This book investigates the use of football to create, shape and promote Spanish, Catalan and Basque national identities and explores the utilization of soccer to foster patriotic feelings, exposing the often dark vested interests behind the propagation of national narratives through soccer.

"Quiroga has achieved a portrait of post-Franco Spain that is, undoubtedly, both a tour de force and a must for eventual investigations. Excellent for those interested in Spain." - El Mundo

"Alejandro Quiroga provides an objective and entirely scientific analysis of football's social impact. Football and National Identities in Spain has also the strength of dealing dispassionately with the struggles for sports hegemonies in a country rich in national identities." - El País

"An important book due to its deep reflexion, thorough analysis and meticulous use of sources. Rigorous and praiseworthy." - ABC

"Alejandro Quiroga has written the almost definitive book on its subject. This is a brilliant volume with compelling arguments." - Leer

Autorentext
Alejandro Quiroga is Reader in Spanish History at Newcastle University, UK. He is the author of Making Spaniards: Primo de Rivera and the Nationalization of the Masses, 1923-1930 and The Reinvention of Spain: Nation and Identity since Democracy (with Sebastian Balfour).

Inhalt

1. Football, National Narratives and the Cumulative Media Effect 2. Invention and Development of the Fury and Failure Narrative (1920-1975) 3. Transition to Democracy (1975-1982) 4. In Search of Modernity's Ark (1982-2000) 5. From Patriotic Bulimia to Nationalist Obesity (2001-2012) 6. Football and Identities in Catalonia 7. Football and identities in the Basque Country 8. Conclusion: Don Quixote Scavenges for Food