“It is not just about watching your team play; it is about living for your team.” For Swiss photographer Nathan Bugniet, Servette FC is more than just a football club – it’s his passion, his identity, the heart of Geneva, and everything that he lives for. Founded in 1890, Servette FC has a storied history, from dominating Swiss football to facing challenging years, and is affectionately nicknamed Les Grenats for their iconic garnet-coloured kits. Playing at the 30,000 Stade de la Praille (also known as Stade de Genève), the club draws thousands of devoted fans who proudly carry on its legacy, which includes fierce rivalries with teams like Lausanne-Sport and FC Sion.

Nathan, a lifelong Genevan and photography student, has been a Servette supporter for nearly five years. Inspired by his grandfathers, who once played for local clubs and witnessed Servette’s glory days, Nathan found himself captivated by the electric atmosphere at his first match. Smoke-filled stands, the energy of the ultras, and the vibrant tifos inspired him to join a supporters’ group – and to bring his camera along.

Through his film photography, Nathan documents the raw, unfiltered emotion of football culture, both in Geneva and across Switzerland. His images capture the unity and devotion of Servette’s fanbase, from pre-match beers to train journeys for away games. For Nathan, these photos are a tribute not just to football but to the spirit of belonging and unwavering loyalty.

“My name is Nathan Bugniet, and I am a photography student in Switzerland. I was born in Geneva and have lived there since childhood. My goal is to become a professional photographer and make a living from my passion.

I have been a devoted fan of Servette FC for almost five years now. My grandfathers were also passionate supporters of the club. They experienced the club’s golden years and passed down their love for Servette to me. They both played for modest clubs in Geneva, and I consider them my idols.

Servette FC holds a special place in my heart; it represents my city and the place I have always called home. I am proud that Servette FC embodies the spirit of Geneva. When I attended my first match at the Stade de la Praille, I was immediately struck by the electric atmosphere and the energy of the fans. The passion that filled the stadium, the smoke, pyros, and tifos – it was all simply exceptional.

Eventually, I joined a supporters’ group and discovered the powerful bonds that unite the fans. Today, I am proud to be part of one of these groups, supporting my team not only in Geneva but across Switzerland.

I have always loved photography, particularly film photography. One day, I decided to photograph the people and the atmosphere in the stands. I quickly realised how much I enjoyed capturing the spirit of football culture. Now, I always bring my camera to matches. At home, I have a box full of photographic films from my trips.

One of my favourite moments was a trip to Winterthur where I captured an image of the visiting section, featuring an older supporter holding a beer, with smoke and a vibrant atmosphere surrounding him.

I am deeply fascinated by football culture – not just in Switzerland but worldwide. I am constantly exploring the work of other photographers to learn more about this dynamic world. Football is often misunderstood or not fully appreciated, which makes it even more compelling to document. It is not just about watching your team play; it is about living for your team.

Beyond the matches, there are all the moments of laughter and camaraderie: meeting up for a beer before the game, singing for your team, and organising trips to away matches. When I tell people that I sometimes take a train full of supporters to the other end of Switzerland to cheer for Servette, they often do not understand. But that’s the essence of loyalty – we live for our team.

I would love to do something meaningful with these photos. Creating a book would be a dream come true. I am also working on a website where people can purchase prints, should they wish to.

Thank you for letting me share my passion. I hope that football culture continues to thrive for generations to come.“

Keep up with Nathan on Instagram, or he can be reached directly at nathan.bugniet@outlook.com for any print and commission enquiries.

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