Home » Football » Ligue 1

Italy: football is no longer the number 1 national sport

The hierarchy of Italian sport is experiencing a historic upheaval. According to La Gazzetta dello Sportthe Italian Tennis and Padel…

By Manu Tournoux · French Football Weekly

Published: Friday, 30 October 2026 at 11:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Tennis and padel have surpassed football in Italy by registered members for the first time in history.
The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation reached 1,162,477 members compared to 1,123,054 for the Italian Football Federation.
A nearly 40,000-member gap marks a historic shift in Italy's traditional sporting hierarchy.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tennis and padel have surpassed football as the most popular participation sport in Italy for the first time in history. According to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP) currently counts 1,162,477 registered members, overtaking the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

The FIGC reportedly stands at 1,123,054 members, leaving tennis and padel ahead by nearly 40,000 licensees. The significant rise reflects the surging national interest in tennis, largely propelled by the recent success of Italian players on the international stage.

Read the full article on French Football Weekly

Italy: football is no longer the number 1 national sport

More Ligue 1 News

Never Miss a Sports Update