Football, race and national identity in Portugal

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article argues that hegemonic conceptions of portuguesness are racially marked, despite the current narratives not acknowledging it. Given the central role of the media in shaping and re-enforcing common assumptions of belonging, the empirical component of this study is based on their discourses, especially during the Euro 2016, won by the Portuguese national team. In addition to a critical analysis on these narratives, a series of interviews to journalists and to former Portuguese football players, from different ethnic and racial origins, is also presented. In order to clarify how the thesis of racial homogeneity is (re)produced in the Portuguese football context, this innovative study promotes a dialogue between race critical theories and literature on society and sport. Considering the absence of studies on sport, racism and national identity in Portugal, it highlights football’s extraordinary capacity to embody racial imagery and national identity.