Football Symbolism Essay

Have you ever thought of soccer being similar to a religion or way of living? In Brazil, many Brazilians consider Futebol, soccer to American’s, almost like a religion and way of living. This is because it is part of what it is to be Brazilian that you cannot opt of since it is part of who they are. Futebal is the most popular sport in Brazil and can be said to be “o pais do Futebol”, which means the country of football. The sport is extremely skillful, creative, free-slowing, fast past and dramatizes the tension between creative and disciplined efficiency. There is over 10,000 Brazilians that play professionally all over the world. Brazilians consider Futebol magical because it impacts people on a personal level and shares personal experiences
in the national culture.
Futebol in Brazil never had an official start period some say. Most believe it began around the 19th century thanks to Englishmen. The Englishmen brought over equipment, skills and experiences that lead to creating a stronger and stronger bond for football culture over the years. In 1988, the first Brazilian soccer club in Sao Paulo was created that mainly comprised of Englishmen. Shortly after, in 1914 was the first game with the National team and then in 1930, had the first appearance in the World Cup.
Pele is widely recognized as the greatest player of all time.
When Pele was growing up, he was could not afford soccer equipment so he would use socks and fill them will paper to make a soccer ball. Many Brazilians grew up playing soccer in the streets, abandoned lots, meadows, and urban gaps. They had small goals and when they began to see the nice fields, it made them motivated to become professional. Sarvas says, ““When you see all the nice stuff, the nice fields, it makes you hungry. All kids dream of becoming a professional soccer player.” Majority of the people living in Brazil are in poverty, Futebol is one ticket out of the lifestyle if the talent is learned earlier enough. The game of football spread throughout quickly. Since the World Wars for Brazil ended right before the World Cup, the event for Brazilians was inspired to celebrate
peace.
Large sport events were expressions of international relations among countries and opportunity to promote the external and internal policies of the cities and countries. Hosting the World Cup could enhance international reputation. Brazil reached a major victory in the field of international relations, as it was chosen to host these two most important international sports events, FIFA World Cup in 2014 and Olympic Games in 2016. However, there has been also a risk of high construction costs of sporting venues and possible problems of underutilized elite sporting facilities after the event, because of their little use by local population. Some local Brazilians consider this “the robbery” because of the misuse of money could have been spent on schools, hospitals or public transpiration.
For an expatriate to integrate with the Brazilians, it is important to know that Futebol affects their everyday life because they live, breath and dream it.
The terminology and history from the sport, bleeds into the everyday language even if some are not fans, they still speak Futebol. Brazilians might say that person "pisou na bola" when someone messes up because it means— stamped on the ball — which, of course, is a big faux pas. Since the effect of hosting the two most vital international sport events, local Brazilians hold personal feelings towards how the money is spent because it is their home. It is important to understand the meaning and culture that Brazilians hold deep to their hearts because when you are conducting business, it allows them to know you understand the significance of Futebol to their country. The knowledge of customs, culture, and courtesies of the host country can make or break a deal. When the FIFA World Cup happens, most Brazilians are allowed to work-part time, or to not work at all when the National Team plays, which goes to show how meaningful Futebol is to them, which can have a major effect on businesses. Futebol in Brazil is not just a sport; it holds personal meaning and connections within the Brazilian
culture.