The Ultras: A Global Football Fan Phenomenon

The ultras phenomenon has spread from Italy to North Africa, South East Asia, East Asia, and North America, becoming the dominant style of football fandom. This volume explores the ultras style of football fandom in Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Israel, North America, Australia, Indonesia, and Croatia, demonstrating how football becomes a cultural arena for globalization and localism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Over the past half-century, ultras have emerged as the most pervasive, vocal, and visually captivating manifestation of football fandom worldwide. While the origins of the ultras phenomenon can be traced back to Italy, it has since spread across Southern Europe, reaching Northern Europe, and has now become the dominant style of fandom in North Africa, South East Asia, and East Asia. Furthermore, the influence of ultras is extending into North America and Australia. This remarkable form of fandom has gained widespread traction through global media, social media, and increased travel opportunities, allowing fans to connect with fellow enthusiasts from diverse corners of the globe, thereby infusing their passion with unique local flavors. This comprehensive volume brings together a diverse collection of articles that explore the intricacies of the ultras style of football fandom. Designed as an introductory guide for those unfamiliar with this phenomenon, it provides a comprehensive account of ultras in Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Israel, North America, Australia, Indonesia, and Croatia.

By examining the prevalence of ultras across the globe, this book showcases not only the extent of their influence but also how football serves as a crucial cultural platform for observing the interplay between globalization and localism. The narratives and analyses presented in this book shed light on the unique experiences, traditions, and narratives that shape the ultras' style of fandom, highlighting the profound impact they have on the sport and its broader societal context. Whether you are an avid football fan, a scholar of sports culture, or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of fan communities, this book offers valuable insights into the world of ultras and their enduring contribution to the vibrant tapestry of football fandom.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367616014