Last update 8 June, 2025 by Alberto Llopis
Soccer in war. The king of sport, It has been much more than a simple sport throughout history. In the middle of wars, Conflicts and moments of extreme tension, The ball has continued rolling. In some cases, The parties became resistance symbols, hope or even truce. This text reviews some of the most shocking episodes in which football was played in full war.
Soccer in war: Matches that were played in conflict
The Christmas truce 1914
One of the most famous moments in the history of football and war occurred during World War I. At Christmas 1914, German and British soldiers temporarily abandoned their trenches on the western front and, Between Christmas carols and camaraderie, They played an impromptu football game in no one. Although brief, This episode symbolized humanity that may arise even in the most inhuman circumstances.
Soccer during the Spanish Civil War
During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Soccer continued to be played in some areas controlled by both sides. In Catalonia, For example, FC Barcelona made a tour of America in 1937 To raise funds. Many of the players did not return to the country, exile due to subsequent repression. That tour saved the club economically and projected it internationally.
The Levante won its Cup title in the middle of the Spanish Civil War. The granotas won Valencia CF in Barcelona, their citizen rival and they managed to win ‘The Free Spain Cup’, title that the RFEF approved as an officer in 2023. A) Yes, The Levante UD has an official cup title that introduces it into the list of Cup champion teams in Spain.
kyiv's dynamo and the "death party"
During the Nazi occupation of Ukraine in World War II, A group of former Dinamo de kyiv players was forced to play games against German teams. The most famous was the call "Death Match" in 1942, where the locals beat a luftwaffe team. Days after, Several of the players were arrested and some executed, Although the real story is still debated. Even so, The meeting became a symbol of resistance and dignity.
Yugoslavia: Soccer between bullets
During the Yugoslav wars of the years 90, Football was also tensions scenario. In May 1990, A match between Dinamo Zagreb and Red Star of Belgrade became a pitched battle between fans and players, symbolic prelude to the conflict that would explode shortly after. That encounter, ‘The of boban's kick‘ It is remembered as a metaphor of Yugoslavia collapse. It is known as The match that began the Balkan War.
Iraq and the Asian Cup of 2007
Years after Iraq invasion and in the middle of the Civil War, The National Soccer Team gave the country an unexpected joy to conquer the Asian Cup of 2007. That title, achieved in extreme conditions, He briefly joined a deeply divided people and was celebrated with joy throughout the territory.
Soccer in Palestine and Ukraine
Nowadays, Soccer continues to develop in conflict. In Palestine, The teams play tournaments despite bombings and restrictions. In Ukraine, After the Russian invasion in 2022, The games were played in safe and without audience, as a sample of resilience of sport against horror.
That's why, that football has proven to be a powerful tool even in the darkest moments of humanity. In times of war, has served as an exhaust valve, Unit or resistance act symbol. It is in those matches, played between bullets or trenches, Where football shows its most human face. They also show that football is more than 22 people behind a ball.