How Football Clubs Became Cults

Football is the world's most popular sport, watched and adored by billions, but particularly in recent years, a more sinister element to football fandom and the experiences of players themselves has emerged.

From the insular lives led by footballers from childhood to their mid-30s, often resulting in dire consequences, to the willingness of some fans to forgive the unforgivable in pursuit of what they believe to be the best for the team they support, football undeniably has many cult-like aspects.

In this video, HITC Sevens takes a look at all of the ways in which modern football resembles a cult, many pernicious elements within the game, and how this transformation has come about.