Have you ever wondered if you’re just a really big soccer fan, or if you’ve crossed into ‘ultra’ territory? It’s not something you wake up one day and decide, it kind of just happens over time. Being an ultra-fan goes way beyond watching matches or wearing a jersey, it’s more of a mindset and a level of commitment that separates you from the average fan. The tricky part is there’s no clear definition or checklist, and most people don’t even realize they’ve reached that point until they stop and think about it. So, if you’re trying to figure out where you fall on that spectrum, it really comes down to how much of your life revolves around your team. And if you’ve ever caught yourself wondering whether you’d be considered an ultra, there’s a good chance you are. Here’s some ways to figure out if you’d be considered an ‘ultra’ soccer fan:
Be honest with yourself on this one! Do you schedule your weekends around soccer matches? Have you ever said no to plans because your team is playing? Ultra fans don’t just “fit games in” whenever they can, everything and everyone else comes second. Whether it’s waking up early or blocking off your entire day, matchday isn’t flexible for ‘ultra’ fans, it’s locked in!
Everyone enjoys it when their team wins and hates it when they lose, but ‘ultra’ fans take it personally! A last-minute goal can completely change your mood for the day, and a bad loss might stick with you longer than you’d like to admit. It’s not just entertainment at that point, it actually affects you, and you feel it for days.
This one might surprise you, but these little routines you do every match day can determine if you’re an ‘ultra’ soccer fan! Maybe it’s wearing the same jersey on matchdays, sitting in the same spot, or doing something quirky, just in case. You probably tell yourself it's a silly thing to do, but you’re still not risking it. Ultra fans fully embrace these rituals, even if they sound ridiculous to the average fan!
If you’re keeping up with lineups, transferring news, injuries, and everything in between, you’re already on your way to being considered an ‘ultra’ fan! Ultras don’t just watch matches, they follow the club and its players constantly, even when there's no game on or you’re in off season!
Do you buy anything and everything that involves your favourite team? Whether it’s jerseys, scarves, collectibles, trading cards, and anything else that helps you feel more connected to the club. You don’t need it, but it feels like you do, and over time it starts to feel like part of your identity is collecting club memorabilia!
When someone criticizes your favourite team, does it feel like a personal attack? When you’re an ultra-fan, any slander towards your club can feel this way. Whether it’s debates with friends or comments you read online, you find yourself always stepping in to defend your team, your players and your club!
At the end of the day, being an ultra fan isn’t about ticking every single box, and it’s definitely not something you need to label yourself as! But if you read through this and could relate to a lot of these attributes, you’re probably closer than you think. It’s less about how much you spend or how many games you attend, and more about how dedicated you are in your everyday life. So, would you consider yourself an ‘ultra’ soccer fan? Let us know in the comments!
0 comments
