Sepp Blatter: 'Because I love football and I love the footballers.'

Because I love football and I love the footballers.

In his quote, Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA, expresses his profound love for football and footballers. He highlights the passion and admiration he holds for the game, as well as the individuals who bring it to life on the field. The quote signifies Blatter's deep connection with the sport and the people involved, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to the world of football. However, let us delve further into this sentiment by exploring an unexpected philosophical concept that intertwines with Blatter's words: the idea of existentialism.Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, delves into the meaning and purpose of human existence. Its core principles revolve around individual freedom, personal responsibility, and the quest for self-identity. Though seemingly unrelated to Blatter's quote at first, existentialism brings a unique perspective to understanding his proclaimed love for football and its players.On a surface level, "Because I love football and I love the footballers" may appear straightforward, but by adopting an existential lens, we can explore the deeper philosophical threads at play. Existentialism teaches us that individuals must create their own purpose and meaning in life. In the context of Blatter's statement, it suggests that his love for football and footballers is not merely a surface-level sentiment but a fundamental aspect of his existence.By loving football, Blatter may have found a source of fulfillment and personal significance. The game grants him a purpose, a raison d'être, allowing him to connect with a greater community of players, fans, and enthusiasts. Through his role as FIFA's president, Blatter's contributions to the sport exemplify his personal responsibility to foster and support the game he loves. His love for football takes on a deeper meaning within an existential framework, as it intertwines with his identity, shaping who he is as an individual.Furthermore, existentialism emphasizes the importance of free will and the choices we make in life. Blatter's love for football might be seen as a result of his conscious decision to pursue and immerse himself in the sport. Rather than being dictated by societal expectations or external factors, his love for the game emerges from a place of authenticity, a reflection of his personal desires, passions, and interests.Contrasting this existential outlook with the quote, we can also consider the idea of determinism, the belief that our choices are ultimately predetermined by external factors. Some might argue that Blatter's love for football is a product of his conditioning, upbringing, or social environment - factors outside of his control. However, within an existential framework, even if external influences shape our inclinations, it is up to us to affirm and embrace these inclinations as our own, to fully commit to them and find fulfillment through them.In conclusion, Sepp Blatter's quote, "Because I love football and I love the footballers," holds deeper philosophical implications when viewed through an existential lens. It represents not only a love for the sport but also the intertwining of identity and purpose, the conscious pursuit of one's passions, and the responsibility for one's choices. By exploring this unexpected concept, we gain a richer understanding of the quote's meaning and its significance in Blatter's life. After all, it is through pursuing our passions wholeheartedly that we find our place in the world, create our own meaning, and ultimately embrace the essence of being human.