soccer games today

Having spent the better part of my professional basketball career bouncing between leagues in Japan, Lithuania, and South Korea, I’ve come to appreciate just how differently sports capture the hearts of fans worldwide. When you’re immersed in one sport, it’s easy to forget how others operate—but having played in front of crowds ranging from the disciplined supporters in Tokyo to the roaring fans in Seoul, I can’t help but compare the global appeal of basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. Each has its own rhythm, its own soul, and its own set of rules that either invite you in or keep you at arm’s length. Let’s dive in.

Starting with basketball—my world—it’s a game of speed and constant motion. The 24-second shot clock keeps everyone on their toes, and with only five players per side on the court, every individual’s contribution is magnified. I saw this firsthand during my time with the Earthfriends Tokyo Z in Japan’s B.League back in 2021. The Japanese fans adore the fast breaks and three-pointers, but honestly, basketball’s global popularity is still catching up. FIBA estimates around 450 million people play basketball worldwide, which is impressive, but it pales next to soccer’s numbers. Then there’s baseball, which I got to observe up close during off-seasons in Asia. The pace? Much slower, almost meditative. With no game clock, innings can stretch forever, and the strategy revolves around patience—waiting for that perfect pitch. In terms of popularity, it’s huge in the U.S. and East Asia, drawing over 20 million fans annually to MLB games alone, but it hasn’t quite cracked Europe or Africa in the same way.

Now, American football—that’s a beast of its own. I’ll admit, I’ve never played it, but watching games during my stint in Lithuania with BC Wolves was an eye-opener. The stop-start nature, complex play-calling, and sheer physicality make it a spectacle, but the rules can be a barrier for international audiences. With only about 16 regular-season games per team, each match feels like an event, and the Super Bowl routinely pulls in over 100 million viewers in the U.S. But globally? It’s niche. Soccer, on the other hand, is the undisputed king. Having lived in South Korea while playing for the Seoul SK Knights, I saw how entire cities would come to a standstill for a World Cup match. The simplicity of its rules—score goals, avoid offside—makes it accessible, and with roughly 3.5 billion fans worldwide, it’s in a league of its own. FIFA’s revenue often tops $5 billion annually, dwarfing other sports.

From my perspective, the beauty of these sports lies in how they reflect their cultures. Basketball’s inclusivity and fast pace mirror the dynamism I experienced in Tokyo and Seoul, while soccer’s universal appeal stems from its raw, emotional connection. If I had to pick a favorite, it’s basketball—no surprise there—but I’ve grown to respect the strategic depth of baseball and the communal frenzy of soccer. In the end, each sport offers a unique window into what drives us as athletes and fans, and understanding their rules and reach only deepens that appreciation. Whether you’re a player or a spectator, there’s a game out there that feels like home.