Hooked on Football:Four reasons why football fans just can't get enough

Have you ever wondered why and how football could hook so many people and make them die-hard fans—willing to let go of their sleep and meals just because of their favorite team?

For millions globally, football is more than just a game, it's a culture, an art and most likely an obsession.

In this post, we'll explore the top reasons why fans are highly attached to this sport.

1. DOPAMINE RELEASE, SOCIAL BONDING AND EMOTIONAL AROUSAL

I'll never forget the day I watched the recent AFCON semi finals and saw my favorite team on the verge of losing.

I felt like I couldn't breathe, my mind racing and aching and I was on the edge of my seat.

“But what was the reason for such an intense emotional response?”, I thought and this thought led me to do an extensive research.

Upon my research, I found out that watching football triggers dopamine, a neurotransmitter that aids in the regulation of mood, pleasure and motivation. Dopamine can create a feeling of glee, making supporters yearn for more.

In addition, football devotion often involves social bonding, which activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and endorphins, also known as “feel good chemicals”.

On the other hand, when our team is losing the emotional arousal triggered by the potential defeat activates the body's “fight or flight” response. This releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, leading to physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, quickened breathing, mild or severe headache and increased Blood Pressure — exactly what I experienced during that match.

In extreme cases, this intense emotional investment can lead to physical harm. The stress and anxiety of watching a high-stakes match can trigger heart attacks, strokes and many other related cardiovascular events.

Football fans are more likely to have heart attacks during and after matches if proper care is not taken.

2. EMOTIONAL LINK AND FAMILY CUSTOM 

For many football fans, their love for the game is deep-rooted in familial bonds and emotional ties. 

They may have grown up watching football matches with their parents, grandparents or friends in the neighborhood, creating long lasting memories and a sense of shared experience.

This emotional link evokes nostalgia and a sense of belonging.

Fans may feel a sense of loyalty towards their family's preferred team regardless of where they live. 

However, it is not rare to find family members develop their own allegiances, leading to friendly rivalries in the household.

For instance, a father and son can support Messi and Ronaldo respectively, and engage in playful banter. 

Despite these differences, their shared passion for the game simply strengthens their bond.

3. FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME 

Primarily, football fandom is driven by a deep love for the game itself. 

For true fans, football is more than just a sport—it's a way of life.

This love affair with the game is rooted in the thrill of competition, skillful play, the strategy and tactics, ups and lows of momentum and the cool athleticism on display. 

Football is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and fans wouldn't have it any other way.

It is the love of the game that drives fans to watch every match, to follow every team transfer rumor and to debate every call with their friends and fellow enthusiasts.

It's what inspires them to cheer on their favorite team despite any fluctuations, and to proudly wear their team’s colors on match day or on any other day.

4. ESCAPE AND STRESS RELIEF — A REFUGE FOR MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH 

Football provides a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life.

It serves as a great getaway for men, offering a healthy distraction from the pressures of work, studies, family, and personal responsibilities.

By immersing themselves in the game, ardent enthusiasts can temporarily forget their concerns and worries, and instead, focus on the thrill of competition, the excitement of goals and the sense of belonging with fellow supporters.

This emotional reprieve can be highly rejuvenating, allowing men to revamp and refocus, and ultimately return to their daily lives with renewed enthusiasm.

In conclusion, football is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon driven by a mix of emotional, psychological and social factors.

What drives your passion for football?

Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.