My Favorite Sport

Soccer is associated with passion, emotion, excitement and dedication across Europe. References to extreme emotional experiences at soccer games characterised all aspects of discussions with fans some referring to the 'pure joy' and exhilaration of being at soccer games. Such is the intensity of the experience that two thirds of fans have cried at soccer matches mostly through joy, but occasionally because of despair. Soccer provides for many fans an opportunity to let themselves go emotionally to release the frustrations of everyday life.

Soccer is an important means for people to form and maintain strong friendships that might otherwise not exist. These social bonds between fans are so strong that many describe them in familial, kinship terms — 'my brotherhood' or 'my family'. 'Soccer friends' are different from friends in other areas of life. Something special is shared and exchanged by them. The soccer team is also a 'friend' to many fans. Over half of all fans feel that being a fan of the team is like having a long-term girlfriend/boyfriend.

THE 2 BEST SOCCER PLAYERS IN THE WORLD: