New Google Search data has dropped – and it shows South Africa is one of the most sports-obsessed nations on earth. In fact, the country ranks second globally for sports-related searches, behind only Nigeria. The full media release – with accompanying statistics – is available here; a handy infographic is attached (and available in higher res if required).
Some of the standout insights from the past 12 months:
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Soccer and rugby still dominate – with Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates topping fixtures searched.
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Women’s sport is breaking records – the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations saw all-time highs in search interest, with Jermaine Seoposenwe (+2,180%) and Gabriela Salgado (+1,770%) among the fastest-rising stars.
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Global events are exploding locally – searches for the Paralympic Games jumped by 3,820%, while the FIFA Club World Cup surged 2,250%.
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Fans are going digital in new ways – Google’s new AI Mode is helping people check live match schedules, compare ticket options, and discover local fan events in real time.
As Kabelo Makwane, Google South Africa’s Country Director, puts it:
“AI Mode is making Search radically more helpful by combining personalisation with real-time capabilities. For sports fans in South Africa and around the world, it means you can follow your teams and tournaments more closely, while also discovering new ways to connect with the wider sporting community.”
