Football, the most popular sport in the world, has its own unique history among nearly every culture.
From originating in England…
To integrating into Brazil’s national identity…
And turning one particular Argentinian player into an international superstar…
It’s often a pillar of cultural identity and pride.
However, until now, the impact of the Jewish community on Football has been widely overlooked. Yet with a little investigation, we find that many European clubs are richly infused with contributions from Jewish officials, coaches, and players.
One such captivating chapter in football history is the remarkable success story of SC Hakoah, a Zionist-oriented club that stamped its dominance in Austria’s football scene by winning the first professional championship in 1925.
This raises an important question… what defines a club’s Jewish Identity?
Is it the legacy left behind by former Jewish officials or players?
Or perhaps, it’s the club’s fan base or the reactions from opposing fan groups?
The Jewish Museum of Vienna explores that question through its exhibition. “Super Jews: Jewish Identity in the Football Stadium.”
This showcase puts the spotlight on the intriguing Jewish histories of iconic clubs like First Vienna 1894 FC, FK Austria Wien, FC Bayern Munich, Ajax Amsterdam, and Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Moreover, it offers a unique look at how fan cultures, including groups like “Partisan*Rothschild” (Vienna), “Superjoden” (Ajax), and “Yid Army” (Tottenham), have embraced and even championed Jewish identities, often as a stance against antisemitic backlash.
The museum uncovers how clubs like Austria Wien and FC Bayern Munich celebrate their Jewish histories. It also explores how antiquated antisemitic prejudices persist today in the Football world.
However, the museum needs your help.
With the energy crisis in Europe, costs have been steadily rising.
From everyday heating and cooling…
To the controlled environments necessary for storing precious historical items…
The museum needs our help to continue exploring and showcasing Jewish history and art.
Please click the button below to help support the museum. Every donation, of any size, helps the museum continue it’s important work.