Football is a world of passions. But for some fans, passion turns into rage, and rage into war. Around the world, there are ultra-groups for whom supporting their favorite club is not about singing songs, but about knife fights, shootings, and even street wars with the police. The most warlike football fans don't just love their team—they live by a code of honor where the blood of the opponent (fan of another club) is a trophy. Who are these people? Where does such aggression come from? And why has football become a battlefield for them, not a game?Argentina: Barra-Brava as a way of lifeIn Argentina, football hooligans are called "barra-brava." This is not a spontaneous group, but a well-organized mafia structure. They control ticket sales, parking, even influence the selection of players and coaches. The most famous groups are at the clubs "Boca Juniors" ("La 12") and "River Plate" ("Los Borrachos del Tablón"). Their confrontation has cost dozens of lives. In 2026, clashes continue despite police cordons. Argentine bars stab each other with knives, use stones, Molotov cocktails. Fatalities are common. The police are often helpless, as the ultras are connected with drug trafficking and corrupt politicians. For them, football is just an excuse to demonstrate power and settle scores.Italy: Ultra-culture with roots in politicsItalian ultras are the classics of football violence. Groups like "Commando Ultrà Curva Sud" (Milan), "Irriducibili" (Lazio), and "Viking" (Juventus) are known for their ferocity. In the 1980s and 1990s, they effectively held Italian football hostage: fights on the pitch, invasions, police killings. After the tragedy at the Heysel stadium (1985, 39 Juventus fans died) and the death of police officer Filippo Raciti (2007), the authorities toughened laws. But the ultras adapted: they use "smart" violence—hit in the crowd, hide their faces under balaclavas. Many groups are associated with extremist political movements: "Lazio" with neo-fascists, "Liv ... Read more