Croatian-American writer’s viral fan video inspires Psychology Today lead story
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo: Suzie Pileggi Pawelski)
A spontaneous celebration between Croatian and Ghanaian football supporters in Philadelphia has inspired the lead story on Psychology Today by Croatian-American writer, Suzie Pileggi Pawelski.
The author, who is of Croatian descent, captured the moment on her iPhone following the recent Croatia-Ghana World Cup match in Philadelphia. The short Instagram reel shows Croatian and Ghanaian supporters singing, dancing and celebrating together after the final whistle.
The video has attracted almost 250,000 views, with many Croatians and members of the Croatian diaspora sharing its message of unity, joy and human connection.
Inspired by the experience, Pawelski wrote The International Language of Love: How a Football Match Can Bridge Divides and Bring People Together, which was featured as the lead story on Psychology Today’s homepage this week.
The article explores how shared sporting experiences can strengthen social connection and well-being through findings from positive psychology research.
According to Pawelski, the atmosphere throughout the match was marked by mutual respect among supporters regardless of which team they were backing. The moment that inspired the article came after the game, when a woman wearing a Ghana jersey joined Croatian fans beating a drum before being lifted into the air as the crowd celebrated together.
Drawing on research in positive psychology, the article examines how shared positive emotions can strengthen social bonds, how emotions can spread through groups, and how large sporting events can create a sense of belonging among strangers.
The piece also highlights the concept of “collective effervescence”, first introduced by French sociologist Émile Durkheim, describing the feeling of unity people experience during shared events such as sporting matches.
Pawelski notes that the experience carried personal significance for her family. During Croatia’s memorable 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign, she, her husband and son watched Croatia’s quarter-final match at Bar Josip on the island of Vis, the birthplace of her grandmother, where they were warmly welcomed by local supporters.
(Photo: Supplied/Suzie Pileggi Pawelski)
Years later, witnessing another memorable Croatian football occasion in Philadelphia felt like a full-circle moment.
The article concludes that while close relationships remain central to well-being, even brief moments of genuine connection, such as those created through sport, can help foster belonging and remind people of their shared humanity.
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You can read the full article here.
