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Episode 4: A Mirror of Society

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Soccer as a Research Field

Soccer captivates millions of people worldwide. It fosters a sense of belonging, builds community, and evokes strong emotions. At the same time, it is a multi-billion-dollar economic system that raises questions about leadership, governance, diversity, internationalization, and social responsibility.

In the fourth episode of Welthandelsplatz 1, WU researchers Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger and Jonas Puck discuss why soccer is a fascinating field of research. The episode explores questions such as:

  • Why are soccer clubs particularly well-suited for researching topics such as leadership, diversity, governance, and internationalization?

  • What role do fan communities play in fostering social cohesion?

  • What can companies learn from professional soccer?

Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger and Jonas Puck combine academic expertise with practical experience: both serve as vice presidents of traditional soccer clubs — Hanappi-Egger at SK Rapid and Puck at First Vienna FC 1894. Drawing on both their academic and practical perspectives, they demonstrate why soccer offers valuable insights into business and society far beyond the playing field.

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