The World Cups, 'my life investment': the story of a fan of the Brazilian team
Ynara Correa da Costa, a Brazilian systems analyst, prioritizes her life around attending World Cups, viewing it as her life’s investment.
Ynara Correa da Costa, a 54-year-old systems analyst from Brazil, has dedicated her life to following the Brazilian national football team, treating each World Cup as the defining moment of her life. Unlike many who save for a house or a car, Ynara invests all her resources into attending these tournaments, showcasing her commitment with numerous stamps in her passport as proof of her travels. With six World Cups already under her belt and a seventh upcoming, she proudly considers herself an experienced fan, although she avoids the label of 'professional' fan, which implies financial compensation.
Her journey through the World Cups has been filled with memorable experiences, such as enduring the loud vuvuzelas in South Africa in 2010 and attending matches in Qatar in 2022, where she participated in a total of 20 matches. Over the years, Ynara has only missed two World Cups since the USA edition in 1994, demonstrating her unwavering loyalty to her team and her commitment to the sport. As the next World Cup approaches, she eagerly prepares to travel back to the United States to support the Brazilian squad led by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Ynara's story is not just about football; it highlights the passion and dedication that sports fans can have, emphasizing how some individuals view their investments in experiences rather than material possessions. Her unique perspective reflects the deeper emotional connections people can form with their national teams, illustrating the significance of such global events in the lives of fans like her.