The construction of the idol in the football phenomenon

This paper objectives to investigate the idol role in the construction of the football phenomenon in Brazil. For that, ex-football players, professional football players and football 5-a-side players were interviewed. The data analysis emphasized four categories: Creation, Diffusion, Idolatry and Roles. To analyze and make inferences from the data, the Enunciation Analysis, one of the Contend Analysis technique was used. The construction of idols was dependent on the appreciation of great achievements and creating bonds. The achievements are dependent on the categories time and space, giving an "expiration date" to idolatry and providing a cyclic renewal of idols. The stronger the relationship of the triad player-club-fan, the deeper the bonds will be. The achievements are "shown" in the media and if the bonds are well established, the image of the idol will be exalted and valued, nurturing and motivating the passion of the fans and cultivating the dream of being a football player in the social imaginary.