The Fan who Never Set Foot in a Stadium: Profile of the Digital Soccer Fanatic

Abstract

Globally, soccer has evolved into a predominantly digital model: more than 80% of fans will never attend a stadium. This profile, led by Generation Z, lives far from the clubs and builds its identity through screens, social media, and betting. Economic, geographical, and logistical barriers prevent in-person attendance, shifting the ritual to streaming and the use of multiple devices simultaneously. Although the sensory experience of the stadium is lost, the digital fan has access to real-time statistics and global communities. Clubs have adapted their business, monetizing this massive audience through personalized content and virtual memberships, recognizing that the fiber optic stadium is now larger than the concrete one.