Argentina

Abstract

Through a historic overview, this article examines three key aspects of Argentine football. First, it discusses the mechanism of appropriation of the practice, from its British origins through its progressive popularisation, in a process known as the creolisation of the sport: that is to say, the “Argentinisation” of domestic football. Second, the creation of identities through local rivalries, especially on a micro level where oppositions historically tend to become radicalised, is analysed. Third, and consequently, this work describes the way in which these radical oppositions are manifested through practices of violence among supporters, thus building a football culture organised around violence. In this way, the article aims to demonstrate the complex and intricate relations between football and politics in Argentina, in a game of unpredictable derivations among identities, nationalism and violence.