Living the game: Your guide to European football culture
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Sports connect people around the world and can be a great way to tap into the local culture when traveling abroad.
Embracing football might be your ticket to learning the language, making lasting connections, and enriching your overall experience. It is a cornerstone of European identity, bringing together people of different cultures through a shared passion for the beautiful game.
Hoping to get a head start on some of the customs, chants, and celebrations within European football culture? Here’s a look at how football fans live the game in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and England.
France
Football culture
Football fan culture in France is renowned for its vibrancy and passion. As the supporters of "Les Bleus" in bars or cafes around the country, they create a lively atmosphere that reflects their national identity.
Songs & chants
The national anthem, "La Marseillaise," holds significant historical and emotional significance for the French. Players and fans sing the anthem with gusto pre-match, creating a powerful sense of unity and pride. The lyrics call for resistance and bravery, resonating with the French spirit.
Celebrations
Celebrations in France, such as the Euros and World Cup victories, are amazing (and frequent). The streets come alive with parades, singing, and gatherings. Getting involved in French football fan culture is not necessarily about watching a game; it's about immersing yourself in a national identity and experiencing a communal celebration.
Germany
Football culture
The German national team, also known as Die Mannschaft, has achieved great success, fostering a strong sense of pride and unity among its supporters. As a result, bars and streets are filled with enthusiastic fans enjoying pints and pretzels.
Songs & chants
German football fans are known for creating electrifying atmospheres. They transform stadiums into cauldrons of noise, chanting "Super Deutschland" with coordinated pyrotechnical shows, including flags, flares, and banners.
Celebrations
Matchdays often extend beyond the confines of the stadium, with fans gathering in local squares and bars to watch games together, particularly during international football tournaments. There, the celebrations continue beyond the game, as fans enjoy a traditional post-match beer together.
Spain
Football culture
When the incredibly successful Spanish national team, "La Roja," plays, it captures the nation's heart. If you live in Spain, international tournaments transform ordinary life, bringing communities together to celebrate.
Songs & chants
During matches, fans chant, "Yo soy español, español, español," as the nation pauses for 90 minutes to witness the spectacle, cheer, and sing.
Celebrations
Victories (of which there are many) are celebrated with a passion that rivals any club match. The streets become seas of red and gold, with parades, music, and dancing that lasts well into the night.
Italy
Football culture
The passion for football in Italy reaches an all-time high during international tournaments when the national team, "Gli Azzurri," plays. Their love of football has deep historical roots and has helped shape the national identity.
Songs & chants
Cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples buzz with cries of "Forza Italia!" echoing against ancient and modern backdrops, especially after big wins.
Celebrations
When international tournaments are underway, entire neighborhoods and their piazzas are covered in the team's iconic colors of blue, white, and red. These areas become hubs of celebration, where locals and visitors come together.
England
Football culture
English football fans are renowned for their passionate support and traditions. The Lionesses, England's women's team, have captured the nation's heart with their recent success, especially after years of the men's team's disappointments. As a newcomer, you'll discover a welcoming and enthusiastic football culture that embodies the pride and excitement of English football.
Songs & chants
The phrase "It's coming home" originated from the song "Three Lions (Football's coming home)" and has become a battle cry for English fans. It's about England's hope for international success and reflects the English's pride and self-deprecating humor, unifying fans after decades of failure.
Celebrations
Pre-match (and post-match) gatherings at pubs draped in red and white are central to English football culture. They offer a perfect chance to connect with locals and immerse in English social life.
Embracing football culture in Europe is a great way to integrate into the local community abroad. As an added bonus: watching matches, learning the chants, and discussing games offer practical language experience.
After all, it's not just watching a game; it's immersing yourself in the culture, improving your language skills, and enjoying an authentic experience abroad.