Sports in Poland - statistics & facts
Importance of Polish football and sports participation
Robert Lewandowski's remarkable tally of 84 goals for Poland's national football team cements his status as the country's all-time leading scorer. Lewandowski's prolific scoring has not only etched his name in Polish football history but also elevated the team's profile on the international stage. The Polish national team continues to draw large crowds, with a recent match against Portugal in 2024 attracting over 56,000 fans to PGE Narodowy in Warsaw. The attendance record for a match against Hungary was set on September 14, 1958, when 110,000 people filled the stadium in Chorzow.In recent years, Poland has seen an increase in physical activity among its population. As of 2023, 64 percent of respondents reported being physically active, marking a two percentage point increase over the observed years. Gym and fitness emerged as the most popular form of physical activity in 2023, with 18 percent of respondents citing it as their favorite sport.
Sports vs. E-sports
Poland's sports landscape presents an interesting mix of traditional and modern preferences. Volleyball stands out as the most popular sport, with 37 percent of Poles favoring it over football (34 percent). This unique preference sets Poland apart from many other European nations where football typically dominates. The popularity of sports is further evidenced by the growing sports equipment market, projected to reach 855.07 million U.S. dollars by 2029, a 34.94 percent increase over five years.Poland's esports streaming landscape is set to grow significantly in the coming years. The number of users engaging with esports streaming content is projected to increase from 4.43 million in 2024 to 6.02 million by 2029, representing a 36.12 percent rise. This upward trend highlights the growing popularity of competitive gaming content among Polish audiences. Growing audience is part of a broader trend in the Polish esports market, which is seeing expansion across multiple segments. The merchandise segment is expected to make a high of 0.76 million U.S. dollars in revenue by 2029.
Physical activity and sports are increasingly important in Polish society, showcasing a diverse range of preferences and adaptations to changing circumstances. While traditional sports like volleyball continue to dominate, the rise of e-sports and the increasing focus on fitness and physical activity demonstrate the evolving nature of Poland's sports landscape.