Maarten Paes

‘Just part of your resume’: Professional athletes now must work on their social media game as well as their game

Today’s professional players have to think about how they show up online—and how they represent their identities.

On Sep 28, 2023 by Jon Arnold

MLS x Juneteenth Photoshoot

Textile arts meet Futurism: On making unique Juneteenth soccer jerseys and creating an online auction for uplifting Black communities

Saying he was 'always intrigued about the power of soccer,' an artist with a Futurist vision collaborated with Major League Soccer for a unique Juneteenth project.

On Jun 19, 2023 by Jacob Schneider

Folarin Balogun

How ‘Soccer Twitter’ helped lead Folarin Balogun to play for the U.S.

"Soccer fans and alternative media alike have never been more passionate than now" — according to a fan who became part of an incredible piece of U.S. soccer lore.

On Jun 16, 2023 by Justin Ruderman

Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid

‘Beyond despicable’: On the heels of a controversial World Cup, soccer in 2023 is being plagued with racism and xenophobia

Soccer is dubbed the beautiful game, but some truly heinous incidents in the U.S., Europe and Indonesia are putting a stamp on the sport in 2023.

On May 8, 2023 by Jacob Schneider

Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England - May 5th 2019: Sheffield United Premier League Promotion Party 2019

We’re up, we’re down: How promotion and relegation impacts fan-created content and fan identity

Sheffield United content creators, who know the joy of promotion and the pain of relegation, are on the rollercoaster once again.

On May 5, 2023 by Katey Lovell

women playing pro soccer

‘Good, clean fun’? How social media continues to make men’s and women’s soccer two very different experiences

Soccer’s inability to understand female soccer fans is costing the sport more than $4 billion a year.

On May 3, 2023 by Yara El-Shaboury

A rainbow lace is seen being tied on a football boot next to a cone during Stonewall's rainbow laces 'Lace Up and Keep It Up' equality and inclusion campaign.

Tackling homophobia in soccer with online tools: Is it working?

Having a World Cup in Qatar put more of a focus on LGBTQ+ fans — but has that greater awareness led to action?

On Mar 30, 2023 by Katey Lovell

Homepage article image

Soccer players turned filmmakers explore when injuries challenge identity — with a ‘Ted Lasso’ connection

There's a need to talk about mental health in sports. A group of soccer players who became filmmakers show why.

On Feb 24, 2023 by Jeremy Blackmore

laptop and smartphone screen with mobile app for betting in hand with blue Presser rectangle

Win or lose: Chinese smartphones and WhatsApp enable offshore betting, newfound income, and hope for young Zimbabweans

Young bettors in Zimbabwe are connecting on WhatsApp and betting on the World Cup — even though it's illegal.

On Dec 17, 2022 by Ray Mwareya, Deogracias Kalima

Vicky Losada (Barcelona) of Spain,Tobin Heath and Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC) of USA during the friendly match between Spain and USA at Rico Perez Stadium in Alicante, Spain on January 22 2019

‘Protect your players’: How the digital public square contributed to NWSL’s great reckoning

It took reporters' exposes, players and fans taking to Twitter, and a pair of sobering investigations to try to fix women's soccer. Has it been enough?

On Dec 16, 2022 by Meg Swanick

Senegal fans at the world cup

‘Just inviting a heart attack’: A quest to reverse the African jinx at the World Cup

Friday's match pits the robber against the robbed in what's been called "the biggest robbery in World Cup history."

On Dec 1, 2022 by Chidinma Iwu

Homepage article image

‘We’re not gonna take it’: Designers and jersey merchants go online, offering USMNT fans a better way to rep at the World Cup

People don't like the jerseys Nike created for the U.S. team going to the World Cup. A few of them decided they'd just make their own.

On Oct 27, 2022 by Phil West

world cup online betting graphic

How online betting will change the World Cup experience for fans

The 2022 FIFA World Cup will feel a little bit different to American sports fans. You can bet on it. Literally.

On Oct 21, 2022 by Ian Quillen

soccer player holding FIFA WORLD CUP Qat_ar 2022 with glitches

Inside Qatar’s hacking campaign to silence digital dissidents before the World Cup

A digital crackdown is underway in the nation.

On Sep 27, 2022 by Kunwar Khuldune Shahid

tv camera in the football stadium before the game

This pro footballer quit his dream job to pursue his passion for photography

Once a New York City FC defender, Ethan White is now pursuing another dream from behind his camera lens.

On Jan 6, 2022 by Voice