Transnational football fandom

Sociocultural insights from Real Madrid fans in Pakistan

Bibliographic Data

ID24230290
AuthorsAli Hasaan (0000-0003-3202-2186, NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology)
Year2026
Pages1-16
Publication date2026-07-05
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCulture Sport Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1461-0981 • E-ISSN: 1743-0445
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17430437.2026.2695632
OpenAlexW7167410570
LanguageEN
References cited43

This study explores the social and cultural meanings Pakistani fans attach to their fandom of Real Madrid within a context of limited local football infrastructure. Using a constructivist qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 dedicated fans, and thematic analysis identified eight interconnected themes: symbolic capital, global belonging and local displacement, digitally mediated fandom, leisure and emotional escape, aspirational lifestyle, group inclusion, vicarious pride, and athlete admiration. The findings show that fandom operates as a resource for social distinction, identity negotiation, and moral aspiration. Drawing on Bourdieu’s concepts of capital and habitus, the study demonstrates how engagement with global football enables Pakistani fans to navigate social hierarchies, accumulate symbolic value, and perform aspirational identities, offering novel insights into fandom in Global South contexts.

digital fandom · football fandom · Global South · Habitus · Identity negotiation · Real Madrid · social distinction · Symbolic capital · transnational fandom · Consumer Behavior in Brand Consumption and Identification · Physical Education and Sports Studies · Sports, Gender, and Society

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