Where were you when France defeated Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final? Or when India won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup? If you’re a fan of football or cricket, the chances are that you watched along on television.
Believe it or not, the most watched sports event of all time attracted an audience of more than 1 billion TV and live stream viewers. Keep reading to find out which event tops the list.
5. Real Madrid vs Liverpool – 2018 UEFA Champions League Final
Global viewership: 380 million
The 2018 UEFA Champions League final will always be remembered for Gareth Bale’s overhead kick – and Loris Karius’ goalkeeping blunders. Incidentally, the unforgettable match is also one of the most watched sports events of all time.
380 million viewers tuned in to watch Real Madrid defeat Liverpool 3-1 at Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium, while the Spanish giants secured a third successive Champions League title.
4. Pakistan vs India – 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final
Global viewership: 495 million
We all know how much cricket means to India and Pakistan, so it is hardly surprising that the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final showdown between the two nations is among the most watched sports events in history.
In front of a global audience of 495 million, the Indians claimed a 29-run victory to reach the final at the expense of their fierce rivals, with legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar smashing 85 runs off 115 balls.
3. India vs Sri Lanka – 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final
Global viewership: 558 million
Three days after India’s triumph over Pakistan, the Men in Blue defeated Sri Lanka to secure the silverware on home soil. Remarkably, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final was viewed by 558 million worldwide.
India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets, with man of the match MS Dhoni steering his side to victory with an unbeaten 91 off 79 deliveries. Gautam Gambhir also starred in the final, falling just three runs short of a century.
2. England vs Italy – UEFA Euro 2020 Final
Global viewership: 600 million
Coming in at number two on the list of the most viewed sporting events of all time is the UEFA Euro 2020 final between England and Italy. 600 million fans watched the showpiece, as the Italians claimed a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Gareth Southgate’s side.
The final was shown on both the BBC and ITV in the UK, which enabled millions of England fans to catch the action. Unfortunately for them, the Three Lions failed to lift the trophy.
1. France vs Croatia – 2018 FIFA World Cup Final
Global viewership: 1.12 billion
Attracting 1.12 billion viewers, the 2018 FIFA World Cup final is officially the most viewed sports event ever. Believe it or not, roughly 15% of the world’s population tuned in to see France defeat Croatia 4-2 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
FIFA estimated that 884 million watched the final on television, with 232 million using online streaming, public venues and other platforms. In France, the final drew an average of 26.1 million viewers, making it the most watched event in French TV history.
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