Argentina

Abstract

Through a historic overview, this article analyzes three key aspects of Argentine football. First, it discusses the mechanism of appropriation of the practice of this sport, from its British origins through its progressive popularization, in a process known as creolization of the sport: that is to say, the "Argentinization" of domestic football. Second, the creation of identities through local rivalries, especially on a micro level where oppositions historically tend to become radicalized, is analyzed. Third, and consequently,this work describes the way in which these radical oppositions are manifested through practices of violence among supporters, thus building a football culture organized around violence. In this way, the article aims to demonstrate the complex and intricate relations between football and politics in Argentina,in a game of unpredictable derivations among identities, nationalism, and violence.