Soccer Fandom: A Popular Research Topic

Fan, from the Latin “fanaticus” (obsessed, frenzied—also based on fanum—temple with reference to religion, faith), refers to a person who is completely enthusiastic about a cause or person and devotes a lot of time, energy, and/or financial resources to this enthusiasm. This is usually accompanied by a strong emotional bond, which leads to fans being very loyal, e.g. in the case of soccer, but also very emotionally dependent on the events surrounding their club in both a positive and negative sense. This enthusiasm brings people together, regardless of their social background or origin, and creates a social community (fanhood). In connection with stars, this is often called a para-social relationship (Horton & Wohl, 1956) as fans do not really know these people personally, but rather indulge in an illusion and only have very distant contact with their stars via concerts or similar events. In contrast, there are various opportunities in soccer to meet the team in person. Be it at autograph sessions, events for fans or club events, sports clubs are always keen to ensure that encounters are possible to promote and emotionally strengthen fans’ personal relationships with their players and thus with their club.