Most Popular Sports in Russia: Football, Hockey, and Athletics
Association football and ice hockey lead Russian sporting culture, supported by a strong tradition in combat sports, athletics, and gymnastics. Here's a guide to the most popular sports in Russia.
Football and ice hockey sit at the pinnacle of Russian sporting culture. Both sports command passionate followings, massive television audiences, and strong professional leagues. Behind them, Russia’s Olympic tradition in athletics, gymnastics, combat sports, and winter disciplines has produced some of the most decorated athletes in Games history.
Football (Soccer)
Association football is Russia’s most-watched sport by spectator numbers. The Russian Premier League features clubs from Moscow and across the country, with a passionate rivalry culture especially among Moscow clubs. Russia hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2018, reaching the quarterfinals and generating enormous national pride. Domestic football has a long history stretching back to the Soviet era.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey runs a close second — and by cultural passion and international prestige, many Russians would argue it is first. The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is one of the most competitive professional leagues outside the NHL, featuring teams from Russia and several other countries. Russia (and previously the Soviet Union) has a legendary international record at the World Championships and Olympics. Names like Vladislav Tretiak, Valeri Kharlamov, and the Soviet “Red Machine” teams are icons of the global game.
Basketball
Basketball has a significant following in Russia, supported by professional clubs competing in the VTB United League and EuroLeague. Russia has produced several internationally prominent players and national team squads have been competitive at European Championships.
Combat Sports: Sambo, Wrestling, and Judo
Russia has a deep-rooted culture of combat sports. Sambo — a Soviet-developed grappling art — is particularly important, and Russia dominates international sambo competitions. Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, as well as judo, have produced generations of Olympic and World champions.
Athletics and Gymnastics
The Soviet Union and Russia built fearsome reputations in track and field and artistic gymnastics. Russian gymnasts have historically been among the most decorated in the world, and the country’s athletics tradition spans sprinting, field events, and distance running.
Winter Sports
Given Russia’s climate and geography, winter sports have enormous cultural weight. Biathlon, cross-country skiing, and figure skating are perennially strong. Figure skating in particular enjoys huge public enthusiasm, with Russian skaters among the world’s most technically advanced.
Sport Popularity at a Glance
| Sport | Top Competition | Strength Level |
|---|---|---|
| Football (Soccer) | Russian Premier League, FIFA | Mass spectator sport |
| Ice Hockey | KHL, World Championships | Deep cultural passion |
| Basketball | VTB United League, EuroLeague | Significant following |
| Sambo / Wrestling | World Championships, Olympics | International elite |
| Athletics | World Championships, Olympics | Historic elite tradition |
| Figure Skating | World Championships, Olympics | Very high public interest |
| Biathlon | IBU World Cup | Strong winter following |
The Soviet Legacy
Much of Russia’s sporting identity was shaped by the Soviet sports system, which invested heavily in elite athletic development across dozens of disciplines. That legacy continues to influence Russian sports culture, coaching methodology, and the pride placed on international competition results.
Quick summary: Football is Russia’s biggest mass spectator sport; ice hockey is its deepest passion. Russia’s Soviet-era traditions in athletics, gymnastics, wrestling, and winter sports continue to underpin a formidable international sporting presence across multiple disciplines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular sport in Russia?+
Association football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Russia by spectator numbers and participation, with the Russian Premier League drawing large crowds and wide media coverage.
Is ice hockey popular in Russia?+
Ice hockey is extremely popular in Russia and is considered by many to be the country's most beloved sport. Russia has a storied Olympic and World Championship history in hockey, and the KHL is one of the world's top professional leagues.
What combat sport is Russia known for?+
Russia is known for sambo, a martial art and combat sport developed in the Soviet Union, as well as a strong wrestling and judo tradition. Russian athletes are among the world's elite in these disciplines.