In the history of FIFA World Cups, only three nations outside Europe and South America made it to the semifinals (the US in 1930, South Korea in 2002, and Morocco in 2022). That is the reputation of European and South American soccer. To explore why these two continents are superior to the rest of the world, we must look at shared and unique factors that make each great.
The reasons why Europeans and South Americans are arguably better in soccer are:
- Both: Iconic role models
- Europe: History
- Europe: Finances
- Europe: Grassroots Development
- Europe: World Cup Exposure
- South America: Playing Style
- South America: Culture
- South America: Poverty
Table of Contents
- 1. Iconic Role Models
- 2. Europe: History
- 3. Europe: Finances
- 4. Europe: Grassroots Development
- 5. Europe: World Cup Exposure
- 6. South America: Playing Style
- 7. South America: Culture
- 8. South America: Poverty
1. Iconic Role Models
Europeans and South Americans are blessed to have all-time greats and iconic soccer stars who have inspired generations of supporters and avid players. Nothing motivates young soccer hopefuls like trying to emulate their sporting heroes. Young kids look up to top-level players, making them practice longer hours and with more determination to perfect their skills.
Europe boasts several players that have inspired their compatriots, with Cristiano Ronaldo arguably one of the best examples. Other players that have earned European admiration are David Beckham, Andrés Iniesta, Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, Jürgen Klinsmann, and Ruud Gullit.
In South America, kids grew up chanting the names of soccer legends like Pele, Romário, Elias Figueroa, Ronaldo (Brazilian), and Diego Maradona. More recently, soccer icons like Neymar and Lionel Messi have inspired a new generation to aim for soccer stardom.
2. Europe: History
The first game that emulated soccer, by having people kick balls into nets, originated in the 3rd century in China. Many South American nations also had their hand in the birth of ball games. However, English schools formalized the modern soccer game during the 19th century.
By the 1840s, British schools were already hosting tournaments. Shortly after, places like Sheffield Football Club and Cambridge University established rules still used today, like the free kick and prohibiting hands from being used.
This long history of soccer in the United Kingdom, which quickly spread across the rest of Europe, has given the continent an edge in developing the sport and its players.
3. Europe: Finances
Another reason why European soccer is superior to other nations is because of money.
European soccer leagues have a bottomless pit of resources at their disposal, unlike developing countries, to attract the best players in the world, like Neymar and Lionel Messi. Although they are talented players in their own right, they both found fame and fortune in Europe.
Whether players come from South America, Africa, or Asia: they all want to play for a European league and earn exuberant salaries, something they cannot achieve in their home countries. These top leagues include the
- English Premier Club
- German Bundesliga
- Spanish La Liga
- Italian Serie A
- French Ligue 1
With this influx of talented players comes the continued growth of soccer in Europe. European soccer leagues have the most viewership, with the television rights to matches generating fortunes. Clubs are also sought-after, being highly profitable for local and foreign investors.
The amount of publicity alone is enough to nurture a soccer culture in European countries, unlike anywhere else. Young Europeans grow up exposed to televised and real-life soccer matches, being well aware of the salaries earned. These factors naturally grow a sport at a grassroots level, with up-and-coming players dedicating more time and energy to reach their best.
4. Europe: Grassroots Development
The European soccer league (UEFA) consists of 40 professional leagues representing over 1000 clubs. Most, if not all, of these clubs have an established youth program that focuses on developing young players’ soccer skills to strengthen the club teams. These programs also have financial backing, giving them the means to provide appropriate turfs and gear for their players.
Developing countries, unfortunately, rarely have the same resources or experiences to start or grow clubs and develop the sport. European players, therefore, have the advantage of professional support and coaching from a young age, unlike their African or South American counterparts.
5. Europe: World Cup Exposure
Many soccer supporters will agree that FIFA has a distorted approach to World Cup representation in favor of Europe. For example, large continents, like Africa and South America, are only allowed 4-5 countries in the FIFA World Cup. Europe, on the other hand, is allowed three times that at 13 representing countries.
This allocation does not allow continents like Africa, North/Central America & Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania to be regularly exposed to high-level teams, robbing them of the opportunities to learn and grow the sport in their respective countries.
6. South America: Playing Style
South Americans play a different style of soccer that is superior to other nations. It is impressive to watch, so people often call it ‘jogo bonito’ or a beautiful game.
For instance, Brazilians, Argentinians, Peruvians, and Colombians have a similar musicality and rhythm with which they dribble and juggle the ball with their feet and head. They also perform mesmerizing trickery, having the skill to nutmeg or ‘rainbow flick’ an opponent unlike any other.
Regardless of the home country of the particular South American players, they all play with this ‘ginga,’ which means to swing or sway, making them difficult to beat.
7. South America: Culture
The soccer culture is rich in South American countries. Hollywood films portray kids in the US generally playing basketball or American football (NFL) in their backyards. The equivalent go-to game in South America is soccer.
Soccer in these countries is like a religion, a passion that has been prevalent for decades. They have a culture of waking up in the morning and wanting to play soccer, with young kids working exceptionally hard to reach the mastery of their sporting heroes, often to escape the shackles of poverty.
8. South America: Poverty
Informal settlements and low-income communities are typical across South America, with countries like Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina having a minimum wage range of $214-256 per month.
Unsurprisingly, many children in these developing nations grow up in extreme poverty, resulting in them playing soccer barefoot in the streets using rolled newspapers, socks, or an empty plastic bottle as a ball.
The lack of proper pitches and gear develops a skill set that makes them exceptional players. They must adapt and work harder to control the ball, making them fearless and strong on their feet.
Some of South America’s best soccer players, like Neymar, Pele, Diego Maradona, Luis Diaz, and Carlos Tevez, came from impoverished households yet developed some of the best skills the sport has seen.
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