Whether you call it soccer or football, everyone knows that this is the biggest sport in the world. Almost every country plays it in some capacity, and big events like the FIFA World Cup have record-breaking viewership. Naturally, soccer is a big deal in many countries, and oftentimes it is the most popular sport.
However, in the US soccer is often an afterthought, and other sports like American football, basketball, and baseball are more popular. There are also many differences between the American and European versions. If you are a soccer fanatic, you may be interested to hear how this sport differs between these two regions.
The Support
Of course, one of the biggest differences right away is just how supportive of the sport they are on one side of the pond. For instance, soccer in England is a massive affair that is loved by many of the people who live there. All around the world, everyone knows the real story of England’s football superfans. These are the legendary fans that will travel across country lines to show up for a match and support their home team. Before games, songs are sung in the streets as fans march to their local stadium. It’s a spirited affair, and one that is wrapped up in national pride.
In the US, soccer is not the be-all-end-all of sports. While the fanbase is growing every year, it is still a way off from being comparable to European countries. It’s worth noting that, while soccer may not be popular to watch, there are still many dedicated players around the country, especially within the younger demographic. Among women, it is also one of the most played sports.
Team Value
European soccer franchises are known for having rich backers that support the club and help bring in immensely skilled players. Some soccer teams are among the most valuable sports franchises in the world. A club like Real Madrid has an astounding estimated value of over $4 billion. That is a stark contrast from MLS teams. The most valuable team in the US for 2019 was Atlanta United with a total value of $500 million. The lowest valued team was Colorado Rapids at $190 million.
The Schedule
In the US, the schedule is different from their European counterparts. MLS begins in March and ends sometime around mid-November. In Europe, all the major professional leagues like La Liga, English Premier league, Bundesliga and others start in August and will run until the following May.
The Style
The origins of soccer go back to ancient times, and early examples of this sport can be found in many different places in history. As such, there are different styles of play that can be seen around the world. This is a popular topic that analysts discuss to an exorbitant extent as each country is known for its own particular style on the pitch. It’s often said that teams in the UK have a long ball style where wingers will drive it towards the goal. Spanish and Latin American teams are known for an aggressive style where agile players will deliver a fast-paced attack. American teams utilize a mixture of these techniques, and overall have a blended, all-around style.
The Championship
The process to determine a champion in these two regions is also very different. In the US, most professional sports are decided through a bracket tournament style, with the best teams of the season competing against each other while other teams proving not strong enough to be included in these postseason rounds. This often leads to a scenario where the ultimate winner of the tournament was not the best team of the season by points or win/loss ratio.
European soccer is much more complex when it comes to crowning a champion, and it often depends on the particular tournament at hand. For instance, the FIFA World Cup is decided by a knockout bracket system. In another example, the Premier League champion is crowned based on a point system that is tracked throughout the season. Three points are awarded for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the champion.