Soccer: The World's Game. Soccer, or football, is the most popular sport in the world, with an estimated 3.5 billion fans across the globe. FIFA, which is the international governing body of football, and organizes major world tournaments, reported that over 1 billion people watched the final of the 2014 World Cup. Soccer's popularity is on the rise in the United States too, and it should be. The players are passionate and charismatic, the play is electric and exciting, and the celebrations are fun. And in a time when NFL players are fined for passion and celebrations, don't we deserve some football with a fun factor?
There are leagues all over the world, but the most popular, and the ones you're most likely to find on television, are the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, Mexican Liga MX and American Major League Soccer. There are other great leagues also, like the French Ligue 1 and Italian Serie A, although its harder to find games from these leagues broadcast in America. With all these leagues, and all the other leagues and international competitions, it can be hard to find a team (or side) to pull for. If you're feeling overwhelmed, have no fear, we're here to help.
Manchester City
Manchester City is a club side that I personally support. Located in Manchester, England and playing in the Premier League, Manchester City has been on the rise in recent years. With a new high profile manager in Pep Guardiola, world class players like Sergio Kun Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne, and young players on the rise like Raheem Sterling and John Stones, Manchester City has definitely definitely grown a fun side to watch and support.
Chelsea
Also playing in the Premier League, London's Chelsea side is a power team with a long history. Chelsea has finished pretty much every season since the 1960s near the top of the league table or mid-table. They've been more or less solid in recent years and with a solid defense and midfield they look to continue their success.
Olympique Lyonnais
French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais, also known simply as Lyon, can be a fun and exciting squad to pull for. Play in the top French league is generally faster and flashier, and there's a lot of young talent in it's ranks, and Lyon is no different. There's young talent in each part of the pitch for Lyon with world class players Alexandre Lacazette and Nabil Fekir each playing in attack, rising stars like Corentin Tolisso and Jordan Ferri in midfield, and so on.
FC Barcelona
Spanish giants FC Barcelona, are the best team in the word, depending on who you ask. Barcelona is anchored by Lionel Messi, the best player in the world, depending on who you ask (my vote is for Messi.) Barcelona is completed by a bevy of world class players such as Neymar, Jordi Alba, and Javier Mascherano. If you decide to pull for Barcelona, you'll be witnessing some of the most technically beautiful football on the planet.
Real Madrid
Another Spanish team, Real Madrid is the other popular vote for the best team in the world, depending on who you ask. Real Madrid fields the other popular vote for best player on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid also sports some of the most recognizable players in football, with Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Luka Modrić and more. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid also participate in one of the fiercest rivalries in sports, El Clásico, which Barcelona leads, having won 109 matches overall, although Madrid won the last meeting.
Although we provided just 5 examples, there are TONS of sides you could decide to pull for. Perhaps you like FC Bayern Munich's motto of "Mia San Mia" and the 16 Principles they hold fans players and staff to. Maybe you identify with FC St. Pauli of the 2 Bundesliga and their dedication to equality and social justice. Or maybe it's the history of Aston Villa, or Everton, or Tottenham Hotspur. Maybe you just really like Celtic, or Valencia CF, or LOSC Lille. Whatever side you choose to support, you'll be a regular ultra in no time!
