Body language professional explains how soccer followers divide into 10 distinct ‘sorts’ – which one are you?
Millions of football fans are gearing up to cheer on their team at the FIFA World Cup – but now a top body language expert has claimed that supporters fall into distinct ‘types’.
TV star Judi James has identified ten different categories of fans of the ‘beautiful game’ from the ‘Diehard’ to the ‘Statto’. Here, as a curtain-raiser to the tournament, she reveals her ‘soccer tribes’ exclusively to the Daily Star’s James Moore. So, can you spot which one you and your fellow fans are?
1. The Diehard
Who: The believer, whose side can do no wrong. They’ve got the shirt, the flag and probably a tattoo. Convinced of victory, they are devastated by defeat.
Traits: “Wins can make them euphoric, extrovert, sociable and optimistic, but losing can turn them into a hermit. Loyalty is their defining trait though, which can make them partners and friends for life. Someone who will have your back and support you without question.”
Most likely to say: “We wuz robbed!”
Least likely to say: “It’s just a game!”
2. The Pessimist
Who: Jaded by the years of hurt, they fear the worst, constantly criticising their team’s own players and manager. They believe low expectations mean they can’t be disappointed.
Traits: “Emotionally self-protective, they often take the same approach to relationships, being terrified of falling in love because it makes them vulnerable to getting hurt. They tend to stick to what they know in terms of career and relationships rather than taking risks.”
Most likely to say : “He’s going to miss!”
Least likely to say : “It’s in the bag!”
3. The Hider
Who: Watches through their fingers or has to leave the room, especially during crucial moments. Can’t take the stress, often convincing themselves they’re a jinx.
Traits: “An anxious type who feels like they’re almost playing in the match themself. These traits are likely to transfer to the workplace and as a lover they will be very insecure, over-thinking and worrying about every aspect of their relationship.”
Most likely to say: “I can’t watch!”
Least likely to say: “I love penalties!”
4. The Reveller
Who: The World Cup is all about the party experience. They’re involved not so much for the football but for the chance to booze, snack, have a BBQ and socialise.
Traits: “The least stressed of all the fans, shrugging off defeat by simply opening another can. Optimists in life, they can be loving and romantic, but you won’t break their heart if you ditch them, as they’ll happily bounce into another relationship as quickly as possible.”
Most likely to say: “I never actually made it to the ground.”
Least likely to say : “I’ll have a tea please.”
5. The Rebel
Who: They adore being ‘different’. Often more interested in non-home sides and even supporting the opposition, they’re likely to have a strange obsession with non-league football.
Traits: “It’s attention-seeking behaviour designed to make it look like they’re than one of the herd. They’re announcing they should never be underestimated or taken for granted and love to be a maverick. They loathe authority and rules and seek out someone equally contrary to love.”
Most likely to say: “I hate England/Scotland.”
Least likely to say: “It’s coming home!”
6. The Pundit
Who: Deliver a running commentary during the match, complete with reactions to key moments and emotional rants.
Traits: “Football is an immersive communication experience for them, but they can lack empathy. Enthusiasm is a generally a key trait though, which is great if you want a friend or partner who will be the life and soul of any party. And if you’re looking for honesty and bluntness this person may be for you.”
Most likely to say : “That was never a foul.”
Least likely to say: “I love VAR.”
7. The Statto
Who: They know every stat and fact about every player on the pitch and can recall scores from fixtures and results from decades ago.
Traits: “Often a bit of a loner, they tend to be logical rather than emotional and enjoy careers where they can work alone and get absorbed in their task. They’re not dominant types, but do need to feel quietly in control. Dependable, but possibly a bit dull as a partner.”
Most likely to say: “He was the youngest player to wear a number 6 shirt.”
Least likely to say: “What’s the score?”
8. The Gaffer
Who: A wannabe manager who believes their team would win every game if only they were in charge. Likely to scream at the screen about the wrong formation and the use of subs.
Traits : “Confident and superior, they only function when acting as a critic. For this reason, they work and perform best when they have a boss at work or a decision-taking partner so their own theories never really get tested and they can just bask in a sense of warm self-belief that they’re always right.”
Most likely to say: “Get him off!”
Least likely to say: “I’d have gone for 4-4-2 as well.”
9. The Fair-Weather Fan
Who: The meerkats of football, only raising their noses to join in the fun when it’s looking like their national team are beginning to look like winners.
Traits: “ Risk and effort-averse they also suffer from FOMO (Fear of missing out) meaning they skip all the effort, to go straight to the glory. They can be the same in life, swapping partners when the going gets tough or letting others do the hard yards pretending an idea was theirs all along.”
Most likely to say: “What’s offside?”
Least likely to say: “Let’s get a season ticket.”
10. The Addict
Who: Watches every match and every piece of punditry during the tournament. Likely to put everything on hold a month. Might miss their own wedding to watch.
Traits: “Often loud, happy and sociable, they do also tend to have one eye on the conversation and their other on something else. This can seem insulting and ruin relationships – especially when they even cheer a goal during sex.”
Most likely to say: “But it’s the World Cup!”
Least likely to say: “Which Group are they in?”
