Narratives, Myths, and Religious Rituals in Football under the Franco Regime and the Shifting Powers in Argentina (1939-1976)

The FAITHBALL project explores the intersection of football, politics, and culture in Spain and Argentina from 1939 to 1976, focusing on the Franco and Perón regimes. Football, often seen merely as a sport, was harnessed as a tool of propaganda and diplomacy during this period, shaping national identities and international relations. The project aims to bridge the gap in existing research by providing a comparative analysis of how football was used to reinforce political narratives and enhance diplomatic ties between these countries. In addition to examining legislative and media portrayals, major football events, and their impact on national and regional identities, the FAITHBALL project will delve into the social and cultural dimensions of football through the study of rituals, myths, and narratives. Football in both Spain and Argentina was not just a game but a powerful cultural phenomenon, woven into the social fabric through specific rituals and myths that reflected and reinforced the political and cultural climate of the time. By analyzing how football rituals and collective myths were constructed and propagated, the project will uncover how these elements contributed to the shaping of national and regional identities and influenced societal values and collective memory. Through an interdisciplinary approach, combining historical, sociological, and digital humanities perspectives, it will develop a comprehensive framework to understand football's role in political and cultural dynamics. Throughout the project, the following deliverables will be produced: a monograph, several academic articles, a podcast, an open-access database and an interactive digital map designed to facilitate further research and provide new insights into the role of football in shaping national and international relations.