MikeIt has many names and nicknames across so many languages! Well known around the world as Fútbol, Football, Association Football, or Soccer, the true reach of this sport is truly unmatched! From the kids playing at the local community park, all the way to the World Cup finals, the charm of the game remains undisturbed for generations. Join the roar of billions when that ball hits the net. A goal is scored, the climax! This is the world’s sport!
I can close my eyes and try to recall one of my first real thrills when little: Among my early memories, few match my dad’s “overly energetic support” for his favorite team, while playing on TV. I had the opportunity to travel and live abroad from an early age. Everywhere I went, there was a common language among all children. It started and ended by kicking a ball. It also had its heroes. Names like Pelé, Maradona, Matthaus, or Platini were already legendary and equivalent to the Ronaldos, Messis, Hamms or Solos of today. Few things have changed over the years, besides a few new rule changes and the incorporation of video technology. The passion continues!
I also have to say that, in my opinion, the game has presently turned more individualistic than ever before. The corporate aspect of it lies behind this, specifically at the club level. A game that is literally defined by an association of players that has seen such incredible achievements by group effort has become lately too focused on highlighting and promoting individual players (and their monetary value), now regularly being managed as commodities, particularly in Europe. Often too much value and expectation is put into individuals: therefore, you get to hear about those millionaire transfers from team to team. This is similar to some American sports in that respect (NFL, NBA, etc.). I’m not sure on how this benefits the game in the long run.
Forget the money, the excitement comes back every four years! We are entering Qatar’s world-cup qualifiers. We just had some real joy during the UEFA Euro 2020 and also during the Tokyo Olympics. Here in the US, the national women’s team its a superpower and an international champion. The USMNT, or men’s national team is progressing, and I have witnessed a boom in fanhood these years, particularly within the MLS, which is warming up again with New England and the Seattle Sounders. In Mexico, the club América and Monterrey, and la Liga in Spain, with the usual suspects on top Real Madrid, Sevilla, Atlético, and Barcelona as well. The Premier and the Serie-A, the Japanese league and so many other tournaments happening simultaneously across cities, nations, regions and continents around the planet. One can truly say that the real international language is not spoken, it’s actually played!
I encourage you, (if not already a fan), to give Soccer/Football/Fútbol or whatever word you might use, a try by playing it, coaching it or just following it. If you look closely, not only with your eyes but with your hearth, you will find some real magic going on.
There’s a reason why Brazilians call it Jogo Bonito, or the Beautiful game.!
References:
-Pexels.com Main picture.
