Football in France: A Cultural History (Global Sport Cultures) Book

This is the first book in English to examine the unique role football plays in French society. What is so French about French football, and what does football tell us about France? Have French football's club chairmen sold out to television, and how are top clubs being re-branded to attract an international audience? The author traces the development of French football values throughout the twentieth century, and concludes with a discussion of the fallout from the World Cup 2002. Hare also looks at players' racist attitudes, and considers how the national football team reflects the multi-cultural population of France. The result is a fascinating cultural, economic, and political history of French football. It is also an engrossing account of how the global marketplace is reshaping national identity and community values.Read More