Imagine a scene: the TV is on, and there’s a bustling stadium on the screen. Rodri has the ball, and he plays it out wide to Lamin Yamal. The French player skillfully navigates past two defenders, setting up Robert Lewandowski, who then scores with a precise finish past Ederson. Europe is up 1-0 against the world.
So, could the European Union have its own soccer team, maybe just a game every couple of years? It sounds ambitious, perhaps even a little far-fetched. But in a time when unity within the Union seems more challenging, creating a dream team from those 27 nations could actually provide a deeper connection beyond just the economy.
Glen Mikalev, who is the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Equity, Youth, Culture, and Sports, remarked:
“Just imagine a Europe where my children and grandchildren can cheer for their teams. This initiative could also serve as a diplomatic avenue. The soft power of sports can positively influence both in football stadiums and in the larger global context.”
Essentially, it represents a small step toward bringing people together through the shared language of football. Other sports have shown this is possible, like the golf Ryder Cup and the tennis Davis Cup.
Mauro Bert, former coach of Italy’s men’s volleyball team and now sporting director for his party, sees potential in the concept but has some hesitance. “It’s complex because of the structure of soccer and our identities as fans,” he says. “It’s hard to feel passionate about a European team, just as it is about individual national teams. Yet, from a sports standpoint, now might be the time to listen and start showing signals.”
Bertuto, who secured a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, adds that this could foster vision and possibilities. However, he insists that the drive for such a team should come from the sports community, not politicians, recalling the ill-fated attempts at political leverage in sports, such as the proposed ice hockey match between US and Russian leaders. “When someone uses sports as a tool, I get a bit uneasy,” he shares.
This idea of football as an identity unifier strikes a chord with Italian writer and director Pier Paolo Pasolini.
An EU national team could harness this passion to forge a collective identity and belonging, helping dismantle barriers and create connections among individuals and the broader community.
On the other hand, Marco Belinazzo, a journalist who focuses on sports, politics, and finance, has a different perspective, saying, “Teams like this could innovate and strengthen European identity.”
There’s a strong link between national identity and soccer, illustrated by Palestine gaining FIFA membership in 1998, despite its lack of full UN membership. For the EU, it could be crucial to avoid the risk of becoming marginalized. The sports world is already shifting, primarily influenced by US power, while Russia’s influence dwindles and China’s investments in football taper off.
Belinazzo expresses concern that European football might risk alienation from its identity. With dominant leagues like the Premier League holding sway academically and financially, there’s a genuine worry about long-term hegemony.
Even if there are logistical challenges in creating space within a crowded sports calendar, if there’s a sincere commitment to building a European identity through sports, those hurdles can be cleared.
This is my team.
