Popular sports in Spain: a guide to Spanish sports clubs

After five years living in Barcelona, I've discovered that sport in Spain extends far beyond the football obsession the country is famous for. While La Liga certainly dominates conversations in bars and offices, expats looking to stay active will find thriving communities for virtually every sport imaginable. Joining a sports club has been one of the best ways I've found to make friends and integrate into Spanish life.

Spain's climate makes outdoor sports possible year-round, and Spaniards take their leisure activities seriously. Whether you want to continue playing a sport you loved back home or try something completely new, here's my guide to finding your sporting community in Spain.

Football: The National Obsession

No guide to Spanish sports would be complete without acknowledging football's dominant position. From professional leagues to casual pickup games in local parks, football is woven into Spanish culture. Most neighborhoods have amateur clubs welcoming players of all abilities, and joining a local team provides instant social connections.

For expats interested in watching rather than playing, Spanish football culture offers an immersive experience. Match days transform neighborhoods around stadiums, and gathering at bars to watch games is a cherished social ritual. Learning to appreciate football, even casually, opens doors to conversations and friendships across Spanish society.

Padel: Spain's Fastest Growing Sport

Padel has exploded in popularity across Spain and represents perhaps the easiest sport for newcomers to join. A hybrid of tennis and squash played on enclosed courts, padel is more accessible than tennis while offering excellent exercise and social interaction. Courts are everywhere, and most clubs welcome players at all skill levels.

What makes padel particularly appealing for expats is its social nature. Games are always doubles, creating natural opportunities to meet people. Many clubs organize leagues and social events, making padel an excellent pathway into Spanish sporting and social life.

Rugby in Madrid and Barcelona

The Madrid Lions Rugby Club has been bringing rugby to Spain since 1997, welcoming players of all levels and nationalities. With over 400 members from 23 different countries over the years, it's a genuinely international community. Training happens Saturday afternoons at Complejo Deportivo Almudena near Ciudad Universitaria.

The club charges a modest sign-up fee of around 65 euros covering membership and jerseys. For rugby players missing their sport or newcomers curious to try, the Lions offer a welcoming environment with strong social programming beyond just match days.

Contact: info@madridlionsrfc.com or visit madridlionsrfc.com

Cricket: A Taste of Home

For British, Australian, Indian, and other expats from cricket-loving nations, several clubs keep the sport alive in Spain. The Madrid Cricket Club has operated since 1975, practicing at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Alcorcon. The club welcomes players at all levels seeking competitive or social cricket.

In Barcelona, the Barcelona International Cricket Club always seeks players of varying abilities for friendly and competitive weekend matches. Cricket clubs in Spain tend to be multinational communities where expats from diverse backgrounds connect over shared love of the game.

Lacrosse: Growing Communities

Though not traditionally Spanish, lacrosse has established footholds in both Madrid and Barcelona. Madrid Lacrosse provides all equipment and welcomes complete beginners, with training Sunday evenings at Almudena's Field. Barcelona Lacrosse operates similarly, building an informal community for men and women interested in the sport.

For lacrosse players who thought they'd have to abandon their sport when moving to Spain, these clubs offer pleasant surprises.

Martial Arts and Combat Sports

Spain hosts excellent martial arts communities. Muay Thai Madrid teaches traditional Thai boxing at various skill levels, offering both serious training and fitness-focused classes. Located near Cuatro Caminos metro, they train Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Tennis: Year-Round Play

Spain's climate makes it a tennis paradise. Barcelona Tennis is a non-profit organization connecting tennis players for both casual and competitive matches across multiple courts throughout the city. Membership is free for social play, with small fees for organized competitive leagues.

Finding Your Community

Whatever sport interests you, Spain likely has a community ready to welcome you. Sports clubs here serve as social hubs as much as athletic organizations, offering events, friendships, and pathways into Spanish life. Don't hesitate to reach out, attend a session, and discover how sport can enrich your expat experience.