Soccer is a European game
Soccer is played all over the world, but Europe can say with certainty that this is where it is most successful. Football is a cultural asset in Europe, where it has been firmly rooted since it emerged in the mid-19th century as a result of the labor movement. European clubs have no rival. Apart from Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, the world champions have always been European nations. And 10 European countries have reached a World Cup final.
24 countries participate in Euro 2024. It seems like a lot, but Sweden, finalist in the 1958 World Cup, and Greece, European champion in 2004, did not qualify. The same goes for Norway, a country with two Premier League stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. On the other hand, two world champions, Italy and Spain, share a group in the group stage and in the same phase there will be a repeat of the 1954 World Cup final between Germany and Hungary. The European Football Championship remains the tournament with the strongest competition.
Works better in democracies
Franz Beckenbauer died last January. His talent was a gift. Still, he could not have become a football icon if he had been born in China or Saudi Arabia, where there is no football culture. But in his neighborhood, Giesing, there is a football club. There he met talented players and had to assert himself against very good rivals. One only becomes a great footballer if he plays with others, if he competes against rivals. The best players usually come from countries where determination and freedom have a lot of weight. Football also has its share of class struggle.
It is a voluntary work
Soccer is a very popular sport. According to FIFA, there are 265 million people in the world who play football. There are many people involved in the organization of a match, whether children, older men or women play. Coaches, instructors, secretaries… At my local club, there is someone who goes over the white stripes with a whitewash cart every Saturday, and the Bavarian Football Association has an office with the nice German word Bezirksgeschäftsstellenleiter (district manager) at the door. In Germany, millions of people participate of their own free will or for very little pay. They do it through associations and clubs. In these democratic institutions, there are volunteers who teach children and young people.
It arises from cooperation between people
France is the country with the greatest talent. Kylian Mbappé’s dribbles reflect the origins of the game; all of his ability was acquired as a child, playing soccer without a textbook. I also like the leadership of Didier Deschamps. For years, he has been able to mold individualistic players into a team. France has played in the World Cup final in two consecutive editions. Sometimes the balance between freedom and order is lost, as happened when they lost against Switzerland in the round of 16 in 2021. All in all, for me France remains the top favorite to win this edition of the Euro Cup.
Fair play is a priority, but football is also competition
Football transmits values. But it’s not about peace, joy and pancakes (or peace, love and harmony). It also reveals the negative evolution of a society. UEFA and national associations such as the DFB are today fighting against incitement to hatred and racism on the Internet. And on the field, you gain strength when you think: They’re going to find out! I was recently at a local league game in town. People encourage and also insult. After the game, you have a beer (or water, if you prefer) and your anger goes away.
There is diversity in the field
In Germany, a survey is currently being debated according to which one person in five would like to see more white players or is bothered that one of the captains, in this case Ilkay Gündogan, is of Turkish descent. It makes me sad. As a professional, I have verified that the soccer team that despises one of its players loses. Our sport is based on rules that everyone has to follow and cooperation. Success accompanies those who do not limit the strengths of each individual, but rather let everyone complement each other.
The differences enrich
England plays differently to Italy, which plays differently to Croatia, which plays differently to the Czechs. Excellent! In a tournament of nations, different styles become relevant. Germany is, or was, a Turniermannschaft (tournament team). They often falter at first, but once they get into the rhythm, they are a difficult team to beat. We do not apply a strategy like Holland, Denmark or Portugal do. We take advantage of our infrastructure, that is, we are a very large country and we have many people who play soccer. Gareth Southgate (England coach) commented not long ago that no country had as many players in the quarterfinals of the Champions League as Germany, with 18. I am confident that they will reach the final again in this tournament that is being played at home .
There are two new additions that I’m excited about. Albania has recently started negotiations for its accession to the EU and Georgia is now fighting for its democracy and its entry into Europe. These teams will play in Germany so that as many of their compatriots as possible feel well represented. A Euro Cup is much more than just business: it is a matter of identification.
We want a second ‘Sommermärchen’ (summer fairy tale)
When one thinks of the Sommermärchen, German flags come to mind. But 2006 wasn’t just black, red and gold, it was multicolor. On this occasion, yellow and blue will play a special role. In its country, Ukraine fights for its freedom, and also for that of Europe. I’m sure your football team will feel a good deal of solidarity in the stadiums and on the streets in the coming weeks.
A goal can make one immortal
June 9, 2006 was my big day. The goal in the opening match of the World Cup against Costa Rica was my letter of introduction. I grew up near the stadium, I had my whole family in the stands, and before the game it was not clear if I would be able to play because I had a bandage on my arm. My shot crossed the goal rectangle, a moment that remained etched in the collective memory. I learned about the symbolism of that goal a year later, in a suburb of South Africa. I created a foundation there and the children couldn’t believe that I was in the field with them. For them, I was the kid who had scored that goal.
Celebrating strengthens our bond
I share the concern that democracy is threatened. Apparently, many people have forgotten about its advantages. I am comforted by the demonstrations in which millions of Germans took part at the beginning of the year in defense of democracy. Now, at the great football festival, even more people with a similar spirit will gather. Demonstrations and parties are two different things, but they can express the same thing: appreciation for our free way of life. A single tournament will not heal the world. But football must contribute its part to defend the achievements of democracy. The world will be happier in the coming weeks, and some of that may rub off on us.
Geht’s naus und spuits! Let’s go out and play!
It cannot be denied that football is politics. In my column, which has been published in more than 25 European countries for three years, I try to deal with social issues. But I share with billions of fans the desire for the pure game. With football we disconnect, we relax, we exalt ourselves. Let the whistle finally blow!
Phillip Lahm is president of the organizing committee for Euro 2024 in Germany.
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