For many, football is just a game. But for some, it is an emotion – an inseparable part of life.
For the people in the Indian state of Kerala, especially in regions like Malappuram and Alappuzha, the Fifa World Cup Finals are nothing short of a grand festival. The vibrant colours, deafening cheers, and sheer passion of those celebrations continue to live vividly in the hearts of every Malayali.
These are the days when football discussions take over everything, from small village junctions to school grounds and local tea stalls. Roads and alleyways are adorned with the yellow flags of Brazil, the sky blue and white of Argentina, the red of Portugal, and the black-red-gold colours of Germany. The true magic of football lies in the fact that even those who know nothing about a country’s politics or language still hold its football team close to their hearts.
My personal favourite has always been Argentina. I still vividly remember the childhood days spent glued to the television screen, watching Lionel Messi play. His dribbles, precise passes and iconic goal celebrations deepened my love for the game. When Argentina lifted the trophy in the 2022 World Cup, it became one of the most unforgettable moments of joy in my life, celebrated alongside millions of fans around the world.
During recent World Cups, the massive cutouts and flex boards erected across Kerala gained global attention. Giant cutouts of Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo standing tall across local rivers even made headlines in international media and were featured on Fifa’s official social media pages – a proud moment for all of us.
The upcoming World Cup brings fresh excitement. As the tournament expands from 32 to 48 teams, the number of matches and the level of excitement are bound to skyrocket. With stadiums across the US, Mexico and Canada preparing to host the spectacle, all eyes will be on Messi’s Argentina defending their title, Ronaldo chasing one final dream run and Neymar once again lacing up his boots for Brazil.
Yet, amidst all this excitement, a section of football lovers carries a deep sense of sadness – the expatriates.
Living away from home for work means missing the authentic vibe of World Cup celebrations deeply. I fondly remember the days spent hanging flags with friends, debating match tactics late into the night at local tea shops, and the entire village erupting in joy whenever a goal was scored. In Alappuzha, especially in places like Mannancherry, it is a tradition to screen matches on giant public screens. Seeing everyone, from toddlers to elders, sitting together late into the night is a beautiful reflection of Kerala’s unique football culture. Watching a match there is not just about viewing a game; it is a community gathering, a shared emotion.
Now, while watching the games abroad, that collective roar is missing. There is no bustling crowd and no shared laughter when a goal hits the net. Here, football feels like just another match; back home, it was a festival.
Nevertheless, we expatriates celebrate the World Cup in our own ways. Gathering after long working hours to watch matches, wearing our favourite team jerseys, and sharing the excitement with friends back home through social media have now become our sources of joy.
World Cups will come and go, new stars will emerge, and new champions will be crowned. But the memories of those unforgettable World Cup nights, tea shop debates, and the roaring cheers of friends back home will never fade. My greatest wish now is to be back home during the next World Cup and become part of that unforgettable carnival once again.
Ansil M A
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