fans

What Soccer Team Should I Support? Popular Solutions

Soccer fans supporting team e1572431431327

Christian Pulisic made headlines earlier this year with his $73.1 million transfer to Premier League giants, Chelsea. Normally, I’d be ecstatic about a young American player making a high-dollar move to one of the biggest clubs on the planet, but instead, I felt a little sick to my stomach, what soccer team I should support!

Pulisic’s transfer has made me reconsider the teams I support; after all, it’d be pretty difficult to support him but root against his club each week. Because of this dilemma, I’ve put a lot of thought into this subject and have created a few criteria for your reference when selecting.

What soccer team should I support?

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a team to support and there are even more teams to choose from! Something as simple as proximity to a club or family tradition may dictate your choice. Beyond that, you can consider the team’s history, style of play, your favorite players, or coaches.

Whatever choice you make, you should have access to their content. Social Media, news, and online content are all important, but making sure you have the capability to watch their games is crucial. I’ve tried supporting teams via news and online content but without the ability to watch full games or even clips, the interest is lost pretty quickly.

Luckily, streaming platforms such as EPSN+, FoxSports, NBCSports, and even Hulu are providing extensive coverage of leagues in Europe and South America in addition to domestic leagues and national tournaments.

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Soccer fans - Borussia Dortmund (what soccer team should I support?)

Which Soccer Team Should I Support?

With the deciding factors laid out, we can go into further detail to find the answer to our question. Soccer is always changing which means that your tastes can change too. Because of this, the advice in this article can be for those who already have a few clubs they support but are looking for more outlets for their soccer needs in addition to those seeking their first club. Don’t be afraid to support more than one team.

Proximity

I remember going to my first professional soccer game with my dad. A new club had been founded in our state that season and it was the inaugural home game. We woke up early and drove four hours to the stadium for the 11 am the kickoff. I was amazed by everything there; the sights, the sounds, the energy in the crisp Spring air was vibrant.

Traveling

I can vividly remember the winning goal from that game. A thunderous header off a corner kick late in the second half secured victory for our new club and the crowd went absolutely nuts! My passion for this infant club was sealed forever from that experience. I’ve been a fan ever since, through thick and thin, through fortune and failure.

Being a fan can be heartbreaking. It’s not always easy, but the losses and failures make the moments of glory so much sweeter. Who knew that a club being founded in my area as a boy would change my life in such a way. Attending that game ignited my passion for the sport and has given me many fond memories I’ll cherish forever. Clubs geographically closest to you are a great place to start when selecting your team.

Tradition

US Soccer fans scaled (what soccer team should I support?)
US Soccer fans

Soccer clubs are just like heirloom furniture or inheritances; they’re passed down from generation to generation. Some families even buy stock in the team they support. Supporting the family’s club can add to the passion and pride you feel as you represent the colors, knowing that your grandparents and those before them have worn the same colors and felt the same pride for the crest.

Sharing a love for a soccer team can help connect the generations. If your family hasn’t supported a club, this is your time to start a tradition! Use the other items in this list to choose which team your posterity will be supporting decades from now.

History

Each club has its own unique history that has shaped it into the organization it is today. Whether a club has been around for hundreds of years it just a few, there are great stories to acquaint yourself with that brings the club, not just the team you watch each week, to life.

Some clubs have endured serious adversity, both financial and otherwise. In a few instances, the supporters from the club actually own the organization.

Values

In the lower leagues of England, some supporters volunteer their Saturdays or Sundays to clean the stadium and provide all the maintenance. Other groups have come together to save the club from relocating. There are so many great stories in Soccer that have to do with things other than the games played and trophies won. Take some time to uncover the stories associated with a team and support those that speak to your beliefs and values.

Style of Play

What type of soccer do you like to watch? Are you a fan of possession-heavy tactics and free-flowing attacking movements or do you prefer disciplined defending and counter-attacking teams? The style of play that a club lends itself to can be a determining factor to watch for. These styles can change when a new manager comes to a club like we’re seeing in the Premier League with Newcastle United, limiting Miguel Almiron’s effectiveness due to changes in tactics implemented under new boss Steve Bruce.

Tactic board for Pep's_Barcelona_pressing - Gegenpressing (support a team for tactics)
Pep Guardiola Pressing with Barcelona – Wikipedia

However, throughout the time the style of a club will not deviate far from one style. For example, Atletico Madrid from Spain tends to have a very counter-attacking style of play. They are very disciplined defensively, shift well as a unit and have speedy players up top to relieve the pressure and break on an overexposed defense.

Liverpool uses gegenpressing to create a very organized press high up the field to force mistakes in the opponent’s defensive third and capitalize on the errors by swarming with numbers and runs through midfield to create scoring chances by committee. These are just a few examples of the different tactics to watch for. I personally enjoy watching free-flowing attacks with multiple options and creative runs to find space.

I’m not a fan of either of these teams, but Atlanta United and LAFC both have the type of attack that I wish my MLS club had. I recommend choosing a team or two in a few leagues to better understand the different tactics that each implement. This will expand your knowledge of the game, formations, tactics, and subplots that make the game even more fun to watch.

Players

I get a lot of flack for this, but I loved watching Arjen Robben play before he retired last year. He was a left-footed player who was deployed on the right side of the field as an inverted winger. Every time he got the ball in the attacking third, everyone including the defenders guarding him knew what he was going to do with the ball but hardly anyone could stop him.

He would dribble down the flank, cut inside onto his left foot and bend his shot around the keeper to the far post. It was beautiful!

Whatever club he was transferred to, I would start following. I enjoyed this for two reasons: 1) I was able to watch a really explosive player work his trade in multiple leagues across Europe and 2) It was a lot of fun to learn about the histories, traditions, and legacies of the different teams he’d play for.

I felt like I was becoming a small piece of these organizations. Following players throughout their careers is a fun way to learn more about different clubs and enjoy the ups and downs that the player is experiencing.

Coaches

Each coach has a style they like to imprint onto their team. It manifests in the players they look to buy, in those they develop, and the formation they use. Their style often evolves when they take on new challenges at new clubs. Such is the case with one of my favorite coaches,

Pep Guardiola

Pep_Guardiola_2015
Pep Guardiola

Pep has managed Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and is currently the manager at Manchester City. Pep’s system has evolved over the years but the basis of his style remains the same: using possession out of the back to shift defenses and exploit space with highly technical players. The formations have changed and the roles of the players have varied greatly with one position, in particular, the goalkeeper.

While in Germany with Bayern Munich, Pep used Manuel Neuer as a ‘sweeper-keeper’ to produce better distribution out of the back. In offense, Neuer was placed outside of his 18-yard box which allowed his defensive line to press higher up the field and engage in the attack while his advanced position in the field frustrated the opposition’s counterattacking attempts of playing long balls over the top of the defense.

This has changed the face of the modern game and you see goalkeepers around the world beginning to play higher up and be a crucial part of their teams’ possession. By following coaches that embody the style of play you’re interested in, you can learn a lot about the game. Conversely, follow a coach or two that implement a style you don’t know much about so that you can become exposed to more ideologies and increase your soccer IQ.

What European Soccer Team to Support?

Normally when picking your team you will pick the most local or the same as your family supports. If you are in the USA or elsewhere in the world and are looking for a European team, have a look at some distinct characteristics of a team in the table below. Watch them for a couple of games home and away, and see if they are the ones you’ll continue to support for the rest of your life!

TeamCompetitionUniquenessStyle
Manchester UnitedEnglish Premier LeagueTraditionCounter-attack
Manchester CityEnglish Premier LeagueRisen to the topTiki-taka
LiverpoolEnglish Premier LeagueVocal fansPressure
ArsenalEnglish Premier LeagueLondon’s biggestPass and move
BarcelonaSpanish La Liga‘Messi style’Tiki-taka
Real MadridSpanish La LigaEurope’s elitePass and move
Athletico Madrid Spanish La LigaUnderdogsFighting spirit

Summary

Take time to learn about new teams and keep an open mind in which ones you will support. Remember that in the end, you’re ultimately a fan of soccer, not just one club; choose a few to follow. Like I mentioned earlier, I never thought Chelsea would be my cup of tea but I’m starting to enjoy watching them play. This is a beautiful game; keep learning and love every minute of it. For more useful guides, see the articles below or visit our home page.

Related Questions

What soccer team has won the Premier League the most?

The Premier League, made up of 20 clubs, was founded in 1992 and is won by the team with the most points at the end of the season. Only six teams have won the premier league since then: Manchester United (13), Chelsea (5), Manchester City (4), Arsenal (3), Blackburn Rovers (1), and Leicester City (1)

How many teams are in Major League Soccer?

As of the 2019 season, 24 teams competed in Major League Soccer. The league is currently slated to increase to 26 teams in 2020 (Inter Miami and Nashville), 27 in 2021 (Austin), and 29 teams in 2022 (Saint Louis and Sacramento). Major League Soccer has plans to increase its number of teams to 30 during this round of expansion.
Read More…

Where is Soccer Most Popular? Surprising Result!

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Soccer is the most popular sport on planet Earth. With somewhere between 3.5 and 4 billion people across the world claiming to be fans of the beautiful game, soccer is head and shoulders above all other sports with regard to its following.

Did you watch the 2018 World Cup Final between France and Croatia?  If you did, you are one of 3.5 billion who tuned in! Half of the world’s population witnessed France lift the trophy that year. 

Where is soccer most popular?

By the number of fans, soccer is most popular in China, with 187 million people reported to have an interest in the sport. The country that has the greatest percentage number interested in soccer is The United Arab Emirates!

However, the sheer amount of fans does not fairly reflect the popularity of a sport in an area. Intangibles such as overall interest, attitudes, passion, and the relationship between fans and their teams have more of an influence. As the late Bill Shankly once said: 

“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don’t like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.”

Bill Shankley – Liverpool FC Manager
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France celebrating the 2018 World Cup (where is soccer most popular?)
France celebrating their World Cup win in 2018 | Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Soccer’s Popularity

Not only is soccer the world’s most popular sport among fans, but it is also the most played sport in the world. Although it’s impossible to get exact figures on sports participation, FIFA estimates that 270 million people are officially involved in the sport to some degree. This estimation is taken from players and referees that are registered for leagues around the world.

It doesn’t even include those who go for a kick-about with their friends in the park. Unlike many other sports, soccer’s popularity is apparent on a global scale. While American football, baseball, cricket, and Australian rules football are examples of popular sports, they are played predominantly in specific areas of the world. Soccer is played in over 200 countries.

In fact, other than in North America, soccer is virtually the most popular sport on every continent. We now know that soccer is the most popular sport on a global scale, but what does this really mean? Does this mean that whether you’re in Tokyo, Mexico City or somewhere in between, you’re in danger of getting hit in the head by a stray soccer ball as you turn a street corner?

Not quite! However, it does mean that there are some soccer-obsessed places out there, where the game is part and parcel of life. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most popular places where soccer is played, watched, and adored. 

Legendary Liverpool manager, Bill Shankly
Legendary Liverpool manager, Bill Shankly | Image courtesy of Flickr.

Number of Fans

As we spoke about earlier, China, due to the enormity of its population, has the most soccer fans in the world. India is not far behind, with 125 million fans. Although we shouldn’t doubt that soccer is hugely popular in these countries, the quantity of fans in an area doesn’t tell the full story. In fact, soccer is not the most popular sport in either of these nations.

A World Soccer Report carried out by Nielsen Sports in 2018, looked into the percentages of countries’ populations that claimed to “interested” or “very interested” in soccer. Although most people could predict many of the countries that appear high on the list, there are several that may surprise you:

LocationPopulation “Interested” or “Very Interested” in Soccer
United Arab Emirates80%
Thailand78%
Chile75%
Portugal 75%
Turkey75%
Mexico73%
Spain70%
South Africa70%
Italy67%
Poland67%
South Korea67%
Malaysia65%
Brazil60%
Germany60%
Hungary54%
Russia52%
The U.K.51%
France50%
Czech Republic50%
Singapore49%

Soccer interest statistics | Courtesy of Nielsen Sports

Where is Soccer Most Popular?

The United Arab Emirates

Not known for being a dominant force in the soccer world, U.A.E is the shock table topper on this fan list. With a single World Cup appearance (in which they failed to win a game) and little to no notable success as an international side, you may be wondering how the people of U.A.E have such strong interest in soccer. Upon further examination, it all makes sense. 

The U.A.E is in the top 5 richest countries in the world. There has been significant investment recently by local government and companies in the sport of soccer. The U.A.E is home to airlines, Etihad and Emirates.

These companies are major sponsors in European soccer. Sheikh Mansour is a well-known member of the Abu Dhabi royal family and government. He owns City Football Group, a holding company that administrates soccer franchises. It just so happens that Manchester City is owned by this company. 

The international soccer team played their first game in 1972, just 4 years after the union of the U.A.E. It might just be the beginning for this young nation as an international soccer stronghold.  

U.A.E vs Bahrain in the 2019 AFC Asia Cup | Image courtesy of FirstPost
U.A.E vs Bahrain in the 2019 AFC Asia Cup | Image courtesy of FirstPost

Thailand

Another shock inclusion at the top of this list, Thailand, is a soccer-crazy nation. With 78% of the population reported to be “interested”, soccer is Thailand’s most popular sport. Thailand has been a member of FIFA since 1925, The Olympics since 1956, and The Asian Football Confederation since 1957.

Its history is steeped in soccer. Although the Thai national team is the most successful team in South East Asian history, they have failed to make an impact on the bigger stage. Their best finish in the AFC Asian Cup was 3rd (1972) and they have never qualified for a World Cup.

Thailand National soccer team | Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Thailand National soccer team | Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Their Pro Leagues have only been around since 1996 and so the game is still developing at a professional level. Thai League 1 ranks at number 8, a place behind the U.A.E in the Asian club league rankings. There is widespread TV access to some of the bigger global soccer leagues, particularly the English Premier League.

Almost every game of the World Cup is also broadcast on Thai TV channels. Thailand might not be a power-house in world soccer terms, but it stands alongside any other nation with regard to its fans and followers of the sport. 

Predictable Popularity

Apart from the top 2, the rest of the list is quite predictable. Soccer is the national sport of Chile, along with the majority of the Americas. It is no surprise to see any of these nations high on the list. 

Portugal

Portugal has been a considerable force in European football on a National and club level for decades. They’ve had a strong National team for the best part of 50 years and have produced world-class players such as Eusebio, Luis Figo, Rui Costa, and of course, Cristiano Ronaldo.

In general, Portugal is very competitive in all competitions. Although, some would argue that they have underachieved in international competitions over the past 20 years, given the level of talent that their squads have possessed. Their notably high position on the “interest” table is most likely due to their Euro 2016 triumph, as well as capturing the first-ever UEFA Nations League Cup in 2019.  

Cristiano Ronaldo is perhaps the biggest superstar in the history of world soccer. He captains the national team and has always excelled in playing for his country. Ronaldo’s star power may well have a significant influence on interest in soccer in Portugal.

Portugal’s Euro 2016 highlights

2018 World Cup Finalists

We do expect to see the likes of France and Croatia on the list of places where soccer is most popular, but it comes as a surprise to see how far down the list they are. It’s particularly surprising when we consider that we are a very short time removed from a thrilling World Cup Final between these 2 nations. 

Both countries have exceptional National teams, with major superstars who play for some of the top teams on the planet. Think Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, and Raphael Varane. The list goes on and on! They also have substantial domestic leagues, filled with teams that compete at the highest level in Europe. 

The World Cup Final between France and Croatia, Russia 2018 | Image courtesy of Wikipedia
The World Cup Final between France and Croatia, Russia 2018 | Image courtesy of Wikipedia

The U.K.

Again, it is not surprising to see the U.K. in the above list, but at number 17 it is probably further down than you may have guessed. Looked at by many as the home of soccer, the U.K. remains a giant in the game. Although the England national team hasn’t won a competition since 1966, they consistently qualify for major tournaments. 

Domestic soccer leagues in the U.K. have never been bigger. The English Premier League recently sold its broadcasting rights for the 2019 – 2022 cycle for a record $11.7 billion. Perhaps the enormity of British football is partially due to the overseas demand for the Premier League. 

Soccers Increasing Popularity

The statistics show that there are certain areas demonstrating the large potential for growth regarding the popularity of soccer: China, India, Russia, Mexico, and the U.S.A.

China

Interestingly the origins of soccer date back to China over 2,000 years ago. Today, it is the most populated country in the world and holds the most soccer fans (187 million). 

China’s booming economy has allowed for much investment to be poured into the sport of soccer. In particular, their domestic league has seen enormous sums of money invested. This has led to several high profile players signing for Chinese franchises. 

Top foreign soccer players in the Chinese Super League;

  • Carlos Tevez
  • Axel Witsel
  • Marouane Fellaini
  • Hulk
  • Paulinho
  • Ramires
  • Yannick Carrasco

Many of these players are earning huge wages but have drawn a lot of eyes and have helped grow the sport in China. China’s current president, Xi Jinping, is a soccer fan and his ambitions to host the World Cup in the near future could see further investment and growth of soccer in China. 

India

Much like China, India’s population means that it’s home to the second-largest number of soccer fans in the world (125 million). Although it plays second-fiddle to cricket, the popularity of soccer has been gaining significant ground in recent years. 

The Indian Super League was founded in 2013 in partnership with entertainment juggernauts, IMG, Reliance Industries, and Star Sports. With access to broadcasting networks and promotional tools, the introduction of this league has been a huge driver for growth in Indian soccer. It may well overtake cricket as the most popular sport in the coming years.  

Salt Lake Stadium in the Indian Superleague | Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Salt Lake Stadium in the Indian Superleague | Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Russia

Soccer has always been a popular sport in Russia. With the 2018 World Cup taking place there, a huge amount of emphasis was placed on the sport. The development of stadia, training facilities, and other soccer-related industries.

This growth in the years leading up to the World Cup has acted as a stimulus for Russian soccer and we’re now seeing huge sections of the population become involved. 65% of Russian men claim to be interested in soccer.

Mexico

Soccer is and always has been a way of life in Mexico. It is lived and breathed by many. At number 6 on the popularity list, their domestic league, Liga MX, is the strongest in North America and is the most attended outside of Europe. 

Their national soccer stadium, Estadia Azteca, is one of the largest in the world and officially seats 87,523 people. In July of 1968, 119,853 people packed into the stadium to watch Mexico vs Brazil play. 

With Mexico’s economy and middle class growing at a strong rate since the 90s, we are expected to see more investment into soccer, leading to further increases in its popularity. 

Estadio Azteca on Gameday | Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Estadio Azteca on Gameday | Image courtesy of Wikipedia

U.S.A

In the past, soccer has been a secondary sport in the US. American’s love their homegrown sports and have generally preferred American Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Over the past 20 years, soccer has grown in popularity on a large scale. This is down to several factors, including:

  • Investment and growth of the MLS
  • An influx of high profile talent to the MLS
  • The success of their women’s national team
  • Consistent World Cup qualification by their men’s national team
  • Online influence
  • Influence of the FIFA video game in popular society

Nielsen reported an interesting find in their global soccer report in 2018. Although just 32% of Americans claimed to have an interest in soccer, the age breakdown of interest paints a compelling picture:

USA Population“Interested” or “Very Interested” in Soccer
Of ages 16 – 2455%
Of ages 25 – 3450%
Of ages 35 – 4429%
Of ages 45 – 5422%
Of ages 55 – 6914%

Soccer interest statistics | Courtesy of Nielsen Sports

The US marketplace for soccer is growing among the youth. With incremental developments and improvements to the MLS on-going, soccer may well have a very bright future in the USA.

Other Popular Nations

Brazil

It would be sacrilege to write an article about where soccer is most popular without mentioning Brazil. Soccer is regarded as being a prominent part of the Brazilian identity. The country has a real soccer culture.

Their style of play at the international level is very distinctive: creative and full of flare. This style originates from street football, the most common form of the game in the favelas.

It brings to mind the saying made famous by Pele: “Joga Bonito” – play beautifully. The streets of Brazil have created a number of soccer heroes, such as Pele, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Neymar, and Marta. They are the most successful nation in World Cup history, lifting the trophy on 5 occasions: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. 

Joga Bonito featuring some legendary players

The biggest crowd ever recorded at a World Cup match was in 1950 at the Maracana Stadium, Sao Paolo, Brazil. 199,854 people attended that game. The Brazilian domestic club league, commonly referred to as Brasileirao, is the most-watched league in the Americas.

It is one of the strongest club leagues in the world and its teams have won the most club world cup titles ever (10). Brazilian fans are extremely passionate and wear their hearts on their sleeves. Deeply ingrained in society, soccer is more than just a game in Brazil.

The 5 Footballing Nations of Europe

The ‘big 5’ European domestic leagues are the English Premier League, the Spanish La Liga, the German Bundesliga, the Italian Serie A, and the French Ligue 1. The National teams of these countries are among the best in the world. Since 2006, the World Cup has been won by one of these countries: Italy in 2006, Spain in 2010, Germany in 2014, and France in 2018.  

Their domestic leagues are the strongest and wealthiest in the world. The top 5 European leagues are filled with soccer royalty with rich histories in the game. We have to go back to 2004 to mark the last time a team outside of the ‘big 5’ won the Uefa Champions League. This has been the trend throughout the history of European competition. 

Interest in these countries can be linked to the success of their club and national sides. The added factor of superstar studded teams adds to the appeal. Fans of these leagues are loyal and vocal. There are many local fans of the teams but their global following is what sets them apart.  

The Global Game

As we’ve learned, soccer is popular among fans all over the world. In some areas, it is just another sport, but for many, soccer is an integral part of life. People come in droves to watch and take part in games. Its simplicity makes it accessible and inclusive to all. “Jumpers for goalposts” soccer matches provide fond childhood memories for many soccer fans.

In recent times, the sport has become increasingly globalized. Fans tune in to leagues and games in several different countries. We are in an era of European dominance in soccer but there are developing soccer regions (notably the U.A.E, China, and the U.S.A) where interest and popularity among fans are on the rise. 

Billions of people watch their favorite teams play every week. Tens of billions of dollars are spent on TV rights, sponsorship deals, and player trades every season. Soccer’s online presence on social media is unavoidable. 3 of the top 10 most followed Instagram profiles are soccer players, with Cristiano Ronaldo topping the list. It’s no surprise to see soccer’s popularity steadily increase on a large scale.

The extent of soccer’s popularity worldwide means that it is effectively becoming The Global Game. For more useful guides, see the articles below or visit our home page.

Which countries play the most soccer?

By the total number of players registered, here are the top 10 countries that play the most soccer:

CountryNumber of Registered Players
China26M
The U.S.A24.5M
India20.5M
Germany16.5M
Brazil13M
Mexico8.5M
Indonesia7M
Nigeria6.5M
Bangladesh6M
Russia5.8M

What are the most popular sports in the world?

The top 10 most popular sports, using 15 different criteria, are as follows:
10. Golf
9. American Football / Rugby (Tie)
8. Baseball
7. Table tennis
6. Volleyball
5. Tennis
4. Field Hockey
3. Basketball
2. Cricket
1. Soccer 

What are the most popular soccer teams in the world?

There are several ways to look at this question, but TalkSport has put together a comprehensive list of criteria to make a shortlist for the biggest clubs in the world at present. Here’s the top 10:
10. Arsenal
9. Manchester City
8. Chelsea
7. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
6. Juventus
5. Liverpool
4. Bayern Munich
3. Manchester United
2. FC Barcelona
1. Real Madrid

What soccer leagues are most popular?

The most popular leagues in world football today, are:
10. MLS
9. Argentine Primera
8. Liga MX
7. Ukrainian Premier League
6. Brasileirao
5. Eredivisie
4. Serie A
3. Bundesliga
2. La Liga
1. English Premier League
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Why Soccer is Better than Basketball, Baseball, and, Football? Game-On!

brazil soccer fans e1571233693841

I think soccer is the best game in the world, but why, what shows us so. It’s called “the beautiful game” around the world and followed with such appeal. Sure other sports have their merits and are good for certain aspects, but there must be some reason why its popularity is unmatched.

Soccer’s Key Points

  • 45 minutes non stop
  • Action
  • Atmosphere
  • Determination
  • Excitement
  • Flamboyance
  • Free kicks
  • Overhead kicks
  • Pace

Why is soccer better than football, baseball, and basketball?

  1. Accessibility: Soccer can be played almost anywhere with a single piece of equipment
  2. Creativity: Coaches and players can completely turn the game around with their imagination
  3. Passion: Singing from 80,000 hardcore fans.
  4. Popularity: Soccer is the world’s favorite game and for good reasons
  5. Pace: Action-packed 45 minute half’s without interruption

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Soccer is Creative

That’s a bold claim, but we don’t make it lightly. In soccer, creativity can win a game out of nowhere. It’s that magic x-factor that can decide a close game between 2 even opponents, or let an underdog beat one of the giants in their own backyard.

Messi

On an individual level, it’s incredible to watch some of the game’s most creative players. Leo Messi is renowned for his ability to pick the perfect pass at the perfect time.

It seems like time stands still as he looks at the field and then magically puts the ball in the ideal spot for one of his attacking partners. He sees the game before it happens, knowing where his teammates will run and where the defender will be caught off-guard.

Donavon

Landon Donavon was famous for a different sort of creativity. He scored so many goals from the edge of the penalty area, making a run from midfield at the moment no one expected. He made it looks easy, but only because he had the creativity to see where the ball might be in 5/10 seconds, and the confidence to act on it.

Tactics

Likewise, managers can win games before they even start with the right tactics. Whereas football is quite restrictive with what’s legal and what’s not, a soccer manager can choose to line up with 7 attackers, and 3 defenders if he really wants.

This has led to incredible creativity, like Barcelona playing without a striker, or many modern teams playing with 5 players who shuffle around the defensive positions to let one of them always go forwards.

To start up a quick game in your yard, check out these 30-second folding goals on Amazon. So handy to move out of the way when your game is over.

Passion For Soccer

Have you ever…

  • Been to a baseball game where thousands of fans hold up an enormous banner covering an entire side of the stand?
  • Attended a football game where 50,000 people have sung in unison for the entire game?
  • Been an away fan at a basketball game where the opposing striker emerges to almost 100,000 hands clapping?

The experience is incredible. It’s like nothing else in the world because the scale and dedication is something that’s seen in few other places.

At times, it can feel more like a political rally than a game. The sheer commitment fans have in soccer is incredible. You’ll see grown men cry as their team lose a game, or enter absolute bliss when that first goal hits the back of the net.

This is their club, it has been for decades. They’ll turn out in the sun or rain to cheer their team on. They’ll travel hours, they’ll keep cheering even when their team is soundly beaten. Why? Because it’s their team.

Accessibility of Soccer

All you need to play soccer is a soccer ball. Everything else you can improvise. Any schoolboy will tell you how easy it is to make goalposts out of sweaters in a park, yard, or street. You can even use a different ball if you have to, just so long as it’s round!

This makes it easy for anyone to play at almost any time. Countries like Brazil and Argentina, who don’t have the economic status of the US, are incredible at soccer.

Why? Because they can play it even in the narrowest streets of the slums, picking up incredible ball control skills that allow them to dominate when they reach the pitch. This is a unique part of what makes soccer such a brilliant game, adopted across the world.

Soccer is more popular than football, baseball and basketball combined. It’s not even that close!

There are estimated to be around 3.5 billion soccer fans in the world, from Australia to Peru. It’s a game that’s loved across the globe: you’re never far from a bar where you can discuss the game with a bunch of enthusiastic fans.

Unpredictable

One of the coolest things about this is that it means that you can never be quite sure who’s going to win a tournament. Sure, there are always favorites and there are a dozen countries that are traditionally top tier, but there’s always room for upsets.

Greece famously won the 2004 Euros, Italy was knocked out of the World Cup by Japan and the usually amazing Germany crashed out of the last World Cup after losing to a group full of underdogs.

It also means that you’re rarely going to find a place where a pickup game or weekly league isn’t available. If you love playing soccer, chances are that there will be some way for you to play it with other people, no matter where you are.

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The Appeal of Soccer

Constant Play

One of the most appealing things about soccer is its pace. It’s a joy to watch, especially compared to slower sports like football and baseball. There is no length stops between play, no highlights, no breaks for music, and cheerleaders that can interrupt your focus on the game. It’s just pure soccer for 45 minutes.

There are the odd breaks when a player gets injured, but generally, it’s just all about the play.

Excitement

We love these so many reasons. You don’t watch a TV show and stop every 5 minutes to hear expert analysis on what’s going on. And isn’t it so much better when you watch a movie at the cinema and you don’t have commercials just as it’s getting tense?

Think about how much more you get sucked into the plot, how much more you care.

It’s more exciting, more nail-biting, more dramatic. As much as it can suck when your team is going into the final 15 minutes defending with 9 men, it’s one of the things that makes soccer great.

Engagement

It also makes the game way more interesting to play. For starters, you know that once you get out on the pitch, the next 45 minutes is going to be a challenge. That lets you get totally into the zone, thinking about nothing else but how to win. It’s also more of a test.

You’ll need the fitness levels that will let you chase down a sprinting winger in the 85th minute. You’ll need to stay focused on the game, waiting for the right moment to intercept the ball or play the killer pass. It makes the game more complex and interesting. For more useful guides, see the articles below or visit our home page.

Are you more likely to get injuries in Soccer vs Football? You’re much more likely to get injured in football vs soccer. Football is naturally a much more physical game that relies a lot on contact. Football injuries are also far more likely to be head injuries, which are very severe. Football is increasingly being linked to long term, severe brain trauma.

Is Soccer popular in America? It’s an old stereotype that soccer is not very popular in America, but the numbers show a very different story. Soccer will soon be the nation’s 3rd favorite spectator sport, behind football and basketball. Soccer is increasing being played at schools and the MLS is gaining a lot of respect around the world.

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