Family Legacy Drives Football Fandom For Most Spaniards

Football support in Spain is largely inherited through family, with 52 per cent of Spaniards saying their passion for the game is passed down between generations, according to a new study promoted by LALIGA.

The research, released as part of LALIGA’s ‘42 Legacies, 42 Ways of Winning’ campaign, found that four in ten fans began following football due to the influence of their parents, while seven in ten football-loving children support the same club as their mother or father. Geographical identity also plays a role, with 24 per cent linking their fandom to living close to a club or stadium, rising to over a third in regions such as the Basque Country and Asturias.

Family influence remains the dominant factor in shaping support. Among those who inherited their love of football, 76 per cent credit their parents, while siblings account for 18 per cent. A smaller but notable “reverse legacy” is also evident, with some fans adopting their allegiance through children or grandchildren. Women are increasingly visible in this process, with 16 per cent of fans inheriting their club loyalty from a female family member.

The study also highlights football’s strong social dimension. While 87 per cent of fans watch matches at home at least once a month, 57 per cent regularly go to bars to follow games and 37 per cent attend matches at the stadium. Matchdays are often shared with family, particularly partners and children, reinforcing football’s role as a collective experience.

At club level, Sevilla FC and Real Madrid stand out as the teams most commonly supported through family inheritance, underlining how tradition and legacy continue to shape Spanish football fandom.

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