Sport in Argentina

sports · Argentina · football · athletic talent

Football reigns supreme. Association football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport in Argentina. The country has produced some of the greatest players in the world and has a passionate fan culture.

European influence. Because so many Argentines have European ancestry, the country plays a huge variety of sports. The mild climate also makes it easy to play sports year-round outdoors.

Winners in many sports. Argentina shines not just in football but also in basketball, field hockey, rugby, tennis, boxing, golf, and rowing. Argentine athletes have won Olympic medals and world championships in all these sports.

Pato is official. Pato is Argentina's national sport, combining elements of polo and basketball on horseback. Despite being the official sport, it is not very popular compared to football and other activities.

Endless sport choices. Beyond the big sports, Argentines also enjoy cycling, mountain biking, swimming, skiing, handball, volleyball, and even mountaineering in the Andes mountains.