquarters: Créteil (near Paris)
- Members in 2022/2023: 531,864 (source : FF handball)
- Members in 2021: 340,974
- Members in 2020: 464,955
- History of Handball in France:
Handball thrives in France, both in popularity and international success. With almost half a million licensed players , it’s a sport deeply embedded in the national culture. The men’s national team is particularly stellar, holding a record 6 world titles and shining at the Summer Olympics with 3 gold medals. The women’s team, though slightly less decorated, has also achieved Olympic and World Championship victories. Domestically, clubs like Montpellier Handball and Paris Saint-Germain Handball dominate.
Louise
4. Horse riding – 692,400 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF d’équitation
- Headquarters: Lamotte-Beuvron (41)
- Members in 2022/2023: 692,400 (source : FFE)
- Members in 2021: 674,292
- Members in 2020: 607,894
- History of Équitation in France:
Équitation (Horse Riding) in France:
Équitation holds a special place in French culture. France has a deep-rooted equestrian tradition. The country boasts sophisticated riding schools, scenic bridle paths, and prestigious events like the “Saut Hermès” at the Grand Palais in Paris. Whether you’re into show jumping, dressage, or just a leisurely countryside ride, France’s equestrian offerings are vast.
Louise
3. Basketball – 711,237 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de basketball
- Headquarters: Paris
- Members in 2023: 711,237 (source : FFBB)
- Members in 2022: 678,482
- Members in 2021: 514,776
- Members in 2020: 668,367
- History of Basketball in France:
Basketball in France:
Basketball has made significant leaps in France, with notable successes on the international stage. The men’s national team clinched their first-ever title at EuroBasket 2013 and earned medals in various global tournaments. Players like Tony Parker, Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum or now Victor Wembanyama have put French basketball on the map, with many playing in the NBA. On the home front, the Ligue Nationale de Basketball oversees domestic competitions. ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne, Monaco or Strasbourg stands out with the most titles. For female basketball fans, the France women’s national team has secured 2 European championship titles (2001, 2009) and Olympic medals (2012, 2020).
Louise
2. Tennis – 1,100,450 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de tennis
- Headquarters: Paris
- Members in 2023: 1,100,450 (source : FFT)
- Members in 2021: 947,288
- Members in 2020: 972,007
- History of Tennis in France:
Tennis is a beloved sport in France, coming second only to football in terms of licensed players – boasting over 1.1 million! The Roland Garros Grand Slam, held in Paris, is a highlight of the tennis calendar. Historic French tennis figures include Yannick Noah, the last Frenchman to win Roland Garros, and contemporary stars like Richard Gasquet and Caroline Garcia shine on the international stage. Whether you’re watching a match at a local court or attending the Grand Slam, the French flair for tennis is evident. A must-see for sports enthusiasts visiting France!
Louise
1. Soccer (Football) – 2,215,786 members
- Category: Popular sport in France
- Official French Name: FF de football
- Headquarters: Paris
- Members in 2022/2023 : 2,215,786 (source : FFF)
- Members in 2021: 1,902,036
- Members in 2020: 2,109,844
- History of Football in France:
Football is France’s most adored sport with nearly 2 million licensed players. Originating from England in the 19th century, its early popularity was concentrated in Paris and Northern France. Today, it’s a nationwide passion. Clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) or Olympique de Marseille (OM) are iconic, and names such as Zinedine Zidane evoke global admiration. France celebrated World Cup victories in 1998 and 2018, hosting the former. Ligue 1 is the top professional league, and the country boasts historic achievements in European tournaments. When visiting, catching a match is a vibrant cultural experience!
Louise (Olympique de Marseille forever!)
Official Sources :
- Soccer : https://www.fff.fr/80-le-budget-et-les-chiffres-cles.html
- Tennis : https://www.fft.fr/la-federation/decouvrir/presentation-generale-de-la-fft
- Horse riding : https://www.ffe.com/actualites/prise-licences-ffe-historique
- Basketball : https://www.ffbb.com/ffbb/la-ffbb-bat-son-record-de-licencies
- Golf : https://www.ffgolf.org/la-federation/chiffres/chiffres-cles-2022
- Judo : https://www.ffjudo.com/actualite/500-000-licencies
- Handball : http://ff-handball.pro/
What are the 3 most popular sports in French ?
The 3 most popular sports in France in 2023 are :
- Soccer (french football) : 2,215,786 members
- Tennis : 1,100,450 members
- Basketball : 711,237 members
Please read above my ranking of 15 most popular sports in France.
What is the most popular sport in France ?
The most popular sport in France in 2023 is soccer (football in French) with 2,215,786 members (licensees) according the official source of Fédération Française de Football (soccer official federation).
Please read above my ranking of 15 most popular sports in France.
What are the top five sports in France ?
The top five sports in France in 2023 are :
- Soccer (french football) : 2,215,786 members
- Tennis : 1,100,450 members
- Basketball : 711,237 members
- Horse riding : 692,400 members
- Handball : 531,864 members
Please read above my ranking of 15 most popular sports in France.
What are 2 popular French sports ?
2 popular French sports are :
- Soccer (fr : football in french) with 2,215,786 members (licensees) in 2023
- Tennis with 1,100,450 members in 2023
Please read above my ranking of 15 most popular sports in France.
