The 10 most watched football matches of all time

October 27, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Football is a sport like no other when it comes to global reach. From Champions League clashes to unforgettable World Cup finals, billions have gathered around screens to witness iconic moments in the game’s history. Here’s a countdown from number 10 to number 1 of the most watched football matches ever.

10. 2018 UEFA Champions League Final: Real Madrid vs Liverpool – 400–500 million viewers

This final was packed with drama, brilliance and heartbreak, drawing up to half a billion viewers worldwide. Gareth Bale stunned the world with an outrageous overhead kick, while goalkeeper Loris Karius made two costly mistakes. The match also included Sergio Ramos’ controversial tackle on Mohamed Salah — a night of chaos and glory in Kyiv.

9. 2017-18 La Liga: Real Madrid vs Barcelona – 650 million viewers

El Classico — charnsitr / Shutterstock.com

El Clasico peaked during the Messi-Ronaldo era, and this match became the most watched domestic club game in football history. Barcelona dismantled Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, with goals from Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Aleix Vidal. Over 650 million people tuned in to watch two football giants collide in the ultimate rivalry.

8. 2022 UEFA Champions League Final: Real Madrid vs Liverpool – 700 million viewers

vinicius — OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES / Shutterstock.com

A record-breaking audience for a club game saw 700 million people watch Real Madrid beat Liverpool in Paris. Thibaut Courtois delivered a goalkeeping masterclass, denying the Reds time and again. Vinicius Junior scored the only goal, as Madrid secured their 14th Champions League title.

7. 2006 FIFA World Cup Final: Italy vs France – 715 million viewers

One of the most memorable World Cup finals ever, watched by 715 million fans around the globe. Zinedine Zidane’s shocking headbutt on Marco Materazzi became the defining moment, overshadowing his earlier penalty. Italy went on to win in a dramatic penalty shootout, with Fabio Grosso converting the decisive kick.

6. 2010 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain vs Netherlands – 909 million viewers

Spain Celebrating winning the Euros in 2024 — Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Nearly a billion people watched Spain lift their first ever World Cup in Johannesburg. Andrés Iniesta scored the extra-time winner after a physical match that featured 14 yellow cards and a red for John Heitinga. The game is also remembered for Nigel de Jong’s infamous kung-fu challenge on Xabi Alonso.

5. 2014 FIFA World Cup Final: Germany vs Argentina – 1.01 billion viewers

Gotze — Jefferson Bernardes / Shutterstock.com

Over a billion viewers witnessed Germany beat Argentina 1-0 at the Maracanã in Rio. Mario Götze came off the bench to score the winner in extra time and give Germany their fourth World Cup title. It was also the most watched TV event in German history, with 34.65 million local viewers.

4. 2002 FIFA World Cup Final: Brazil vs Germany – 1.1 billion viewers

Brazil’s last World Cup win in 2002 attracted an estimated 1.1 billion viewers. Ronaldo Nazario scored twice to lead Brazil past Germany in Yokohama, while Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos added flair throughout the tournament. This was also the first World Cup hosted in Asia, drawing massive interest worldwide.

3. 2018 FIFA World Cup Final: France vs Croatia – 1.12 billion viewers

France’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow was seen by over 1.12 billion people across traditional and digital platforms. Kylian Mbappé became the youngest player since Pelé to score in a final, while Griezmann and Pogba also found the net. It was a high-scoring, action-packed conclusion to a thrilling tournament.

2. 1998 FIFA World Cup Final: France vs Brazil – 1.3 billion viewers

The 1998 final on French soil featured some of the biggest names in football and drew 1.3 billion viewers globally. Zinedine Zidane delivered a legendary performance, scoring two headers in a 3-0 win. It was France’s first World Cup triumph, made even sweeter by doing it at home.

1. 2022 FIFA World Cup Final: Argentina vs France – 1.5 billion viewers

The most watched football match in history — 1.5 billion people tuned in to see Lionel Messi lead Argentina to World Cup glory. The game had it all: a 3-3 draw, a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappé, and a penalty shootout for the ages. It was the ultimate football spectacle, watched by more fans than any other sporting event ever.