Soccer Fever explores the global passion for the game. Fans across the world follow every match closely. Soccer is not just a game; it’s a universal obsession. Alongside soccer, football is also the king of sports.
Further, the traditional debate between football and soccer is more than just a matter of words—it’s a clash of cultures. Let’s discuss football and soccer in more detail.
Soccer vs Football
Let’s discuss how Soccer and Football sports stack up in terms of popularity and revenue.
Popularity Showdown
Soccer or football as it’s known worldwide, is the king of sports. The sport has millions of fans worldwide and is played in every country.
On the other hand, American football is a big deal, mainly in North America.
A Gallup poll indicates that football is America’s favorite sport, which beats baseball and basketball. But don’t count soccer out just yet—its popularity is climbing fast, especially among the younger crowd in the US.
| Sport | Global Fans | US Fans |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer (Football) | ~4 billion | 24 million |
| American Football | ~400 million | 160 million |
Are you Curious about why the names differ? Check out our article on is football the same as soccer?.
Money Matters
Soccer is a cash champ. Major League Soccer (MLS) is still playing catch-up in the United States. In the English Premier League (EPL) and La Liga, television deals, merchandise revenues, and sponsorships generate billions of dollars each year.
The NBA makes ten times what the MLS does, and even the NHL pulls in 6.6 times more revenue (Stats Professor). Still, 11 out of 19 MLS teams turned a profit in 2012, so things are looking up.
| League | Annual Revenue (Billion USD) |
|---|---|
| English Premier League (EPL) | 5.3 |
| La Liga | 3.4 |
| Major League Soccer (MLS) | 1.1 |
| National Football League (NFL) | 12 |
Social media is also changing the game. A Greenfly study found that 39% of American adults watch sports online, with younger fans leading the charge. This shift to digital opens up new ways to make money and connect with fans for both soccer and American football.
Want to dive deeper into the dollars and cents? Check out our article on is soccer bigger than football?.
Regional Perspectives
American View on Football
In the U.S., football is the king of sports. According to Gallup, 46% of men and older Americans call it their favorite sport. And it’s not just the old-timers; football tops the list across all age groups.
This love affair shows up in the numbers. American football crushes other sports like baseball and basketball in viewership and fan engagement. Social media keeps the fire burning, letting fans follow their teams and players in real-time (Greenfly).
Soccer’s Rising Popularity in the U.S.
Although American football is the biggest dog, soccer has also made big strides. In America, only about 2% called soccer their favorite sport from 1937 to 2004. But things are changing. Recent Gallup data shows that 5% of U.S. adults now favor soccer, with a peak at 7% in 2017.
Why the sudden increase? Many children play soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS) is gaining traction, and international leagues like the La Liga and English Premier League are getting more scope. Social media also helps fans connect with global soccer events, which makes the sport more affordable and exciting.
| Sport | Percentage of US Adults Naming as Favorite |
|---|---|
| American Football | 46% |
| Basketball | 12% |
| Baseball | 9% |
| Soccer | 5% |
If you want to know more about the lingo and regional takes? Check out our articles on is football the same as soccer? and what is football called in America?.
Soccer’s rise in the U.S. hints at a shift in sports preferences. While American football still rules, soccer’s growing fan base shows that younger generations are getting hooked.
