Why does a simple game inspire such passion across continents, shape national identities and illuminate some of society's most enduring questions? Drawing on examples from around the world, this engaging study uses football as a lens through which to examine politics, economics, sociology, culture and international relations. From inequality and migration to democracy, gender, nationalism and globalization, it shows how the sport reflects and influences the forces that shape modern societies.
Combining fascinating stories from stadiums, clubs and national teams with accessible explanations of key social science ideas, the authors reveal how football can help us understand both everyday life and major global challenges. Based on extensive international research and fieldwork across Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and North America, this book demonstrates why the world's most popular sport is far more than a game - it is a powerful tool for understanding who we are, how societies function and how the world is changing.

Felipe Arocena is Professor of Sociology at the Universidad de la República, Uruguay and editor of ¿Que´ significa el fu´tbol en la sociedad uruguaya?: ensayos sobre cultura, poli´tica, violencia y economi´a del fu´tbol.

Kirk Bowman is Professor and Regent's Entrepreneur in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA and editor (with John Boyd) of Soccer, Globalization, and Innovation: The Beautiful Game in the 21st Century.

Alberto Fuentes is Associate Professor, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and School of City and Regional Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA.