Scottish photographer Kyle Drummond Cooper, originally from Selkirk and now based in Shanghai, has masterfully documented the vibrant world of European football through his photographic work. A lifelong football fan, following Rangers, Everton, Barça, and Shanghai Shenhua, Cooper’s passion for the beautiful game has inspired a series of photographs rich in colour and cultural insight, celebrating the essence of football fandom in Italy and Spain.
“A Natural Merger of Football and Photography”
“I knew I was leaving Europe to go back to work in Asia, so I made an effort to go to as many games as possible,” Cooper explains. His project began as a way to merge his two passions – football and photography – and evolved into a deep exploration of the unique ways football is celebrated across borders. His European photographic journey spanned iconic venues like Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, the San Siro in Milan, Naples’ Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Barcelona’s Camp Nou, and Seville’s Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja, where he witnessed the electrifying Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Osasuna.
A Culture Unlike Any Other
Italy and Spain both possess football cultures that are as much about artistry as they are about sport. From the vivid tifos to the booming pyrotechnics, and the intricate designs of scarves and flags, the fanfare is nothing short of theatrical. “Walking around Naples was a dream,” he says. “The graffitied walls adorned with Napoli flags and plaster falling off them look like works of art.”
This vibrant culture stands in stark contrast to the more restrained traditions of British football. In Italy and Spain, matches are communal celebrations with a carnival-like energy. Cooper captures this beautifully in his photographs, which balance documentation with an intimate understanding of what football means to its fans. “There are so many different aspects to it: the militant political scenes, the carnivalesque pyro shows, the art and design of flags and the tifo, football fashion. Something for everyone.”
A Photographer’s Eye
Cooper’s approach to football photography is deeply influenced by his beginnings in street photography and his love for abstract and neo-impressionist art. His images brim with storytelling details – “someone drinking a beer, a fist in the air” – that fill the frame with life and motion. One of his favourite shots from the series is of a Manchester United fan outside a deconstructed Camp Nou. “A video of him went viral after he got his hat stolen from a fan after the game, and it was only later I realised it was the same guy. The woman’s reaction makes it.”
An Intimate Celebration of Football
Cooper’s work is not just a celebration of football but a deep dive into its role as a cultural touchstone. His photographs are rich with colour, capturing the passion and artistry that define European football fandom. From fiery pyro displays to more intimate focused photos, his images are a testament to the game’s power to unite communities and inspire devotion.
Back home in Shanghai, there are new projects on the horizon for Cooper. “I’m making some end of season photobooks for the North End Shenhua fans; a little Christmas present to thank them for their hard work. It’ll most likely be a one-off as there’s only so many times I can photograph the same capos or my mates celebrating. Other than that, looking forward to getting back to Europe for a week or two during Lunar New Year. First Barça away day on the horizon!”
For fans of football, photography, or simply the beauty of human connection, Kyle Drummond Cooper’s work offers a vivid, heartfelt look at the soul of the sport. “Football culture has something for everyone,” he says – and his photos captures it all. Keep up with Kyle and his travels on Instagram.
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