Unlike the American students, Masters international students from France and Spain can state certainly that soccer is their biggest sport. The robust soccer culture explains why they have “superteams” in the upcoming FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) World Cup 2026 — France national football team was officially crowned number one and Spain followed closely.
Popularity and passion built up since their preschool days. Midfielder and striker of the Masters boys varsity soccer team Javier Conde ’27 from Madrid, Spain said, “It all starts in school, when we’re 3 or 4 years old. Every single break we wait in class until the break starts so we can go play soccer.”
His teammate, striker Amadeo Barnatan ’27, who is also from Madrid, said, “In Spain, it’s a tradition. Most kids play since they were young, and then as I grew up, playing in the club, I just fell in love with the sport. I love the game more and more every day.”
Ethan Meline ’27 from Paris, France, who played as varsity winger and midfielder this year added, “Soccer in France is really innate to everyone. I think it really starts at school, in the courtyards, during breaks. When you’re a kid, you play with the softballs and you create your own fields. Then there’s a competitive spirit to it. I think that is what makes you fall in love with the sport.”
Following the local city team also contributes to the soccer culture. For example, Parisian Meline supports the Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (PSG) while Conde and Barnatan support Real Madrid.
Meline said, “Whether or not you love soccer, you always support a team. Then the sports will always find you in a way, and you’ll end up playing whether you’re good or not. That’s what’s so good about it. Everyone plays whether they’re good or not.”
Nevertheless, local rivalries between city teams all diminish during the World Cup, Conde said, “That’s one of the most important things. There can be so many conflicts in the country. [But during the World Cup, whether it is] Spain or France, or whatever national team that plays, everybody is together. There’s no good or bad side. Everybody is together. It doesn’t matter who you are or how you think.”
The patriotism is evident after France won the 2018 World Cup, causing celebration and pride for the country. Meline said, “I think that summer really stayed in my memory and in the memory of a lot of French people. That togetherness is just so beautiful.”
