Abstract
ABSTRACT Populism is an elusive concept, but at least analysts agree on the antagonism between the people and the elites. One of its hypostases can be found in the stadiums: football is a popular sport, particularly in Italy and Romania. The sport has become a powerful vehicle for mobilizing masses and for political propaganda. It can therefore represent a means of building a public image. In this context, we will examine the ways in which two ambitious men, Silvio Berlusconi and Georges Becali, used AC Milan and Steaua Bucharest to build a political career based on a foundation with a business base. The context of loss of landmarks linked to neoliberal globalization and economic financialization, required a popular and territorial compensation: football was the answer. The comparison of the two success stories combines the business financial base, the popular urban territorialism of the clubs and the mass demonstrativeness of their charismatic leader.
Published Version
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