The formation of sports heroes and the role of national identity

This paper examines the formation of sports heroes and, in particular, it investigates when and how a sporting hero is formed and who (or what) dictates the emergence of a hero. Central to this line of enquiry is a discussion of the negotiation between fans, the club, and the media in forming a hero. Moreover, this paper discusses sports hero formation in relation to national identity, arguing that it can be a critical component of the development of a hero. Drawing upon the work of Joseph Campbell and Orrin E. Klapp, it contextualises the sporting hero in the wider narratives of hero typologies. This paper argues that the formation of sports heroes is shaped by established notions of national identity and longstanding mythological archetypes, rather than heroes’ personal traits or deeds. Universal hero myths, furthermore, provide recognised narratives that frame the emergence of new heroes in otherwise very different societies. This research offers a significant contribution to debates surrounding the roles of heroes both in and outside sport. It advances the sociological understanding of the dynamics of sports hero formation and functions as a platform for future, innovative research in its field