Sport & Nationalism

Spain & identity &

sport

The “National” situation in Spain:

Some of the regions in Spain do not feel the Spanish national identity as their own identity. Particularly citizens from Catalonia and the Basque Country, and to a lesser extent in other regions, feel alienated from Spain.

This situation originates a paradox: top athletes want to play for the national team in big competitions for the prestige but at the same time they do not feel comfortable with it.

Sport & Nationalism

Catalonia is a powerful sporting region in Spain:

5 out of 11 starting players in the Spanish team in the 2010 Soccer World Cup final were from Catalonia.

5 out of 12 players from the Spanish basketball team are from Catalonia, the Gasol brothers and Ricky Rubio included.

Spain obtained 17 medals in London 2012 Olympics. 5 by Catalan athletes.

Some media in Spain think that players who don’t feel Spanish shouldn’t represent Spain in international competitions.

Spain & identity &

sport

Carles Puyol, former FCB captain, kissing the Catalan flag after scoring a goal

Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona in a football match wearing their

regions colors

Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, La Liga clubs from the

Basque Country, carrying the Basque flag

Usually in Spain there’s no soccer in Christmas.

Some regional national soccer squads use those days to schedule friendly matches.

Euskadi and Catalunya are two of the most persistent Spanish nations to do that

The second most important title in Spanish soccer is the

King’s Cup

In the last few years, whenever Barcelona or

Athletic Bilbao reach the final, their supporters whistle the Spanish national anthem

before the match

30 May 2015, FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao will play

the 2015 Spanish King’s Cup Final in the Camp Nou

stadium

1. Spanish National Television2. What actually occurred

Have any American athlete ever thought about carrying a California or Pennsylvania State flag?

Sport & Nationalism

Argentina vs England

In 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands claiming they were situated in Argentinian territory. The Falklands were colonial islands under British sovereignty.

The UK responded and defeated Argentinian troops, retaining the sovereignty over the islands.

Sport & Nationalism

Argentina vs England

In 1986, four years later, Argentina and England faced each other in the World Cup in Mexico.

Quarter-finals. Estadio Azteca, 114,000 spectators.

The score was 0-0 at halftime.

Sport & Nationalism

Argentina vs England

The ‘Hand of God’ in minute 51. Maradona

“I scored the goal "un poco con la cabeza de Maradona y otro poco con la mano de Dios" (a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God)”.

Sport & Nationalism

Argentina vs England

In minute 55, Maradona scored again what is considered the beast goal ever to be scored by any footballer.

Messi has replicated those two goals in his career making his case to be considered Maradona’s rightful successor.

Sport & Nationalism

New York Times interactive map

Sport competitions reflect very firmly the world inequalities and the global hegemony of some countries.

Observing the evolution of the medal table in the Olympics is like observing the history of the 20th Century.

The Winter Olympic Games show very clearly the difference between hemispheres.

World Map