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Outside North America, Soccer is known as football. It's a sport that is rich in traditions, and the most appealing tradition is an exchange of jerseys between players after the match. This tradition is a stronger gesture of respect and unity among the players across the borders. Most of the soccer fans enjoy this activity at the end of the match, but many of them do not know why the players swap jerseys. Let's see the reason behind this fascinating tradition.
When And How It Started?
In the football association, shirt swapping is a long-established tradition. It is believed that the soccer jersey was swapped for the first time at a match between France and England on May 14,1931; the French team lost and asked to keep the English team's shirts as a memento. The same thing happened in the 1954 FIFA World Cup for the second time.
When Pele and Bobby Moore exchanged their shirts in the 1970 FIFA World Cup, all the players started following this around the world, and now it has become a tradition in football sport to trade jerseys at the end of the match with the opposing team players to show unity and honor.
A Gesture Of Respect
Jersey trading is basically performed as a sign of mutual respect between the players. Whatever the result of a match is, the players swap their jerseys to show that they acknowledge the efforts, skills, and performance of the other team on the ground. This act shows that, although the competition was tough, every player tried hard to do their best. They trade jerseys to recognize the efforts of one another with respect.
Remembering Significant Matches
Swapping jerseys, for many players, is an act to remember an important match or a tournament that is like a milestone in the player's career. Sometimes, a game against the favorite team remains unforgettable for players, too. So, getting a jersey from the favorite opposing team or its player is like a commemorative for that player.
Building Brotherhood And Friendships
The tradition of exchanging jerseys strengthens the bond between players from different teams and nationalities. As we all know, soccer is a global sport, and the players are also fans of other clubs and their players. This practice specifically strengthens the bonds between the players whom another player inspires or who are friends off the field.
Symbol Of Unity
The historical ritual of trading jerseys brings people together, no matter which nationality and team they come from and what language they speak. It's a symbol of unity and equality among the players. Whatever the outcome of a match, at the end of a game, they are all equally appreciative of each other as they know how hard it was on the field to perform. So, they throw a strong message of unity towards the fans, saying that they are all doing well together to entertain their fans.
Message Of Positivity For Young Players
When the younger players see that the legendary players are practicing this tradition, they learn a lot from them. It teaches them the values of respect, appreciation, and friendship in sports. These gestures make the youth players realize the importance of learning sportsmanship and positive behavior while playing as a team. They also learn to create new bonds of friendships internationally.
Is It required?
No, the soccer players are not required to do that. It happens when both the players agree to swap their jerseys. If they are not willing to do that, they can deny it.
Sometimes, it's difficult to see the players swapping jerseys after a hard battle between the two rivals. But, in the end, it depends on the players. If they are on good terms on and off the field, they usually exchange shirts happily.
Conclusion
The inspiring tradition of trading jerseys holds the spirit of the historical values of this particular sport. It's a blend of respect, appreciation, and honor. Players across the world throw a very powerful message of realization, friendship, and acceptance as they happily accept others' sweaty jerseys because they know the importance of the hard work and dedication of players behind the stains on these shirts.
Through this act of give and take, they emphasize the emotions of sharing love and gratitude. Being players of a different team but in the same sport, they support each other. It's really important to acknowledge the efforts and hard work done by other players. In the world of soccer, it is the most enjoyable and appreciable act.