When football legend Pele uttered the words ‘Jogo bonito’, meaning beautiful game, fans around the world nodded in agreement. At long last, an expression to justify this magical sport. But what makes the game one of the biggest and most thrilling sports to watch and play? Is it the unpredictability, the nostalgia, the scope of the game or the social aspect?
FIFA Soccer Video Games
Even those (dare we say it?) who aren’t fans of football, will likely have heard of the video game FIFA. In fact, it’s said 90 percent of the younger generation are fans of playing esports online.  Asides from being a huge form of entertainment, it’s a great activity to indulge in if you wish to learn more about the sport, including when to take advantage of a shot, all there is to know about defensive moves and when to shoot a cross in the box. Online gaming is extremely social, irrespective of whether you opt to play with a stranger, alone or with a friend.
Nostalgic Appeal
Many of us were brought up with football. If your mum, dad, grandma or grandpa loved the sport, it would have been ingrained into you too. From reminiscing live games attended as a kid, to passing your first ever football shirt down to your own child, this game has big nostalgic appeal.
Matchups
Global games are another reason we watch this sport. Whether you visit your local, watch it on the big screen at home, or better still, cross borders to watch the game live, football is a talking point and often poses some great debates. Everyone has a view and most of the time, everyone thinks they’re right. Whether it’s Argentina playing against Brazil or Chelsea versus Man United, no one wants their team to lose. Big matches are even a fun pastime to partake in for those who aren’t fans of football, the atmosphere alone associated with the World Cup will guarantee to get you joining in. Bigger games come with higher expectations and therefore more anticipation. Even if your home team doesn’t triumph, watching sport still provokes a stimulating experience.
The World Cup
The World Cup is an event that has the power to bring countries from across the globe together every four years. This is the event that stops every football fan in their tracks. Many will place wagers on which teams they deem to win, organise get togethers to watch the game or don their team’s football shirt for as long as the World Cup lasts.
You Play the Sport
Whether you played at school, play at the park, as a semi-pro or online, football is a sport for all personas. It’s also a great way to make lifelong friends. Many of those who played in their youth still play friendly games with the same teams today. Those who excel in the sport are sometimes lucky enough to turn their dreams of being a pro football player into a reality.
Pride
Supporting your team is pride, as is wearing their shirt. Irrespective of how well your team is doing, having their back, trusting the players’ to play their best game possible and supporting your team through the ups and downs is how many choose to honour their squad. Pride separates the casual fans from the diehard fanatics.
The Sport for Everyone
Anyone can play football. You can be 6’4†or 5’1â€, lightweight or boast biceps that would rival a wrestler. Football welcomes people of all shapes, sizes, cultures and sexes. It’s a sport that brings friends and strangers together, irrespective of whether you’re on the beach, at the park, in a sports hall or in the street, you only need a ball and some makeshift goals to play. It’s not just a pastime, it’s a passion.
