Some months ago, this picture of a Spanish soccer fan made the front pages. It shows a girl wearing the flag of her soccer team, Atletico de Madrid, praying that they would win final game of a competition. And so they did.
It's normal to see soccer fans and players praying. Most of them make the sign of the cross before entering the soccer field. But, who can you pray to so that your team wins?
The patron saint of sports is Italian Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati. He was a brilliant student who was an avid hiker. Every time he organized a trip to the mountain, playing a soccer game was part of the plan.
Another Italian is the patron saint of soccer: Luigi Scrisoppi. He is usually depicted with a ball in his hand. He was known for his dedication to youth through sport.
Saint John Bosco was also proposed to be the patron saint of soccer players. The character of this famous Italian educator had everything needed to enjoy soccer: youth, joy and friendship.
Pope John Paul II is considered to be the patron saint of goalkeepers. Young Karol Wojtyla would keep this position when he played soccer in his hometown, Wadowice. As Pope, he highlighted the importance of sport and kept practicing it.
Each profession has its mediator. And even though what matters the most in soccer is training, an extra help is always appreciated.
