The Role of Football in Spain
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THE PHENOMENON OF FÚTBOL IN SPAIN: A STUDY OF FÚTBOL IN SPANISH POLITICS, LITERATURE AND FILM Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Timothy Joseph Ashton, M.A. Graduate Program in Spanish & Portuguese The Ohio State University 2009 Dissertation Committee: Samuel Amell, Advisor Ignacio Corona Dionisio Viscarri Copyright by Timothy J. Ashton 2009 Abstract This investigation serves to demonstrate the multifaceted connection that the sport of fútbol has with certain aspects of Spanish society, namely, this cultural phenomenon’s long relationship with Spanish politics, literature and film. Since the formation of Spain’s very first club teams, the sport of fútbol has always demonstrated a strong connection with Spain’s historical socio-political disputes. These disputes have become essential elements in making up the very fabric of Spain and range from questions of nationhood, to questions of identity, culture, politics, ideologies and economy. Throughout this study, I address the dispute that has been taking place between the intellectual classes and the fútboling community and defend that although the relationship between intellectuals and fútbol has not been as public as fútbol’s relationship to politics, it has however existed throughout the entire history of the sport. Many intellectuals have deemed the sport of fútbol as an unsuitable topic for intellectual areas such as literature and artistic mediums like film. In this study, I uncover that some of Spain’s most highly praised literary figures had a passion for the sport which they alluded to, sometimes on numerous occasions, as central themes in their work. This genre of literature, which I call “kick-lit”, is experiencing a recent growth not only in acceptance, but also in popularity in Spain, Latin America and throughout the world. ii There has been a similar distrust among the intellectual classes when it comes to films dealing with the sport of fútbol. In this investigation I prove that films covering the sport of fútbol, which I have labeled “kick-flicks”, also have a long standing tradition in Spain – stemming back to the era of silent film. I address a number of polemic issues pertaining to the difficulties that films dealing with the sport of fútbol have experienced over the years, and I highlight a variety of possible solutions to sidestep these problems until they are resolved. The “kick-flick” genre is also experiencing a resurgence in popularity in Spain, and its future looks bright. Fútbol and film are the two most powerful and fastest growing social phenomena of the past one hundred years; it seems natural that the two should go together. Through this investigation I hope to draw attention to the multifaceted avenues through which the sport of fútbol can be investigated. Fútbol is a social phenomenon that has been proven to be capable of captivating the masses since it is now the most intense passion of the Spanish people. iii Dedication Dedicated to all my kin iv Acknowledgements I’d like to thank my family for all their support over the years. Without their help, this would have never been possible. I’d like to thank Professor Amell for the countless ways in which he has helped me since the first day I stepped into his office. He was an exemplary advisor, mentor and friend. I cannot thank him enough – he made this possible for me. I’d like to thank the members of my committee: Professor Corona and Professor Viscarri for their support, guidance and patience in helping me see this project through. They served not only as role models in the field, but they are also great friends. I’d like to thank the Spanish and Portuguese Department at Ohio State for their support. The SPPO Department created a family-like atmosphere that was conducive to learning and working. I’d like to thank my friends for their support and encouragement over the past few years. I’d like to thank Jorge Valdano, the “Philosopher of fútbol” as well as the fútbol historians and scholars Liz Crolley, Vic Duke, Duncan Shaw, and others who provided me with a framework from which to model this project and for documenting key historical facts. I’d like to thank all the kick-lit writers that have broken the taboo and written about fútbol in an effort to combine two of the passions of my life – fútbol and literature. Finally, I’d also like to thank Cindy Phelps and the BGSU Spanish Department for helping me begin this journey almost ten years ago. v Vita August 26, 1977…………………………Born - Detroit, Michigan 1995……………………………………..Perrysburg High School Graduate 2000……………………………………..B.A. Bowling Green State University 2003……………………………………..M.A. Bowling Green State University 2004 – 2008……………………………..Spanish Graduate Teaching Associate The Ohio State University Fields of Study Major Field: Spanish & Portuguese Primary Concentration: Contemporary Peninsular Literatures and Cultures Secondary Concentration: Classical Peninsular Literatures and Cultures Minor: Film vi Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii Dedication .......................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgments................................................................................................................v Vita ..................................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures .................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Introduction ........................................................................................................1 Chapter 2: Tackling Spain’s National Identity Crisis ........................................................22 2.1: Background to Spain’s State of Autonomies ..........................................................24 2.2: Spanish Fútbol During the Pre-Civil War Period (1900-1936) ..............................34 2.3: Spanish Fútbol During the Civil War (1936-1939) ................................................55 2.4: Spanish Fútbol During the Franco Regime (1939-1975) .......................................60 2.5: Spanish Fútbol During the Transition (1975-2000) ...............................................81 2.6: Spanish Fútbol Moves into the 21st Century........................................................100 Chapter 3: The Phenomenon of Spanish “Kick-Lit” .......................................................113 3.1: The Early Years of Spain’s “Kick-Lit” Phenomenon ...........................................134 3.2: Analysis of David Trueba’s Saber Perder ............................................................149 3.3: Introduction and General Summary of Cuentos de Fútbol ...................................165 3.3.1: “Cuando los balones se volvieron invisibles”................................................194 3.3.2: “Sobre el tiempo (mesa redonda con hooligan)” ...........................................198 3.3.3: “Qué viejo estás y qué gordo” .......................................................................201 3.3.4: “Aquel santo día en Madrid” .........................................................................206 3.4: Introduction and General Summary of Cuentos de Fútbol 2 ................................212 3.4.1: “Gol” ..............................................................................................................256 3.4.2: “El fútbol y la vida” .......................................................................................262 vii 3.4.3: “Un día, de repente, sucede” .........................................................................270 3.4.4: “Vidas paralelas” ...........................................................................................276 Chapter 4: The Phenomenon of Spanish “Kick-Flicks” ..................................................286 4.1: The early years – Saeta rubia ...............................................................................295 4.2: Analysis of El portero...........................................................................................311 4.3: Analysis of Días de fútbol ....................................................................................320 4.4: Analysis of El penalti más largo del mundo.........................................................329 Chapter 5: Conclusions ....................................................................................................340 Bibliography ....................................................................................................................347 viii List of Figures Figure 1. Tanto Monta .......................................................................................................25 Figure 2. Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Picasso (1907) .......................................................32 Figure 3. Historic Crest of the City of Barcelona & FC Barcelona ..................................37 Figure 4. Catalan Flag (senyera) ........................................................................................39 Figure 5. Catalan Coat of Arms .........................................................................................39 Figure 6. City of Barcelona’s Flag .....................................................................................39