Learn Sports Vocabulary in Spanish: Talk About Your Favorite Games

By Lingobi, Published on 02/09/2025

Sports bring people together, and if you're learning Spanish, knowing how to talk about your favorite games can be a great way to connect with native speakers! Whether you're a fan of soccer, basketball, or American football, learning sports vocabulary in Spanish will help you have fun conversations and feel more engaged in the culture. Let’s dive into the most common sports terms in Spanish.

Common Sports in Spanish

Here are some of the most popular sports and their Spanish translations:

  • Fútbol – Soccer (the most popular sport in Spanish-speaking countries!)
  • Fútbol americano – American football
  • Básquetbol / Baloncesto – Basketball
  • Béisbol – Baseball
  • Tenis – Tennis
  • Vóleibol – Volleyball
  • Natación – Swimming
  • Golf – Golf
  • Ciclismo – Cycling
  • Boxeo – Boxing

Talking About Sports Venues and Equipment

When discussing sports, you'll often mention places and equipment. Here’s how to say them in Spanish:

  • Estadio – Stadium
  • Cancha – Court (used for basketball, tennis, etc.)
  • Campo – Field (used for soccer, baseball, American football, etc.)
  • Equipo – Team
  • Balón / Pelota – Ball
  • Casco – Helmet (important for American football!)
  • Protecciones – Pads (for American football, hockey, etc.)
  • Red – Net
  • Raqueta – Racket

How to Talk About Fans and Players

Watching a game? Here’s how to describe the people involved:

  • Aficionados / Hinchas – Fans
  • Jugador(a) – Player
  • Mariscal de campo – Quarterback (for American football)
  • Árbitro – Referee
  • Entrenador(a) – Coach

Common Phrases to Use When Watching a Game

Next time you’re watching a match in Spanish, try using these phrases:

  • ¡Qué buen partido! – What a great game!
  • ¡Vamos equipo! – Let’s go, team!
  • ¡Eso fue un golazo! – That was an amazing goal!
  • ¡Ese pase fue increíble! – That pass was incredible! (Perfect for American football fans)
  • El árbitro es ciego – The referee is blind (used when you disagree with a call!)

Learning sports vocabulary in Spanish makes conversations with native speakers more engaging. Whether you're cheering for your favorite team or discussing a game, these words will help you feel more confident.

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