News
FRI 12.02.2016
Football does not need translators. We all understand the language of the beautiful game no matter where we are from or where we are. We also possess an inherent human understanding of passion, meaning we are predisposed to display loyalty, as seen in football, a lifelong obsession that is commonly developed from birth.
I grew up in a large Mexican family where Sunday afternoon meant football time. That still stands today with every family event likely to generate heated debate about which team is enjoying the best run form or which player is head and shoulders above the rest. Household names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi or teams such FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla FC dominate discussions in any country, city, region or language.
Many of our exports have enjoyed success in LaLiga which the Mexican people remember fondly. Hugo Sanchez at Real Madrid, Rafa Marquez at Barcelona, Carlos Vela at Real Sociedad and Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez during his loan spell with 'Los Blancos' have all been closely followed and supported throughout Mexico.
I went to Miami on business some time ago and saw how football keeps going from strength to strength in the United States. The Hispanic presence over there is hugely influential, with a growing population that has football passion running through its veins. That is not the sole contributing factor, however, given that football is the most popular sport at American schools among the younger generations.
It is increasingly normal to see large screens on Miami's most famous streets such as Lincoln Road and Miracle Mile showing LaLiga matches to groups of vocal supporters kitted out in the colours of their favourite Spanish teams. The fans have not only been receptive to LaLiga content, but they have demanded it and watch it every weekend. It is now part of their lifestyle.
In a multicultural city such as Miami that boasts a high percentage of Latin inhabitants, football creates an identity and provides a sense of belonging. We can be from different countries, yet speak the same lingo. Football unites us. LaLiga unites us and is the perfect example of how this sport can get the international masses celebrating a goal in unison. I simply love how it can break down barriers and transcend borders in a universally spoken language.
Follow @EvaMarcelaLife on Twitter
Follow @LaLiga on Twitter
© LALIGA - 2016