Examination of social identity building processes through football fandom: The example of Real Madrid and Barcelona fandom

This study examines the effects of the civil war in Spain on football and identity construction processes through the Basque-Catalan divide. It can be observed that football is not only an important sector for a capitalist industry, but also has a social dimension for fans and communities. It is seen that football is not only a sport but also a reflection of many fields. Apart from the fact that football occurs in different ways and for different purposes around the world and has gone through various stages, it is known to have cultural, political and even economic effects. The impact of football, which has turned into a form of power, on world political history has also created divisions over ethnic identity, national identity and social identity with the Spanish Civil War. Barcelona-Real Madrid, Celtic-Rangers are just a few of the known divisions. In this context, fandom and belonging make it possible to construct social and historical identities through football clubs, taking football beyond its status as a capitalist industry and entertainment sector. In line with this purpose, this study will examine the historical and social origins of the Basque-Catalan divide in Spain and discuss the ongoing processes of social segregation, integration and identity construction through Real Madrid and Barcelona clubs' fandom.