The pie charts provide data on the most favored sports in secondary schools in France in 1990, 2000, and 2010. Overall, swimming was the most widely played sport in all three years. The popularity of football declined significantly among students, whereas playing basketball became more frequently practiced in the final year.
To begin with, swimming accounted for 39% of all sports in 1990. Its popularity grew over the next decade, reaching a peak of nearly half. Although interest in football also rose slightly during this time, it increased by only 2%, from less than one-fifth to 18%. In 2010, interest in swimming declined somewhat, although it remained the leading sport, comprising just over two-fifths. Meanwhile, the popularity of football among secondary school students fell dramatically, dropping to half of its original figure.
Basketball began at the same level as football — 16%. It then dropped considerably to just 7% in 2000. In contrast, the following decade saw a dramatic rise, with basketball accounting for a quarter of all sports played by 2010. As for tennis, it started as the least popular sport at only 4%, a figure that remained unchanged in 2000. However, by 2010, its popularity had grown by 3%. Other sports collectively made up a quarter of the total in the initial year, followed by a slight decline in 2000. This category then dropped by a further 4% by the final year.