Face to Face: Enduring Rivalries in World Soccer

Soccer is the world's most popular mass spectator sport, with long-term and perennial rivalries representing diverse identities based on affiliations of human life. This book explores these rivalries in a historical perspective, examining core manifestations of sporting rivalry such as identities, competing ideologies, contestations of power, psychologies of attachment, bonds of loyalty, notions of enmity, articulations of violence, and affinities of fan culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Soccer, the world's most popular mass spectator sport, has been a symbol of intense rivalries since its inception as an organized sport. These rivalries span various levels, from local to global, and encompass a wide range of identities based on affiliations such as locality, region, nation, continent, community, class, culture, religion, ethnicity, and more. While some rivalries endure for years and leave a lasting impact, others transcend boundaries of space and time, involving soccer clubs, nations, personalities, organizations, styles, and fans.

The present volume delves into some of the most captivating and enduring rivalries in the world of soccer. It aims to encapsulate, analyze, and reconstruct these rivalries in a historical context, considering diverse identities, competing ideologies, power contests, attachment psychologies, loyalty bonds, enmity notions, violence articulations, and fan culture affinities. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Soccer & Society.

Rivalries in soccer have a rich history and play a significant role in shaping the sport's culture and fan dynamics. They can evoke strong emotions, create intense atmospheres, and drive innovation in both gameplay and fan engagement. From the iconic El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona to the fierce rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool, these rivalries have captivated audiences worldwide and have a lasting impact on the sport's legacy.

One of the key aspects of soccer rivalries is the way they reflect and reinforce societal divisions. They often serve as a platform for expressing cultural and political identities, as well as promoting national pride. Rivalries can also be a source of tension and conflict, particularly in regions with complex histories and political tensions. However, they can also bring people together, fostering a sense of community and unity among fans.

Another fascinating aspect of soccer rivalries is the way they evolve over time. As teams and players change, so do the dynamics and stakes of these rivalries. New rivalries emerge, old ones fade away, and the nature of competition changes. This dynamic nature of rivalries adds to their enduring appeal and keeps fans engaged and invested in the sport.

Soccer rivalries also have a significant impact on the global economy. They generate massive revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and television rights, and can attract tourists and investors to the regions where they take place. This economic impact can have a positive ripple effect on local communities and the wider sporting ecosystem.

In conclusion, soccer rivalries are a fundamental aspect of the sport's culture and history. They reflect diverse identities, compete ideologies, power contests, attachment psychologies, loyalty bonds, enmity notions, violence articulations, and fan culture affinities. These rivalries have a lasting impact on the sport, shaping its culture, fan dynamics, and global economy. While they can be sources of tension and conflict, they can also bring people together, fostering a sense of community and unity among fans. As soccer continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see new rivalries emerge and old ones continue to evolve, adding to the rich tapestry of the sport's history and culture.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367747022