Football—no, not the National Football League or the upcoming Super Bowl (sorry, Tom Brady). Americans tend to call it soccer, but any real fan with respect for the sport understands the combination of the words foot and ball—getting the ball into the net without using your hands (so, mostly your feet) in the formidable sport that lures millions to stadiums, sport bars and television screens. Generally, a sport that represents masculinity, men's football gathers a substantial female audience, too.
Football is the most consistently played sport in the world—truly global! World Cups gather the entire planet into one massive party. Instead of worrying about politics and fighting, the only competition is a healthy athletic one.
"Twenty-two attractive fools chasing a ball," my mom would always laugh. "How could I not watch?" My mother represents the stereotypical female fan of men's football. Since the days of Andriy Shevchenko and rooting for Dynamo Kyiv, she would engage with any stranger without even speaking English. The magical word: Shevchenko—no, not the national Ukrainian writer, as I later learned—but Balon d'Oro, winner and highly rated goalscorer, was her Ukrainian keycard.
Almost every guy in Ukraine knows the rules of football. Every self-respecting father teaches his sons to play—in my case, his daughters. I grew up as a fan of first Dynamo Kyiv, then Real Madrid when I had the option of choosing my own favorite.
Whenever I voice my support for Real Madrid, however, I receive one of the two reactions: 1) "Is it because of Cristiano Ronaldo?" or 2. "Do you actually know the rules?"
It's quite concerning to live in a society where women are perceived to be superficial and shallow. Now, I must admit, the Portuguese gods themselves have formidably sculpted Ronaldo, but more than, that he's an applauded forward, a captain and often the savior of his team. How could I not support Ronaldo? But there's more to rooting for a team than drooling over the carved legs of the players and their most up-to-date haircuts.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United vs. Porto, 2009
There is history and tradition. Dynamo Kyiv will always have a dear place in my heart because I practically grew up with them. Deep down, I always know that after Ukraine emerges from its corrupt political chaos, football will soar once again since social peace is a motivating factor for emotional and social frivolity at the stadium.
Emotions are the real driving force and the reason why I watch the sport. Football is at the most exaggerated spectrum of triumph and despair, of thrill and tears, and of social responsibility and youthful irresponsibility. Soccer chants only prove how passionate fans are, and mini-celebrations after a scored goal are the moments that fans pray for. There’s nothing more heartwarming than watching a ball effortlessly hit the net and then re-watching the goal from different angles over and over again. The way each player twists to master a new trick, channeling all force into their feet and turning their lean bodies into a Caravaggio sculpture in slow-motion, is the greatest reward for a fan.
Zinédine Zidane - Real Madrid vs. Leverkusen, 2002
Finally, I could never forget football announcers, who, with their enthusiasm, jokes, and knowledge, are superior to those of any other sport. They are the best storytellers, recounting every moment with meticulous detail that the audience probably would not have noticed. Commentators have a talent of articulating their emotions and our own as they are erupting.
In reality, there is not much of a distinction between male and female football fans. Love and respect for the sport are essential.
