With the World Cup in the rear-view mirror for another four years, it’s now time for us to return to the weekly passions that clubs stir in football fans.Fandom was much more simple in days gone by. Typically, you supported the team you lived closest to, or perhaps you had your fandom passed down through your family.
But as the beautiful game has become the global game, it has changed all kinds of things.
It has changed players’ prospects, how football is run as a business and how fans interact with the game on a huge level.Now there are all kinds of fans of clubs all across the world. But which one are you?
The lifer
Most likely to be found: On the terraces, travelling to every game home and away.These fans are still the lifeblood of so many clubs, paying their hard-earned money to buy tickets to games, the latest club merchandise and much more.
Fans in the terraces truly make football what it is. We learned this during the COVID-19 pandemic as matches were played out behind closed doors. It just wasn’t the same!
The long-distancer
Most likely to be found: Among like-minded folks at an ungodly hour watching their team.
It truly is the global game and that means that many clubs now have fans from across the world, whether they have ties to the local area or not.
Some might scoff at these cross-continental commitments but you can’t question the dedication of these fans, often forgoing sleep and much more besides just to get a glimpse of their team.
The professor
Most likely to be found: With their head buried in a laptop, finding out Hull City’s xG in away games. Stats are everywhere in modern football, partly influenced by computer games such as Fifa and Football Manager which have solidified the link between the game and the numbers.Whether it’s to impress mates or just for the love of it, there are stattos everywhere!
The streamer
Most likely to be found: On YouTube going ballistic at each embarrassing turn their club makes. A very modern kind of football fan indeed is the streamer. Whether it’s for an online channel or to post in-ground reaction clips, these fans can divide opinions, particularly among the more hardcore supporters.
We can all agree, however, that it’s absolutely hilarious to see their clips when things go belly-up for their team!
The switcher
Most likely to be found: Wherever success is to be found! Many would consider it the cardinal sin – swapping your allegiances because another team has started enjoying more success than the one you previously claimed to support.
Yep, glory fans are part and parcel of football today. Just be safe in the knowledge that their presence makes you an even more committed fan of your club!
