Words: Jonee // @Jonee13
Football and heritage go hand in hand. Perhaps not from the very beginning, but close enough. Football has a unique ability to reflect the society in which it’s immersed while also shaping that same society. Though you can debate its importance, football is ultimately decisive, all-consuming, and mirrors life in countless quirky ways. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that supporting Club X or Y defines who you are as a person, but it does offer a window into the world you inhabit. As entities, football clubs aren’t inherently better or worse than one another, but they do embody distinct ways of thinking, acting, and embracing the place and its people where they exist.
It’s vital to recognise, remember, and discuss football’s history, as it reflects how those places and people have lived over the past century and beyond. Some clubs take pride in their working-class roots, while others are fiercely passionate about their aristocratic heritage—and honestly, that’s fine by me. Football belongs to the masses; it was created by them and, as such, should welcome people from every walk of life. After all, once the ball starts rolling, we’re all equal—we’re supporters.
Numerous pages, websites, fan clubs, and organizations are dedicated to curating, preserving, and safeguarding football’s rich history, and they deserve our support. Our game must be protected at all times. We can’t truly love football without also caring for its legacy.
Every major club, in one form or another, has attempted to build its own museum to preserve, share, and showcase its history and place in the world of football. However, many of these museums feel sterile for one simple reason: they often forget a crucial part of their history - the supporters.
Clubs and supporters must work hand in hand to ensure that the rich history and immense tapestry of our game aren't lost. Yes, many stories—especially those from the early stages of our game—are steeped in folklore and fiction, but that only adds to the amazing history.
An early photo of football supporters.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Football clubs have long invested in building museums to preserve their legacies—rich histories chronicling the highs and lows, the trophies, the iconic players, and the moments that define their existence. From the prestigious halls of FC Barcelona’s museum to the vast collections at Old Trafford, these spaces showcase the achievements of clubs, their contributions to the game, and the larger-than-life figures who have worn their jerseys. Yet, despite their grandeur, many of these museums often feel sterile, lacking the warmth and soul that one might expect from such hallowed institutions. They preserve the past, yes, but often at the cost of a crucial element: the supporters who, without fail, have been there through every triumph and failure, shaping the very essence of what it means to be a football club.
Supporters are the lifeblood of clubs. They are the ones who fill the stands, create the atmosphere, and pass down the legends of the sport. Their chants echo long after the final whistle, their memories of pivotal matches are passed from generation to generation, and their passion drives clubs to greatness. Yet, when we step into the museum halls, we rarely see the impact of these fans represented, leaving out the countless untold stories of the individuals whose devotion has kept the club alive.
Through a deep dive into how clubs and supporters have shaped the beautiful game, we can explore why it is so important to include fans in the preservation of football’s legacy. After all, while trophies and players may define a club’s successes, it is the supporters who bring its story to life.
Football museums have become commonplace at major clubs around the world, serving as dedicated spaces to celebrate the rich history of the sport. These museums, whether housed in towering structures or more modest settings, aim to preserve the legacy of clubs, providing fans and visitors alike with a tangible connection to the past. Walking through the corridors of these museums, one can experience a sense of pride—reliving iconic moments, admiring vintage kits, and viewing the numerous trophies won through decades of dedication and hard work.
Take, for example, the FC Barcelona Museum, one of the most visited football museums in the world. It houses over a century’s worth of history, with everything from Lionel Messi’s jerseys to a room dedicated to the club’s unparalleled success in the Champions League. Similarly, the Manchester United Museum offers a comprehensive narrative of the club’s evolution, from its founding as Newton Heath to its rise as a global powerhouse under Sir Alex Ferguson. These museums serve as an invaluable resource for preserving the history of the clubs, giving fans an opportunity to explore their favourite club’s past in a way that feels intimate and personal.
But while these museums serve their purpose in showcasing physical artefacts, there is a lingering sense that something is missing. As much as these spaces provide a glimpse into a club's grand achievements, they often fail to capture the essence of what makes football so special: the connection between the club and its supporters. The sterile, exhibition-like atmosphere of these museums can sometimes distance visitors from the emotional heartbeat of the club, focusing on the tangible while overlooking the intangible: the human experience and feeling that exists at the core of every match.
The primary function of a football museum is undoubtedly to preserve the legacy of a club, but there’s a growing realization that history cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the crucial role of the supporters. For all the glamour associated with trophies and famous players, it’s the fans who create the real magic, and this fact often gets lost in the polished exhibits of the club’s illustrious past. History is not just about what’s won on the pitch—it’s about the moments shared with the fans, the stories exchanged among supporters, and the culture that binds them to the club. Yet, in many club museums, these stories are either underrepresented or entirely absent.
A small display dedicated to fan culture at Liverpool’s museum.
Photo Credit: Rory Bryce
A museum may display the boots worn by George Best or the shirt lifted by Diego Maradona in a moment of glory, but where are the stories of the fans who filled the stands on that unforgettable night? Where are the memories of those who cheered from the terraces, who sang the anthems, who travelled thousands of miles in the rain to support their team? These supporters don’t merely exist as spectators—they are an active part of the club's history, and without their inclusion in the narrative, the history feels incomplete.
The shortcomings of many football museums stem from a traditional understanding of history as a collection of physical objects and tangible successes – a linear line with notable events which can be referred to. While these objects undoubtedly contribute to the story, they only represent a fraction of the overall experience. True history is about more than trophies—it’s about the people who lived through it, the fans who celebrated victories, and those who endured defeats. It’s these intangible elements that give football its soul, and they are often what make the sport feel so deeply personal to those who follow it.
As much as a club’s success on the pitch matters, it’s the way the supporters experience and interpret those moments that form the bedrock of football culture. The raw emotion felt by the fans, the bonds created in the stands, the collective energy that erupts when a team scores—these are the things that stay with fans long after the final whistle blows. It’s this intangible connection, this spirit of unity and shared experience, that clubs must work harder to capture and preserve.
It is often said that football fans live and breathe their clubs, and this is no exaggeration. For many, supporting their team is a family tradition, passed down through generations, each supporter becoming a link in a chain that stretches back to the club’s founding. This deep, emotional connection to the club is what makes football such a personal experience. It’s not just about the game itself—it’s about the memories created, the stories shared, and the sense of belonging that fans feel when they are part of something larger than themselves.
Let’s talk about identity, one of the most important elements to football supporters. A club's identity is shaped by its supporters in ways that go far beyond the match day experience. Fans play an active role in defining what a club stands for, and this is especially true for clubs with a deep-rooted history. Take, for example, Liverpool FC and its legendary supporters. The iconic “You'll Never Walk Alone” anthem, which resonates around Anfield on match days, was adopted from a song written by Gerry and the Pacemakers, but it has become inextricably linked to the club and its supporters. The anthem has transcended its origins to become a symbol of unity, loyalty, and defiance. It speaks not only to the history of the club but to the unbreakable bond between the supporters and the team. Liverpool’s history cannot be understood without acknowledging the significance of its fans.
Similarly, the supporters of Borussia Dortmund have played an essential role in shaping the club's modern identity. The famous “Yellow Wall” of the Signal Iduna Park, where thousands of fans create an intimidating and electric atmosphere, is more than just a visual spectacle—it’s a reflection of the unwavering passion and commitment of the club’s supporters. The fans are known for their unshakeable loyalty, standing by the club through thick and thin. This sense of solidarity is what makes Dortmund’s supporters one of the most famous and respected in Europe.
Even in clubs with less global recognition, supporters remain a vital force. At clubs like Celtic, in Scotland, or St. Pauli, in Germany, the supporters define not only the atmosphere in the stands but also the values and philosophy of the club itself. Celtic’s identity is steeped in its fan base’s strong social and political ties, and the club’s history of community support and activism continues to resonate with fans around the world. Similarly, St. Pauli fans are known for their anti-authoritarian stance and commitment to social justice, making their identity and ethos inseparable from the club's narrative.
For these supporters, football is about more than just winning matches. It’s about being part of a family, a community, a culture, and a cause. They are the ones who fill the stands, who stand by the team through relegation and promotion, through injury and triumph. They are the ones who create the atmosphere, who chant for hours, and who wear the club’s colours with pride. Without these fans, the football experience would be entirely different. The players may come and go, but the supporters remain, and they are the true custodians of the club’s legacy.
Supporters also play a pivotal role in shaping the broader culture of football. From the terraces, the chants, and the rituals, to the fan-driven media, fanzines, and grassroots initiatives, fans are the ones who keep the pulse of football alive. It is in the stands, not in the boardrooms, where the true culture of football is cultivated. The stories that are passed down through generations—of legendary matches, famous goals, and unforgettable seasons—are often rooted in the memories of the fans. These personal narratives, filled with emotion and passion, are what make football history so powerful and relatable.
The study of fan culture and its importance is becoming more prominent in academia.
Photo Credit: Sports Journal
Yet, despite the profound impact that supporters have on the culture and identity of football, they are often excluded from the official history of the game. Museums and archives, while they celebrate the accomplishments of the players and the club, often overlook the fan’s role in shaping that history. And this is a crucial oversight. The legacy of a club cannot be fully appreciated without understanding the impact of the supporters—their contributions, their stories, and the ways they have made history come alive in the stands.
From the early days of the game, supporters have played a crucial role in shaping not just the atmosphere of the matches but also the very culture of the sport itself. Their passion, traditions, and stories have helped to build football into the global phenomenon it is today.
In the early 20th century, football was very much a working-class game. The supporters of the time, often from humble backgrounds, would pack into stadiums in their thousands to watch their local teams play. These early fans were actively involved in creating the atmosphere in the stadiums. The birth of the modern football chant, for example, can be traced back to these early days. Fans would gather in the stands, their voices melding together to create a powerful, collective energy. These chants—many of which are still sung today—have become a defining feature of football, helping to create the unique atmosphere that makes the game so special.
One of the most iconic examples of early fan influence is the birth of the “football terrace.” In the early days of the game, terraces were built to accommodate large crowds, and they quickly became the heart of the stadium. These areas, which were often standing-only, became a focal point for fans to show their support. It was here, on the terraces, that supporters would develop their own unique chants and rituals, which were often passed down from one generation to the next. These rituals became an essential part of the match day experience, and their importance to the culture of the game cannot be overstated.
Football clubs began to recognize the importance of their supporters not just in creating an atmosphere at games, but in building a sense of community around the club. The supporters were no longer just spectators—they were part of the club’s identity. This is where the bond between a club and its fans began to deepen. In many cases, fans played an active role in shaping the direction of their clubs, whether it was in terms of club ownership, management decisions, or even the club’s political and social values.
Take, for example, the early history of clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barcelona was founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, Catalan, and Spanish footballers, but the club quickly became a symbol of Catalan identity and pride. The fans—particularly during periods of political unrest in Spain—became a key part of the club’s identity. During the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, Barcelona fans used the club as a means of resistance, showing defiance against the regime by waving the Catalan flag and singing songs in Catalan. This period in the club’s history is not just defined by the victories on the pitch but also by the role the supporters played in shaping the club’s political and cultural identity.
Similarly, in Argentina, clubs like Boca Juniors and River Plate have deep historical ties to their supporters’ communities. The intense rivalry between these two clubs is about much more than football—it’s about class, politics, and identity. For many of the supporters, the club is an extension of their social and cultural identity. This sense of belonging has been passed down through generations, and the supporters continue to play a vital role in maintaining these cultural traditions.
Much of La Boca’s street art celebrates the culture of Boca Juniors. It represents more than a football club.
Photo Credit: BA Street Art
In the United Kingdom, the rise of supporter-led movements in the 1960s and 1970s marked a significant shift in the relationship between fans and their clubs. During this period, fans became more organized, and groups began to form to represent their interests both on and off the pitch. The emergence of the "football hooligan" subculture in the 1970s, while often controversial and violent, also reflected the deep passion and commitment that fans had to their clubs. While this era was marked by negative aspects of fan culture, it also saw the rise of important supporter-led initiatives, such as the creation of fanzines, which became a way for fans to share their stories, opinions, and concerns about their clubs.
The impact of supporters on the history of football is not limited to creating chants and rituals. Fans have also been instrumental in the development of football’s global appeal. In the 1980s and 1990s, as the sport began to expand internationally, supporters played a crucial role in spreading the game to new regions. The travelling fan culture, particularly in Europe and South America, helped to globalize football, creating a unique connection between different fan bases. It was not uncommon for fans to travel to away games in other countries, turning these matches into cultural exchanges as well as sporting events. The rise of television broadcasts and global sponsorship deals only served to magnify the influence of supporters, who, through their passion, brought a sense of unity to the sport that transcended borders.
In the modern era, the relationship between supporters and clubs continues to evolve. With the rise of social media and digital platforms, fans now have an unprecedented ability to connect with one another and with their clubs. The online fan community has become an essential part of the football experience, with supporters sharing their views, memories, and insights about their clubs. The role of supporters has also expanded beyond the stadium, with fan-run podcasts, blogs, and social media accounts playing an increasingly important role in shaping the narrative around football clubs.
While the game has changed significantly over the years, one thing remains constant: the importance of the supporters. Football’s history is filled with iconic moments—last-minute goals, legendary players, and unforgettable matches. But beneath these well-documented events lies a rich collection of personal stories, often passed down through generations, which are not always captured in official accounts. These stories, sometimes steeped in folklore and often tinged with the romanticism of nostalgia, play a vital role in shaping the culture and identity of football. They are the stories of the fans, the ones who experienced the highs and lows, who felt the rush of adrenaline in the stands or the quiet despair of a last-minute defeat. These stories are not always recorded in official archives or displayed in glossy museum exhibits, but they are just as essential to understanding the history of the game.
Take, for instance, the countless local rivalries that have defined football culture in cities and towns around the world. These rivalries often transcend the players on the pitch and become deeply ingrained in the fabric of the community. In some cases, the stories of these rivalries—told through the eyes of fans—are passed down through generations, becoming the stuff of legends. In a few instances, the rivalries themselves are a reflection of conflicts which pre-date football, but manifest on the terraces. A fan’s first experience attending a derby match, the sense of belonging, the pressure of the occasion—these stories are woven into the very DNA of football clubs. Yet, many of them go unnoticed in the grander narrative of the sport.
One of the most famous rivalries in English football is the North West Derby between Liverpool and Manchester United. The match itself is a spectacle—an intense battle between two of the biggest clubs in the world. But the stories that surround this rivalry, particularly among the fans, are what give it its true emotional weight. For generations, fans from these cities have shared their personal tales of what it means to be part of this rivalry—the tension felt during every encounter, the pride in being part of a tradition that stretches back decades. These stories are often passed on at family gatherings, in pub conversations, and over the phone with friends, but they rarely make it into the history books. For the supporters, these personal narratives are as important as any match result.
The North West Derby is one of the biggest fixtures in the English football calendar.
Photo Credit: Liverpool Echo
In many cases, the legends that fans tell are not entirely factual, but they don’t need to be. Football folklore thrives on the myth-making process—on embellishing stories to make them more vivid, more exciting, and more personal. These stories evolve and grow over time, adding layers of meaning that wouldn’t exist if they were merely factual accounts. For example, fans might tell tales of a heroic moment that may not have happened exactly as described, but the emotional truth of it—the feeling of witnessing something extraordinary—remains. These narratives capture the essence of what football is about: the emotional connection between the supporters and their club.
Similarly, football is a game where the collective memory of the fans often outweighs the official record. While a club may have won a trophy or secured a title, the stories that fans hold dear are often more about moments that are deeply personal. A fan’s recollection of their first match, or the moment they shared a victory with their parents or children, is far more significant to them than any statistic or trophy count. These experiences become the foundation of a club’s history, even if they aren’t always recorded in the official narrative.
Perhaps one of the most profound ways that folklore influences football is through the creation of chants and songs. Every major football club has its own collection of anthems, many of which have been passed down through the years. These songs tell stories—whether it’s about a legendary player, a great match, or a cultural moment that defines the club’s identity. Chants like “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at Liverpool or “The Great Escape” at West Ham aren’t just songs—they are narratives, filled with meaning and emotional resonance. They remind fans of shared experiences and collective pride. These anthems carry the stories of generations, binding supporters together in ways that no museum or trophy case ever could.
But while these stories are rich in culture and tradition, they are often overlooked in the official histories of clubs. Museums and archives may display the tangible: the trophies, the jerseys, the match programmes. But the intangible—the stories of the fans, the personal experiences that bring these trophies to life—are often neglected. The challenge lies in how to capture these personal, sometimes mythic, stories without losing their charm or authenticity. A club’s true history cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the role that folklore and personal experience play in shaping its legacy.
Moreover, these stories are not limited to the past. Football’s folklore continues to evolve with each passing season. New players, new matches, and new moments are added to the collective memory of fans. Supporters continue to write the history of their clubs, whether it’s through social media posts, fan blogs, or podcasts. These platforms have democratized football storytelling, giving supporters a voice in shaping the narrative of the sport. The growth of fan-driven media has allowed these untold stories to be shared in ways that were never possible before, creating a richer, more complex understanding of football’s history.
In many ways, football is as much about the stories we tell as it is about the games we play. The mythology surrounding the sport, built on the experiences of fans, has the power to transcend the boundaries of the pitch. These stories are what make football feel alive, vibrant, and real. Without them, football would simply be a game of 90 minutes. But with them, it becomes something more—an ever-evolving, ever-changing narrative that connects people across time and space.
Three generations of Gimnasia supporters stand side by side. It runs in the family.
Photo Credit: Erica Voget