Romania has a rich sporting culture with a history of excelling in various international competitions. From traditional games to globally popular sports, Romanians have a deep passion for athletics. Whether you’re a fan or an aspiring athlete, this guide will walk you through the 7 Popular Sports in Romania 2025.
These are 7 Popular Sports in Romania 2025:
- Football (Soccer)
- Gymnastics
- Tennis
- Handball
- Rugby Union
- Basketball
- Oină
1. Football (Soccer)
Football is undeniably the most loved sport in Romania. Every major city boasts stadiums filled with passionate fans cheering for their favorite teams in the Liga I , the country’s top professional football league.
Famous Romanian Football Players
- Gheorghe Hagi – Known as The King, he is Romania’s greatest footballer.
- Adrian Mutu – One of Romania’s top goal scorers.
- Ciprian Tătărușanu – A legendary Romanian goalkeeper.
How Many People Play Football in Romania?
Football (soccer) is by far the Most Popular Sports in Romania. According to the Romanian Football Federation (FRF), there are over 300,000 registered football players in the country. However, if you include amateur and casual players, the number is estimated to be in the millions.
See All In
Football Culture in Romania
Football is the most popular sport in the world, also in Romania; it’s a way of life. From kids playing in the streets to professional leagues, the enthusiasm is unmatched. If you’re visiting Romania, watching a live Romanian Cup match is a must.
2. Gymnastics
Romania has a legendary history in gymnastics, producing world-class athletes who have dominated international competitions.
Gymnastics has a rich history in Romania, largely thanks to legends like Nadia Comaneci, who scored the first-ever perfect 10 in Olympic history. This sport remains one of Romania’s most respected and practiced athletic disciplines.
Notable Romanian Gymnasts
- Nadia Comăneci – The first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in the Olympics.
- Simona Amânar – Olympic gold medalist.
- Ana Barbosu – A Romanian gymnast who won a bronze medal in the women’s artistic gymnastics floor final at the 2024 Paris Olympics
How Many Gymnasts in Romania?
According to the Romanian Gymnastics Federation, there are approximately 15,000 registered gymnasts across various age groups and categories, from artistic to rhythmic gymnastics. However, when considering unregistered athletes, students in sports schools, and casual enthusiasts, the number rises significantly.
Why Gymnastics is Popular in Romania?
Romanian gymnastics has inspired generations. The country’s training facilities continue to produce world-class athletes, making gymnastics one of the top sports in Romania.
3. Tennis
In recent years, tennis has gained immense popularity in Romania, thanks to the international successes of players like Simona Halep and Ilie Năstase.
Famous Romanian Tennis Players
- Simona Halep – Former world No. 1 and Wimbledon champion.
- Ilie Năstase – A tennis icon inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
How Many People Play Tennis in Romania?
According to the Romanian Tennis Federation, there are approximately 12,000 registered tennis players competing in various national and international tournaments. However, the number of casual and recreational players is estimated to be over 100k, as tennis remains a favorite pastime among Romanians of all ages.
Why Tennis is Growing in Romania?
Tennis academies across Romania are training the next generation of stars, making it a thriving sport. If you’re interested in playing, there are many tennis clubs in Romania to explore.
4. Handball
Romania is a powerhouse in handball, particularly in the women’s division, with several championship titles in the European Handball Federation (EHF).
Top Handball Achievements
- Romania’s Women’s Team – Multiple-time European and World Championship winners.
- Cristina Neagu – One of the greatest female handball players ever.
How Many People Play Handball in Romania?
According to the Romanian Handball Federation, there are approximately 20,000 registered handball players actively participating in club and national competitions. However, when considering amateur and school-level players, the total number of people playing handball in Romania exceeds 100k.
Why Handball is a National Sport?
With a strong domestic league and a passionate fanbase, handball remains one of Romania’s most celebrated sports.
5. Rugby Union
Rugby has a long tradition in Romania, with the national team frequently participating in the Rugby World Cup.
World Rugby Cup
- Romania played in the first eight Rugby World Cups, including the inaugural tournament in 1987
- Romania won at least one game in every World Cup they played in, except for 1995 and 2011
- In 2015, Romania beat Canada 17-15 in the biggest comeback in men’s World Cup history
Romania’s Rugby Legacy
Romania’s rugby team, known as the Oaks, has historically been one of the strongest in Eastern Europe.
How Many People Play Rugby in Romania?
Rugby is a well-established sport in Romania, with a strong history dating back to the early 20th century. As of recent estimates, around 8,000 to 10,000 people actively play rugby in Romania, including professional, amateur, and youth-level players.
Why Rugby is Gaining Popularity in Romania?
With increasing investment in youth development, rugby is growing rapidly. If you’re in Bucharest, watching a live SuperLiga match is an exciting experience.
6. Basketball
Basketball is gaining popularity in Romania thanks to investments in youth training and participation in the FIBA European Championships.
Rising Stars in Romanian Basketball
Romania is producing more professional players competing in European leagues. U-Banca Transilvania is one of the most successful basketball teams in the country.
How Many People Play Basketball in Romania?
Basketball is a growing sport in Romania, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 active players across various levels, including professional, amateur, and youth divisions. The sport is governed by the Romanian Basketball Federation (FRB), which oversees national leagues and player development programs.
Why Basketball is Growing
With more schools introducing basketball programs, Romania is seeing a new generation of talented players emerging.
7. Oină – Romania’s Traditional Sport
Oină is Romania’s national sport, similar to baseball but with unique local rules.
Oină’s History and Popularity
Oină is a traditional Romanian sport with origins dating back over 2,000 years, influenced by Dacian and Roman games. It evolved in the 19th century and is considered a precursor to baseball. While not widely popular internationally, Oină is a culturally significant game in Romania, especially in rural areas. Efforts to revive and preserve it continue, with national tournaments and youth programs supporting its growth.
How Many People Play Oină in Romania?
While the exact number of people playing Oină in Romania is not readily available, it is estimated that thousands participate, especially in rural areas and villages where the sport is most popular. The Romanian Oină Federation reports involvement in local and national competitions, with schools and youth programs also helping to grow its popularity. However, compared to other sports like football and basketball, its player base is relatively smaller, and it remains a niche but culturally significant activity.
Why Oină is Important
While it’s not as widely followed as football or tennis, oină remains a proud symbol of Romania’s sporting heritage.
Oină holds significant cultural and historical importance in Romania for several reasons:
- Cultural Heritage: Oină is a traditional Romanian sport with ancient roots, representing a link to the country’s Dacian heritage and its historical connection to Roman influences. It’s a symbol of national identity and pride.
- Preservation of Tradition: As a uniquely Romanian game, Oină helps preserve traditional customs and folklore, offering a sense of continuity with the past and an opportunity to celebrate Romania’s unique cultural history.
- Promoting National Unity: The sport fosters a sense of community, particularly in rural areas, where it has historically been played in villages and local gatherings. It unites people of all ages, strengthening social bonds.
- Physical and Mental Benefits: Like any sport, Oină promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and mental resilience, offering benefits to players in terms of agility, coordination, and strategic thinking.
- Revival and National Recognition: Efforts to revive Oină through competitions, school programs, and national leagues contribute to Romania’s sporting diversity, ensuring it remains part of the nation’s cultural landscape.
In short, Oină is important because it preserves Romanian traditions, promotes social unity, and contributes to national pride.
Conclusion
Romania’s love for sports is undeniable, with football, gymnastics, tennis, handball, rugby, basketball, and oină playing a major role in the country’s athletic culture. Whether you’re a fan or an aspiring athlete, there’s a sport for everyone in Romania.
Would you like to experience Romanian sports firsthand? Visit MegaSportsNet.com for live updates, match schedules, and training tips!