Soccer Passion: A Deep-Rooted Tradition Across Latin America

The devotion Santiago García has for Boca Juniors is evident through a simple act that became a personal ritual for him. Years ago when his grandmother fell ill, García took off his cherished Boca Juniors necklace and placed it around her neck, believing the team’s spirit would help her recover. His belief in Boca Juniors reflects a widespread cultural phenomenon across Latin America, especially as the region looks forward to the 2026 World Cup. From Argentina to Mexico, soccer transcends being just a sport, deeply weaving into the cultural and personal lives of its fans.

Emotional Connections Fostered by Soccer

As Mexican analyst Erick Fernández notes, the connection between fans and their soccer teams has been emotionally significant for years. This bond fosters identity, creating a sense of being part of a collective journey. In Argentina, the lineage of fandom often passes down through families, with strong loyalties to clubs intensifying over time. Even notable figures like Pope Francis, a lifelong fan of San Lorenzo in Argentina, publicly describe soccer as the world’s most beautiful game.

García’s father introduced him to Boca Juniors, and this club loyalty led García’s mother to switch her allegiance after meeting his father. It is common for individuals to support their parents’ clubs, carrying this sense of identity everywhere. At age 17, García tattooed a phrase from Boca’s anthem on his torso, symbolizing a deep connection that words alone cannot express.

Sacred Gatherings and Rituals

Pope Francis has described soccer as a team sport with beauty in its collective nature. Among fans, passion grows from shared experiences, such as singing anthems or sharing joy and sorrow during matches. Argentine anthropologist Eloísa Martín highlights that the communal aspects of soccer can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. Fans share in the solidarity of their club, which can foster community even for those who feel isolated in other aspects of life.

Adilvania Santos, a Fluminense supporter, finds solace and connection through the club. Like others, she attends games despite the distance to Rio, seeing her support as a sacred tradition akin to attending church. During times of hardship, soccer provides a communal space for collective joy and solidarity.

Rituals and Superstitions in Soccer

Catholic priest Jeferson Mengali, a Corinthians fan, frequently prays for tranquility before significant games, rather than for victory. Across Latin America, many fans engage in rituals hoping they will affect game outcomes. In Argentina, practices known as “cábalas” became popular in the 1990s. These rituals include sitting in specific seats or wearing specific attire during matches, repeated if the team wins and abandoned if it loses.

García’s personal rituals involve wearing the same jersey and carrying an image of Diego Maradona, who has become a revered figure beyond sports in Argentina since his passing. Such rituals exhibit how deeply engrained the sense of belonging and identity tied to soccer is for fans.

Idols and Icons in Latin American Soccer

Iconic figures like Maradona in Argentina, affectionately called “El Diego,” hold significant cultural status. Such figures are considered part of a larger community spirit that provides guidance and inspiration. Personal idols also hold strong sway over fans, as seen with Héctor Hermosilla’s reverence for Colo Colo founder David Arellano in Chile.

Hermosilla recalls his first match in 1986 and the experience that bound him to his team. Developing ingenious ways to fund his passion, he sold typed copies of club anthems, and continues to travel with his family for matches. His continued tribute to Arellano and the rituals he practices emphasize that soccer transcends mere fandom, becoming ingrained in personal and cultural identities.

The passion for soccer in Latin America involves a complex interplay of personal rituals, family traditions, and communal experiences, all contributing to its sacred nature in the lives of its followers.