The Illusion of a Fresh Start in Soccer

It’s a phrase you’re bound to encounter this week: “The Premier League is back!” Expect to hear it echoed on Friday at least once, and then repeatedly over the weekend, as every polished host, every animated pundit, and every enthusiastic commentator chimes in. However, this assertion is somewhat misleading. It’s an anachronism, a nostalgic nod to simpler times when soccer had the decency to take a break during the summer, allowing other sports to shine for a while. The truth is, the Premier League—and indeed all club soccer—cannot genuinely be ‘back,’ as it never truly goes away.

Consider Chelsea, for example, which engaged in a flurry of activity during the Olympics, acquiring a multitude of South American teenagers for reasons that remain largely unclear. Meanwhile, several rivals, both domestically and in Europe, utilized the European Championship and Copa América as the perfect backdrop for reshuffling their managerial ranks, hiring and firing coaches with remarkable ease.

Soccer, especially at the club level, is an unstoppable juggernaut. The nature of a juggernaut is that it never really comes to a halt. It doesn’t take a few weeks off or pause for the summer; instead, it rolls on relentlessly. This sense of permanence, this omnipresence, transforms soccer from a mere pastime into a lifestyle choice—a significant cultural cornerstone that is strikingly lucrative.

And yet, despite this relentless cycle, there is a peculiar magic in those few days leading up to the start of a new season. No matter how seasoned a soccer observer you may be—how hardened, cynical, or self-aware—there’s something captivating about the anticipation of a new campaign. New jerseys are donned, fresh signings are highlighted, and stadiums once again buzz with excitement, all under the warm glow of summer sunshine. This vibrant atmosphere has a way of igniting the imagination, making the upcoming season feel like a true beginning.