Filipino Elitist Soccer Snobs

It’s the World Cup, an international spectacle that only happens once every four years, the jerseys are out, the hymns are being sung, Facebook profile pictures have turned into flags, and THEY are all over the place. You know what I’m talking about. These so called Filipino hardcore soccer fans (yes I called it soccer do something about it), have popped up all over the internet harassing and debating casual soccer fans about their rudimentary understanding of the sport.

They are usually composed of the economic and intellectual elite (since soccer is only taught in private schools). In social media sites their profile and/or cover photos are either flags or soccer players as if being unbearably annoying isn't enough. They dart in and out of internet threads and forums mocking fellow Filipinos about their lack of knowledge in soccer and how they know so much more. They also cheer for their World Cup team as if the team represents them.  

Yeah people who share memes such as this

These snobs take great insult when you call it “Soccer” since it should only be called Football; because apparently American Football and Rugby don’t exist. They blame Americans for coming up with this dumb term, even though it was the Europeans who came up with the word (click here to find out why). They also get annoyed at the hint of basketball being the king in the Philippines, they would go on litanies on how soccer is more suitable for the height of the Filipino (the only thing that made sense), and how the Azkals have accomplished more than Gilas Pilipinas in international competition, forgetting the fact that Gilas Pilipinas qualified for the World Cup while the Azkals couldn't even make it out of the AFC.

When it comes to their relationship with casual Filipino Soccer fans, these snobs feel somewhat superior since they have been watching the sport for a longer time. Their opinions weigh more simply because they can name every team that won the UEFA league, in an irrelevant and pitiful appeal to authority. It shows that the High School seniority mentality never left them. But does it even matter? Aren't casual fans great for the sport since they help with publicity by spreading awareness on various social media sites? These snobs somehow want to make Soccer an exclusive club, a group in which they feel smart and special, and no you are not invited.

watch your back

Favorite Lines of Filipino Elitist Soccer Snobs

You guys might be thinking that I’m drawing up a straw man but believe me these are real lines from Filipino Elitist Soccer Snobs

1.) Please don’t call it Soccer

2.) Dumb Americans came up with the word Soccer

3.) The PBA does not display homegrown talent unlike the Azkals.

4.) "How long have you been a football fan?" 

5.) You only started watching because of the Azkals, I’ve been watching the Euro leagues for years.

6.) Again please don’t call it soccer

Tips to Filipino Elitist Soccer Snobs

1.) Don’t be a snob! : If you want soccer to gain popularity in your country, creating a “soccer is only for the rich” image of the sport in minds of the Philippine masses is the last thing you want to do.

2.) Be Patient: Yes the Philippines won’t be Soccer country anytime soon. Yes Basketball is still the king and will be for a long time to come. Being a Soccer Snob won’t help. 

3.) Educate: Instead of frowning at your fellow Filipinos who are new at watching the sport for pondering why can’t the players grab the ball and dunk it inside the goal or for not knowing a soccer player other than David Beckham. Educate them about the rules of the beautiful game and tell them the tales of the legendary Pele and Maradona.

4.) Leave Basketball Alone: We can enjoy both Soccer and Basketball, no need to bash the other sport.

Soccer is a beautiful sport that transcends national boundaries, and languages. It has the power to unite or divide the world. Let’s not ostracize the neophytes, instead let’s have fun! Run to the bar, watch the games, get drunk, and scream your effings lungs out.

OLE OLE OLE!