Football, one of the most celebrated and popular games, has taken the games sector to the next level, where it has reached the core of people's hearts and spread its optimism worldwide.
Apart from being a sport, it has a backstory attached to socio-political influence. These fundamental skills of football are what unite countries across the world.
When we look at the history, the sport is known for its societal shifts promoting the movements for equality worldwide, national identity, and also identifying civil rights. However, football played a vital role in social-political matters. Let's explore how through this blog.
Football played a significant role in promoting a sense of patriotism in many countries, providing them with immense joy and being linked with their pride. An example of this is Brazil's football success in the 1970 World Cup. With this, we can get the idea that people consider football not only a sporting event but also a sporting achievement, national unity, and the socio-economic divide that later came together for the celebration. Therefore, the World Cup victories, for instance, also became an element subjected to national pride and unity among the people. The free kicks in football are not only about promoting the game but also about promoting unity and national identity.
Even during times of political instability, the game of football stands as a sense of hope and solidarity in a place where there is no peace. Even in war-torn countries, football has become a symbol of resilience, and a great example of this is the Bosnian War in the 1990s. However, football has become a uniting force for a country that is suffering or grappling with ethnic division, which has created geographical boundaries. Despite the chaos and violence, the sport symbolised, supported, and promoted unity in Bosnia and other parts of the world.
Football has also been linked with breaking racial and social barriers worldwide. The best example of this breaking racial barriers is the life of the legendary Brazilian footballer, Pelé, who was a black player in a predominantly white-dominated sport. However, Pelé's success helped change this racial mindset and stereotypes and opened doors for other players of colour.
Another great example is the struggle of the people of South Africa to rise above the evils like the apartheid, for which football served as a medium. All these victories resulted in the formation of campaigns in the UK to protect the rights of black people. This campaign, "Kick It Out", is known for promoting equality and eradicating racism, which has also influenced people's social and racial attitudes.
Football's role in connecting with the political movement is priceless and unforgettable. The sport has faced significant political struggles, representing political ideologies from the players making statements and reflecting a broader political struggle. One of the prominent examples in this context is FC Barcelona, a club associated with the Catalan identity, and how it struggled to get independence from Spain.
It is because, for the people there, it is more than just a club. Similarly, even during the dictatorship of General Franco in Spain, Real Madrid was seen as the establishment's club, while Barcelona symbolised resistance. The matches between these two clubs are El Clásico, which is just more than football. Still, the rivalry between these two teams holds significance in the political undertones.
There have been many platforms where players have engaged in political activism. One of the most important examples is Didier Drogba, the former Ivorian striker who helped the people of Ivory Coast to end the Civil War.
After this, the Ivory Coast qualified for the World Cup in 2005. However, Drogba used the platform to plead for peace in his war-torn country. He even emotionally appealed to national television, where a ceasefire was declared shortly after. This highlights Drogba's involvement in the peace process, empowering the footballers and influencing political outcomes.
More recently, even Marcus Rashford, the English forward, has become a famous prominent activist in the UK. He also extended his help by providing free school meals for the children during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the UK government to reverse its policy. He was praised for his activities, showing how footballers can use their platform to bring social change.
Football and Protest, how? The football game is linked with protests by players and fans. The best example is the 1968 Olympic Black Power salute, in which American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos protested for the rights of black solidarity.
Even the fans have taken the step in using the football stadiums as venues for political expression. In countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Argentina, fans have often led protests against authoritarian governments. However, my passion for football provides a unique space for collective action.
To conclude, football's role in social and political change is undeniable. However, it reflects broader societal shifts and provides a space for individuals and communities. Thus, football's unique ability to unite people from different backgrounds makes it an extraordinary force for social and political change worldwide.
Thank you!
