Football, like religion, has many devoted believers. Neymar’s fashionable “100% Jesus” headband after winning gold at the 2016 Olympic soccer tournament or Diego Maradona’s ardent support for his “Church of Maradona”, are only two examples that demonstrate its place as an alternate faith system. Football truly has become part of modern society.
However, the question of whether football really functions as a religion can be challenging to answer.
The Community
Fans comprise special consumer communities characterized by strong levels of commitment, allegiance, devotion, passion and emotional attachment – traits which have also been associated with brand loyalty behaviours (Hugenberg 2002; Hunt, Bristol and Bashaw 1999; Pimental and Ronaldlds 2004). Fanaticism has often been likened to religious zealotry. The Latin term fanaticus refers to temple servants or worshippers, though its definition also encompasses individuals devoted to an entire team who abandon family, work and other social ties in pursuit of allegiance to one of their teams (Hugenberg 2002; Hunt, Bristol and Bashaw 1999; Pimental and Ronaldlds 2004). Fanaticism may even border on religious zealotry or religious zealotry; it can refers to people consumed with false beliefs or orgiastic frenzy as well as those willing to forgoing family work or social ties in favour of team allegiance (Hugenberg 2002).
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Fanatics often compare those who disagree with their interpretation, beliefs and practices to “heretics”, similarly as religious people would label those who do. Fanatics live their lives under the shadow of their favourite club and resent anyone who doesn’t share this dedication; some fans even die for it and its cause; such ardent fanaticism has been likened to religions such as Christianity and Islam in terms of dedication.
The Law
Football as religion conjures similar emotions as traditional religious faiths, yet is distinct in that it does not require belief in anything supernatural – though certain tricks of the game might resemble magic; all player actions can be rationally explained.
There is an unspoken moral code guiding supporters’ behavior. They abide by rules, breaking which may result in punishment; those who adhere more strictly are often seen as part of a larger “club family”.
Some followers even act like religious believers when attending games and singing their national and club anthems, praying before games, dressing their children up in club gear and even naming their offspring after team heroes – this phenomenon is especially prevalent in Latin America where football has often been seen as a “secular religion”, with many clubs having roots in church groups.
The Way
Football has often been treated like religion due to its massive societal impact and passion-provoking fans, generating much study across disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, political science and history. While elements of religion (ritualism, collective beliefs and totemic objects) can be found within professional football leagues, one major distinction being it does not involve faith in supernatural beings.
Many people experience transcendental moments while watching their favourite team play or listening to its manager discuss his philosophy. Some view their team’s fate as more significant than life itself and will suffer when things go poorly or celebrate when they win big. Worship of players themselves even occurs among some young fans who dress their children after their heroes, name them after them, or take them to stadiums as “churches”.
The Experience
Durkheim defines religion as an integrated system of beliefs and practices regarding sacred things that unite people into one moral community. Football shares similar attributes; it serves as an annual ritual in which followers gather weekly to worship their idols.
Religions often believe in an all-knowing god who oversees and controls our world, while football fans demand of their heroes that they score goals and perform well. Fans can make these requests in God’s name to ensure health, wealth and love is granted them in life.Football is an amazing and fascinating phenomenon with multiple facets, making it no surprise that its appeal extends into fields as diverse as anthropology, sociology and political science. Football provides distractions and transcendent experiences on both fields and TV screens alike – it even holds power over millions! This feeling is not only tied to the game but is tied to belonging to something and being a part of the world. You can follow all this on our Instagram. Subscribe now – melbet insta bangladesh.
