New data from Flashscore, the world’s leading live score platform, confirms that 2025 was a “watershed year” for women’s sports engagement.
Driven by England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title and a dominant year for tennis icons, the data reveals a sharp divide between UK-specific and global fan interests.
The UK’s Football Fever
In the United Kingdom, the Lionesses remain the primary cultural driver. Striker Alessia Russo ranked as the most popular athlete, followed by Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly. England players claimed 12 of the top 20 spots in the UK, reflecting the impact of their success under manager Sarina Wiegman.
The Euro 2025 final in Basel was the most-viewed match of the year. July’s final not only topped Flashscore’s metrics but became the most-watched women’s football match in UK history.
Global Trends: Tennis Reigns Supreme
While football dominates the UK when it comes to women’s sports, Flashscore’s data shows global audiences shifted toward tennis. The top four global athlete profiles were all tennis stars:
- Iga Swiatek
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Mirra Andreeva
- Amanda Anisimova
FC Barcelona Femení maintained its status as the world’s most popular club, receiving nearly double the views of second-placed Chelsea Women.
Multi-Sport Breakouts
In the UK, football and tennis accounted for 19 of the top 20 athletes, with the sole exception being darts sensation Beau Greaves. Ranking 16th, the 22-year-old made history in February 2026 by becoming the first woman to throw a nine-darter on the PDC ProTour.
Outside of football, the Red Roses (England Rugby) and England’s national cricket team were the only sides to break into the UK top 50 team rankings.
