This plus like u/BejewelledBadger said, numbers.

Soccer is 45 minute halves without commercial breaks, timeouts, change of possession, etc. And you're jogging the entire time with bursts of sprints. Normal for pros to run 25+ miles a match, so definitely a more prolonged cardio workout. Then add that it's the most played sport in the world.

Edit: 25 is an overstatement, see below

This plus like u/BejewelledBadger said, numbers.

Soccer is 45 minute halves without commercial breaks, timeouts, change of possession, etc. And you're jogging the entire time with bursts of sprints. Normal for pros to run 25+ miles a match, so definitely a more prolonged cardio workout. Then add that it's the most played sport in the world.