5 Differences Between American and European Sports | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

5 Transatlantic Differences Between European And American Sports

Soccer? Or football?

Eleanor Crabill
Jun 10, 2019
Miami University
1659
5 Transatlantic Differences Between European And American Sports
Liverpool Football Club / Instagram

While there are sports fans worldwide, no two countries have the same athletic culture. It's a wide and complicated world of sports, and there are some notable differences in European sporting culture versus the United States.

Football means something completely different.

Football in the United States means something completely different in Europe. European football is the same thing as American soccer, and it is one of the most popular sports with a huge fan base.

Soccer is not a word.

Even though soccer is an extremely popular sport in Europe, the word "soccer" is not a thing. American football is not very present in Europe, and football is the go-to word in reference to what Americans call soccer.

Rugby is popular.

Yes, rugby is present in the US, but European rugby teams are way more popular and super competitive.

The English Premier League fan base is HUGE.

Ever heard of Liverpool, Manchester United, or Arsenal? They're all part of the EPL, and the fans are die-hard. EPL fans have even spread to the US!

Franchising teams do not happen.

Remember the Seattle Supersonics moving to Oklahoma City to become the Thunder? Or the Hartford Whalers becoming the Carolina Hurricanes? That is called franchising, moving a team from one city to another due to success or market size. It's mostly business, but franchising teams are not popular and are frowned upon in Europe.

European sports and American sports have their differences, but both cultures are amazing and love their sports, no matter what they call them.

sports
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

Ursinus College
194996
Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
philosophical
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17734
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

Keep Going: 16 Reasons To Live

The world needs you.

Influencers of Montana
2089393
silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
mental health
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

New Brunswick, NJ
460060
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
love story
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

Rider University
27864
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
hauppague

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments