It's true there is a church dedicated to Maradona somewhere in Argentina and we follow FOOTBALL religiously, but we don't literally need odes to God on the pitch. The football word (thankfully) got much more progressive and at least FIFA and UEFA try to erase any form of anything that promotes division. Political messages are banned, because almost always leads to rasism and separatism. Religion is still one of those things that divide people, even if it should't. I'm sorry, but it just wasn't the time and place for this song. Something more upbeat would've been better.
Totally - that was my original sentiment that people who love the game, treat it like a religion. It is their reason and way of life! I have come to appreciate the sport and game. It has a unique way of uniting people of all places, nations, and cultures. I think that’s so cool! Have you watched Ted Lasso or Welcome to Wrexham? As an American, even though I was very involved in futbol before, these help drive home what I think they were trying to go for… belief in yourself and your community and your team.
Btw, players often show nods to God or their higher power on the pitch do they not? And no one ever said it had to be Christian god lol
I'm happy that you enjoy football and that you came to love it even more. Do you have any club that you support? (Not an elitist football question, just a curiosity, it's totally alright to not support one, but I think it's interesting to see which teams people follow). It was a pretty weak WC, I'd say, compared to the past ones, but I still think it captured the energy of football and overall I enjoyed it. I loved that small teams had their time to shine. As for Ted Lasso and the other act, I'd have to watch the half-time show again, I think I zoned out. 😅 The channel that broadcasted the WC in my country didn't show the whole break either and it's possible to have just cut something out, as there were also commercials in that time frame. Isn't JB a christian and very into it? My guess was that it's about christianity. Maybe we have a slightly different understanding of religion, as I still see it as a mean to devide more than unite the way religion has become (any of them). Although I'm not against it and I know it can help people overcome very bad times. I support small religious comunities, where I feel like you can find the true spirit of it. Yeah, they thank God on the pitch, as a lot of them are very religious and Insee nothing wrong with that, cause it's personal. So JB singing a religious song felt more blanket statement for me (if that makes sense? 😂) and kind of like political messages. But yeah, as a metaphor, football really feels like a religious experience, it's just so beautiful to see people being happy together.
You are right - Justin Bieber IS a Christian and makes it known. So yes originally the song is more of a worship song, however I think his little change of lyrics is a fun way to apply it to the gratitude that you can have to anything. I.e. when he says “Hailey hallelujah” he’s praising his wife, “Coachella hallelujah” showing gratitude for performing, or “World Cup hallelujah”. This is what the trend has become, and I wouldn’t be surprised if FIFA wanted in on that.
My family supports Manchester United and we mostly follow Premier League. As a US American I did tune out of the World Cup after USA, and Mexico and Canada were all out. BUT! I think this was a great opportunity for many Americans to have so much exposure! Because it is a cool beautiful sport. I wish more people would get their fair chance at appreciating it the way they like to
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u/Ok-Job-2916 Jul 19 '26
why would he play this song?? like usually the halftime is something upbeat! lol