Israel has no single sport officially designated as its national sport by law, but football (soccer) and basketball are widely regarded as the country's two de-facto national sports. These are by far the most followed, played, and televised sports in Israel, and together they form the heart of the nation's sporting identity.
Football and Basketball: The Twin Passions
Football is the most popular participation and spectator sport in Israel. The top professional division, the Israeli Premier League (Ligat ha'Al), draws large crowds, and clubs such as Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Maccabi Haifa, and Beitar Jerusalem command passionate followings. The Israel national football team competes within UEFA rather than the Asian confederation, a unique arrangement that places a Middle Eastern nation among Europe's footballing powers.
Basketball runs football a close second and arguably surpasses it in international prestige. Maccabi Tel Aviv is one of European basketball's most successful clubs, having won six EuroLeague championships. The club's deep runs in continental competition have made basketball a source of enormous national pride and have drawn elite international players to the Israeli league.
Why There Is No Single Official Sport
Many countries have no formally legislated national sport, and Israel is one of them. Instead, the "national sport" label is assigned informally based on popularity, cultural significance, and competitive success. Because football and basketball both dominate these measures, it is common to name the two together rather than crown a single discipline. This dual identity reflects how deeply both games are woven into Israeli daily life, from neighborhood courts and pitches to packed arenas and stadiums.
Olympic and International Success
Beyond football and basketball, Israel has built a respectable record at the highest levels of international sport. Highlights include:
- Israel has won 13 Olympic medals across its history, spread over several disciplines.
- Sailing — particularly windsurfing — is one of Israel's strongest and most consistent Olympic sources of medals.
- Judo has produced multiple Olympic medalists, becoming a flagship combat-sport success for the country.
- Linoy Ashram won the women's individual all-around gold in rhythmic gymnastics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a landmark first for Israel in the sport.
These achievements show that while football and basketball own the popular imagination, Israel's competitive strength is broad, with individual athletes excelling in sports that require precision, technique, and endurance.
The Maccabiah Games
One of the most distinctive features of Israeli sporting culture is the Maccabiah Games. Held in Israel roughly every four years and often called the "Jewish Olympics," the event gathers thousands of Jewish and Israeli athletes from around the world to compete across dozens of disciplines. By number of participants, the Maccabiah Games rank among the largest sporting events on earth, frequently cited alongside the Summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup as one of the biggest multi-sport gatherings. The Games reinforce both the international reach of Israeli sport and the connection between sport and national identity.
Israel at a Glance
- Continent: Asia (Middle East)
- Capital: Jerusalem
- Population: approximately 9.6 million
- Most popular sports: football (soccer) and basketball
- Strongest Olympic disciplines: sailing/windsurfing, judo, rhythmic gymnastics
For a fuller picture of the country's geography, climate, economy, and culture, see the israel country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national sport of Israel?
Israel does not have a single legally designated national sport. In practice, football (soccer) and basketball are treated as the country's national sports because they are the most popular and most successful at home and abroad.
Is football or basketball more popular in Israel?
Football has the larger overall following and participation base, but basketball is close behind and often enjoys greater international prestige thanks to Maccabi Tel Aviv's six EuroLeague titles. Both are deeply embedded in Israeli sporting culture.
Why does Israel play in European competitions?
Israeli national and club teams compete within European federations such as UEFA in football, rather than the Asian confederation. This places Israel among Europe's competitive sporting nations despite its Middle Eastern location.
What is an interesting fact about sport in Israel?
The Maccabiah Games, held in Israel every four years and nicknamed the "Jewish Olympics," are one of the world's largest sporting events by number of participants, frequently ranked alongside the Summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.
