African Fans, European Dreams ft. Manase Chinwesha and Solomon Waliaula

Why do millions of Africans passionately support European football clubs they’ve never seen in person? This episode addresses this question in Manase Chiweshe and Solomon Waliaula's recent book African Fans of European Football by exploring how fandom in Africa is reshaping global football culture. From Liverpool murals on Zimbabwean buses to Arsenal “tribes” in Kenya, we unpack how football fuels identity, community, masculinity, and even prayer. We also discuss sports betting, gender, and how local leagues are adapting in response. An eye-opening conversation about football as both a global business and a deeply local passion.