I've always thought that chariot racing was a closer equivalent. Do a quick search of the archives in this subreddit, and you'll find plenty written about it. There were favored teams of charioteers, massive crowds, even souvenirs.

hi! popular like football, eh? how about chariot racing! here are a few posts on the subject

• A Question About Chariot Races

• How common were chariot crashes in ancient Roman races and how dangerous were they?

• How fast was a roman chariot used in races?

including ultras and ensuing hooliganism

• When did the Roman Chariot "factions" appear?

• The Blues and the Greens

• Who were the "Blues" and the "Greens" in the Byzantine empire?

• I've been reading a lot about chariot racing in the Byzantine Empire and the connected Fan groups/Hooligan Gangs. These groups had huge influence and sometimes caused riots where thousands of people died. Can anyone explain them in more detail?