Why is soccer so popular?

Soccer, or football, is played in every corner of the globe, from world-class pitches to back streets. All one needs to play is a round ball and some markers to signify the goals. The same cannot be said for other sports which commonly require specialized equipment or venues. Due to this accessibility, the world has seen many great footballing talents come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and nations. 

It is a team-based sport that is incredibly unpredictable. Ironically, underdogs have frequently overcome defying odds to win. It is a beautiful sport to watch as moments of individual skill or team play can completely change the outcome of a game. 

For these reasons, among many others, is why football is the world's most popular sport and is commonly referred to as "the beautiful game."