The 7 Most Popular Sports in Mexico and How Long They Have Been Played

Source:AZ Animals Time:January 4, 2024

Mexico has had an interesting history with sports over the years. Ironically, many of their traditional sports have come from Spain, which would be similar to the relationships between the United States and England.

But the seven most popular sports in Mexico are truly the most unique activities you will ever learn about, and there is so much to unfold. Moreover, there is a lot of tradition behind these sports. It’s time to learn some new things and unveil some of Mexico’s history in sports.

7. Bullfighting

The 7 Most Popular Sports in Mexico and How Long They Have Been Played

Much like Spain, Mexico loves bullfighting. It is the ultimate challenge between man and beast.

©Axel Alvarez/Shutterstock.com

Bullfighting has been in Mexico since August 13, 1529, eight years after the Spanish arrived.

When a country invades another, it usually imparts some of its traditions. Therefore, it is not surprising to see bullfighting end up on this list. Bullfighting has been around Mexico nearly since the beginning. It is a very dangerous sport. Yet, it is one of the most popular sports in Mexico.

6. Volleyball

The 7 Most Popular Sports in Mexico and How Long They Have Been Played

Volleyball is a sport that can be played on sand, which makes it perfect for Mexico, which has plenty of beaches.

©PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock.com

The United States introduced volleyball to Mexico, and by 1968, there were competitions in the country.

Volleyball has a similar following in Mexico in the same way that hockey is in the United States. Ultimately, there is a niche following and many passionate fans. Carlos Guerra is the most famous player to come from Mexico. It is a sport that is on the rise and continuing to flourish in Mexico.

5. Lucha Libre

The 7 Most Popular Sports in Mexico and How Long They Have Been Played

While Lucha Libre is technically sports entertainment, it remains one of the most popular sporting attractions in Mexico.

©viafilms/ via Getty Images

Lucha Libre Wrestling has provided numerous legends, such as Gory Guerrero and Rey Mysterio Jr.

Lucha Libre is technically sports entertainment. However, it makes its way on this list due to the love and passion that Mexican fans have for it. Legends like Rey Mysterio Jr. and Gory Guerrero have become icons for their performances in the Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Yes, professional wrestling is not a real sport. But it involves real bumps and real athletes. It started in the 1930s and has over 3 million fans in Mexico.

4. Basketball

The 7 Most Popular Sports in Mexico and How Long They Have Been Played

Mexico likes basketball as much as any Western country and has created a large fanbase over the years.

©Brocreative/Shutterstock.com

Basketball allegedly came to Mexico in the 1930s.

The National Basketball League is the Mexican version of the NBA. Eduardo Najera is the most popular player to ever come out of Mexico. Also, he is a former NBA player. The first instance of basketball came to Mexico around the 1930s. Substantially, there are many fans of the sport, and it is continuing to evolve. It is one of the most popular sports in Mexico.

3. Boxing

The 7 Most Popular Sports in Mexico and How Long They Have Been Played

Mexico loves boxing and has been an iconic sport in the region since the early 1900s.

©Jacob Lund/ via Getty Images

Boxing is much more popular in Mexico than it is in the United States.

Boxing is fairly popular in the United States. But it is explodingly popular in Mexico. Julio Cesar Chavez is an icon. He is also one of the most popular Mexican boxers of all time. He had a 107-6 record throughout his illustrious career and is one of the significant reasons why boxing is so prevalent in Mexico.

The sport brings in 4 million fans and is all the rage in Mexico. His son, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., has experienced similar success in the ring, with a record of 53-6, hoping to emulate his father. You cannot go far in Mexico without seeing someone who loves boxing.

2. Baseball

The 7 Most Popular Sports in Mexico and How Long They Have Been Played

Baseball has been a hit in Mexico for decades and continues to thrive to this day.

©RonnieChua/ via Getty Images

Fernando Venezuela was one of the most popular Mexican-born baseball players of all time and helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series title.

Ask any Los Angeles Dodgers fan about Mexican players who have helped their team and watch them light up. First, there was Fernando Venezuela. He helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title in 1988 and 1988. Then, there is Julio Urias. He helped lead them to a World Series title in 2020. The Mexican fans who currently live in Los Angeles are second to none. Likewise, there are numerous fans who live in Mexico who love baseball.

Baseball is one of the oldest and most popular sports in Mexico, having been around since the early 1900s. There has always been strong support for baseball. Subsequently, it got even more popular after the World Baseball Classic, according to AP News. The sport is incredibly loved by the people and is only behind one sport.

1. Football/Soccer

The 7 Most Popular Sports in Mexico and How Long They Have Been Played

It is no surprise that football (aka soccer) is the top sport in Mexico.

©PeopleImages/ via Getty Images

Football has been around Mexico since the late 1800s.

Huge Sanchez is the most popular football player of all time. He was one of the best players in Mexico and the world. Sanchez helped put Mexico on the map when it came to football. Additionally, he also helped Mexico get to the 1986 FIFA World Cup. It was one of their few appearances in the elite eight.

Football has over 8 million players. Also, a 2022 survey revealed that over 40 percent of people in Mexico enjoyed watching soccer. You will find kids playing the sport throughout Mexico. Likewise, there are numerous contests and tournaments. It is the definitive sport of Mexico.

RankSport
1.Football/Soccer
2.Baseball
3.Boxing
4.Basketball
5.Lucha Libre
6.Volleyball
7.Bullfighting

The photo featured at the top of this post is © gorodenkoff/iStock via Getty Images

RECENT POSTS

See The Massive 52-Foot Whale That Washed Up In California

Continue reading for our analysis... © Aqqa Rosing-Asvid - Visit Greenland, CC BY 2.0 Whenever animals show up dead, it is always a sad thing to experience....
January 4, 2024
See The Massive 52-Foot Whale That Washed Up In California

Discover the 16 Best Plants To Start Indoors in January

Who says it’s too cold to grow plants in January? There are quite a few plants that are perfect to start indoors with grow lights, warming pads, or by the wi...
January 4, 2024
Discover the 16 Best Plants To Start Indoors in January

Discover the 5 Most Remote Spots in West Virginia And How to Safely Get There

West Virginia has no shortage of gorgeous locations that offer a reprieve from life’s busyness.©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.comWild and Wonderful West Virginia...
January 4, 2024
Discover the 5 Most Remote Spots in West Virginia And How to Safely Get There

The 7 Most Popular Sports in Canada and How Long They Have Been Played

Canada is one of the coldest climates in the world. But it still has its share of sports. There are many options for Canadians to watch. Fortunately, not all...
January 4, 2024
The 7 Most Popular Sports in Canada and How Long They Have Been Played

The 4 Coldest Places in Nevada Will Chill You to Your Core

Do you love sunny days and predictable weather? If so, you might love visiting or living in the American state of Nevada. Temperatures remain stable in this sou...
January 4, 2024
The 4 Coldest Places in Nevada Will Chill You to Your Core

13 Plants You Can Use to Make a Stunning Winter Wreath

If you’re lucky enough to have one, using your green thumb doesn’t have to stop when the colder weather approaches. There are plenty of stunning plants that...
January 4, 2024
13 Plants You Can Use to Make a Stunning Winter Wreath

7 Perfect Washington Ski Towns You Will Never Want to Leave

Washington isn’t famous for skiing, but “The Evergreen State” offers a variety of resorts where you can enjoy the popular winter sport. Take your pick from...
January 4, 2024
7 Perfect Washington Ski Towns You Will Never Want to Leave

Shetland Pony Fact Sheet: Height, Weight, Cost, Lifespan, and More

This Scottish breed is quite possibly the cutest, most commonly recognized pony breed out there: the Shetland Pony! Named after the islands they lived on in N...
January 4, 2024
Shetland Pony Fact Sheet: Height, Weight, Cost, Lifespan, and More

200 Amazing Scottish Dog Names and Their Meanings

Scotland is an enchanting country with a rich history, deeply rooted traditions, and an enchanting culture that is as rugged and bewitching as its stunning la...
January 4, 2024
200  Amazing Scottish Dog Names and Their Meanings

#6 Falcons in Arizona: How to Identify Them and Where They Live

The picturesque southwestern U.S. state of Arizona is known for two significant things: the Grand Canyon and diverse wildlife. Thoughts of the Copper State se...
January 4, 2024
#6 Falcons in Arizona: How to Identify Them and Where They Live

CATEGORY