When you don't like football ... but you're growing up in Egypt

Growing up Egyptian, you're absolutely required to choose sides between one of two teams.

You're either Al-Ahly or Zamalek, the dominant football teams in Egypt.

But, what if you don’t like either one? What if you don’t like football at all?BLASPHEMY!

Most Egyptians consider football to be the only valid sport out there. If you happen to mention that you do not like it, do not want to play it, or are simply interested in other sports or hobbies, you'd likely be treated as an inferior of the sort. 

And no, being a child doesn't get you off the hook. 

As a kid, I was never interested in football. I considered it the most boring sport out there. But I was forced to both watch and play it, since no one else around me had any interest in other activities.

The FIFA World Cup seemed enjoyable – more or less – even though I had no idea what the rules were. I saw it as a chance to understand the hype surrounding football. I still didn't like it, but I tolerated it.

Others did not necessarily agree to disagree. There were weird, intrusive comments, detailing what you should and should not like, and of course the dirty looks...

Why is football the norm in Egypt? There are tons of other sports out there? Why is “doing what you love” not the norm? #ExistentialQuestions. 

Breaking the taboo is much easier at this phase as people tend to more or less lose interest in your life choices, which is great. 

But, as in almost all things, one develops a sort of understanding at this age. 

I now see football as great sport. Championships like the World Cup and Olympics have the ability to unify different nations over a peaceful activity. However, I still believe that the game is over glorified by the media.

It is also a publicity stunt. A LOT of money is poured into the sport. Famous players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are worth millions of dollars ... and fans. Putting their names on a brand means more profit ... or even a visit to a country. 

Exhibit A: Messi visits the Pyramids.