Athletes who featured in some of the world’s greatest sporting events
Sport has a unique power to unite people across cultures and continents. From the excitement of football to the thrill of basketball and the spectacle of major sporting festivals, there is always something for everyone to enjoy.
However, despite its rich history, passionate fan base, and thrilling matchups, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has failed to secure a place among the top 10 most-watched sports events of all time.
This revelation, highlighted in an in-depth report by The Sun, underscores the tournament’s struggle to attract a global audience comparable to other major sporting events.
The report lists the top 10 most-watched sporting events, featuring moments such as Patrick Mahomes’ Super Bowl heartbreak and Lionel Messi’s crowning glory, yet AFCON is notably absent.
Qatar 2022 – 5.4 billion views
The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be remembered as a historic tournament, largely due to Lionel Messi’s ultimate triumph.
A record-breaking global audience of 5.4 billion people tuned in to witness the Argentine legend cement his status as one of football’s greatest icons.
Beijing 2008 Olympics – 4.7 billion views
The Olympics’ universal appeal remains unmatched, and the 2008 Beijing Games were a testament to their global reach.
With a diverse array of events and worldwide participation, the Games captivated an astonishing 4.7 billion viewers.
Tour de France – 3 billion views
Spanning 23 days, the Tour de France offers an extended window for massive viewership. While not all fans watch from start to finish, the event still attracts a colossal global audience, with over three billion people tuning in.
2006 Winter Olympics (Torino, Italy) – 2.1 billion views
Despite being overshadowed by the Summer Olympics, the Winter Games draw the spotlight on niche sports that rarely get mainstream attention.
The 2006 Torino Winter Olympics reached a record-breaking 2.1 billion viewers, with Germany emerging as the overall champion.
Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks, 1978 – 2 billion views
Muhammad Ali’s legendary 1978 rematch against Leon Spinks remains the most-watched boxing event in history.
The iconic fighter’s unparalleled popularity drew in a staggering 2 billion viewers, as he secured a unanimous decision victory in the final win of his illustrious career.
2019 Cricket World Cup – 1.6 billion views
Cricket’s immense global following was on full display in 2019, as 1.6 billion people watched England defeat New Zealand in a dramatic final at Lord’s.
The tournament’s lengthy schedule helped broadcasters tap into massive cricket-loving markets, particularly in India, resulting in record-breaking viewership.
Asian Games – 986 million views
The Asian Games, a quadrennial multi-sport spectacle, amassed a massive audience of 986 million viewers.
Despite receiving limited global media coverage, its immense popularity is unsurprising, given that half of the world’s population resides in Asia.
South Africa vs. England – 2019 Rugby World Cup Final – 857 million views
Rugby’s global appeal was evident in 2019 when 857 million people watched South Africa defeat England in the Rugby World Cup final.
The victory secured the Springboks’ third title and reinforced their status as a rugby powerhouse.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles – 2025 Super Bowl – 126 million views
The 2025 Super Bowl attracted 126 million viewers as the Philadelphia Eagles delivered a commanding 40-22 victory over the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
The win, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, denied the Chiefs a historic three-peat and featured a much-anticipated halftime show by Kendrick Lamar.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, 2024 – 65 million views
Mike Tyson’s long-awaited return to the ring ended in defeat, but his highly publicized fight against Jake Paul still shattered viewership records.
The eight-round bout, streamed live on Netflix, drew 65 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched boxing match in history.
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