“A ball can change the World”. Perceptions and situations within the Homeless World Cup: A critical review from players´ experiences

Abstract

An international football tournament for homeless people exists since 2003. It is called the Homeless World Cup. After Paris 2011, Zócalo of Mexico City was proposed to host it in October of 2012. According to organizers: “A ball can change the world”. To demonstrate it, they have been presenting statistics outlining highly positive impacts six months after each edition of the world cup. However, several questions appear. What really happens to these homeless football players? After having followed three French delegations during the preparation, the tournament and the return, multiple effects have been identified regarding objective elements as well as different perceptions. It is then convenient to analyze which are the effects and limits of this experience.