The National Sport of Luxembourg is Soccer.
Soccer in Luxembourg brings communities together with its passionate fan culture and competitive spirit.
To learn more about sports culture in Luxembourg, read our article about the most popular sports in Luxembourg.
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Table of Contents
#1 History of Soccer
- 1911: Luxembourg’s first football club, Racing Club Luxembourg, was founded.
- 1921: Formation of the Luxembourg Football Association (Fédération Luxembourgeoise de Football or FLF).
- 1922: Introduction of the national championship, the Luxembourg National Division.
- 1928: Luxembourg participates in their first major soccer match, against France in the 1928 Olympics.
- 1955: Origins of the country’s domestic cup competition, the Coupe de Luxembourg.
- 1963: Luxembourg clubs begin participating in European competitions, such as the European Cup and UEFA Cup.
#2 Culture and Traditions
Soccer is an essential aspect of Luxembourg’s cultural identity. It acts as a conduit for social bonding and friendly rivalries among communities. Gatherings to watch matches foster a sense of unity and pride in the nation’s accomplishments.
Annual soccer events like the National Division championship and the Coupe de Luxembourg finals captivate fans across the country. These events bring people together in celebration as local clubs battle for supremacy and a place in the European club competitions.
During international tournaments, such as the World Cup or European Championships, soccer fervor in Luxembourg reaches new heights. Public screenings of matches enable communities to come together to support their national team, share their love for the game, and strengthen their bond with the sport.
#3 How it Works: Rules, Gameplay and Equipment
📕 Rules & Gameplay
- Match Duration: A standard match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute break in between.
- Objective: Each team tries to score by getting the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
- Players: Each team has 11 players, including one goalkeeper.
- Offside: A player is offside if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second last opponent when the ball is played to them.
- Fouls: Direct and indirect free-kicks and penalty kicks are awarded for infringements of the rules.
⚙️ Equipment & Gear
- Ball: Round and made of leather or another suitable material.
- Goalposts: Located at each end of the field, they are 7.32 meters wide and 2.44 meters tall.
- Kits: Teams wear distinguishing kits, with goalkeepers wearing different colors to stand out.
- Shin Guards: Protection for players from potential tackles or hits.
- Boots: Specialized shoes designed for the sport’s requirements.
#4 Modern Development of Soccer
The modern era of soccer in Luxembourg has been marked by increased professionalism and efforts to elevate the quality of domestic league play. Investment in youth development, infrastructure, and coaching has helped to progressively develop the nation’s soccer talent.
Today, Luxembourgish players can be found competing in international clubs throughout Europe, contributing to the sport’s globalization. Local clubs from Luxembourg often participate in European competitions, helping to broaden the nation’s soccer presence on the international stage.
Women’s soccer has also been gaining momentum in Luxembourg in recent years, with the establishment of a women’s league and increased participation in the sport. This overall growth in Luxembourg’s soccer landscape will continue to shape the nation’s passion and development of the beautiful game.
#5 Soccer and the Olympics
Soccer has been an essential part of the Olympic Games since its early days, with Luxembourg making its Olympic soccer debut in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. The nation’s soccer participation in the Olympics has provided valuable international exposure and competitive experience for their players.
The impact of the Olympics on soccer’s global recognition cannot be understated. The games have served as a platform for numerous soccer talents to showcase their skills on the global stage, inspiring the growth of soccer in countries like Luxembourg and sparking dreams for young talents aspiring to become professional soccer players.
#6 Famous Athletes and Achievements
- Louis Pilot: Considered one of Luxembourg’s greatest soccer players, Pilot won several domestic titles with Jeunesse Esch and later played for Belgium’s Standard Liège and Royal Antwerp FC.
- Fons Leweck: Proven goal-scorer and key player for the national team in the early 2000s; played domestically for clubs like F91 Dudelange and Swift Hesperange, helping win numerous Luxembourg championships.
- Lars Gerson: A current member of the national team and has represented multiple clubs in Sweden while playing as a central defender or defensive midfielder.
- Maxime Chanot: A modern-day Luxembourgish soccer star, currently playing as a central defender for New York City FC in Major League Soccer and a vital member of Luxembourg’s national team.
#7 Where to watch Soccer
- RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg and Sky Deutschland: Platforms offering coverage of domestic soccer competitions in Luxembourg, European leagues, and other international soccer events.
- DAZN and Eleven Sports: Streaming services that cover multiple leagues and tournaments, including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
- Live in Luxembourg: Experience exhilarating live soccer matches at venues like the Stade Josy Barthel (Luxembourg City), home to the national team, and Stade de la Frontière (Esch-sur-Alzette) hosting domestic league games.
