Football is more powerful than we often realise. Every week, thousands physically turn up to support their teams, while millions more watch from afar. It is the biggest sport in the world and always commands attention—but what would it be without the fans?
Why do we love it so deeply, and what does our support truly mean in the grand scheme of things? Fans invest their time, money, and emotion into something that, in return, is always there for them. Football becomes an escape from personal struggles; a place to release emotions that might not be welcomed elsewhere, and to share them among people no different from yourself. Within the crowd, a community is formed.
For those who want to play the beautiful game—especially in deprived areas—football offers opportunity. From the favelas of Brazil to the cages of England, with the right support, greatness can be born from struggle. That sense of hope and possibility is something we need now more than ever.
Then there are the players—the ones who bring the game to life. The question is whether they are one of us or one of them. Us being the fans: the people who pour everything into their support and dream of stepping onto the pitch themselves, to win for the badge. Them being the new owners and venture capitalists, driven solely by profit, even when it comes at the expense of loyal supporters.
The proposed Super League showed us the reality we could face if fans fail to unite. Change will not come unless we stand together—for our clubs, for football as a whole, and for each other. By seeing ourselves in one another, we can begin to find the answers we’re searching for—but only collectively.
My mission is to document these different characters (LONELY.GEEZA.CAGES.FIFA) and help them see themselves in each other: fans, players, and owners alike. To create a bond. And once that bond is formed—through effort and understanding—we can decide, together, what change should look like. Until then, it remains just a dream. One that stays asleep.
BEYOND THE GAME
Football is just one of many subjects I hope to explore, but it feels like the most important—if not the most vital—because of its scale. It is timeless and holds an unparalleled level of influence. If that collective passion were united and directed beyond the boundaries of the game, it could drive change we have never seen before. That belief is what fuels my passion: the idea that football’s power does not end at the final whistle.
SEE YOURSELF
