In a puzzling segment on The Five, Fox News host Jesse Watters ignited controversy by claiming that male soccer fans are “phony” and suggesting they aren’t authentic men. His comments, which appeared to question the masculinity of men who enjoy the sport, have drawn sharp criticism from sports enthusiasts and commentators alike.
During his on-air commentary, Watters took aim at men who follow soccer, particularly during the World Cup. “You know how I know who a phony person is? When the World Cup comes around,” he stated. “All of a sudden, these so-called ‘men’ get really into sports. You see them at the bars on a Saturday, and they’re yelling all of a sudden. Argentina vs. France? Calm down, guys. We all know what’s going on here. You’re trying to impress people that no one cares about.”
His commentary then took an unexpected political turn as he linked his critique of soccer enthusiasts to broader ideological arguments. “That’s what’s wrong with the Democrats,” Watters continued. “They are always trying to be popular with the congress crowd like foreign nations, media, college professors or women and they always end up sounding like these snobs that don’t like America. That’s why the Blacks and Hispanics and all the young men and unions are like, guys, just get away from us.”
Social Media Backlash
Watters’ remarks immediately triggered reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Users questioned both the logic and intent of his statements. “WTH does that even mean?” wrote one user, while another quipped, “Does Jesse think he is a symbol of what a ‘man’ is? Because I’m afraid we’ve got some bad news.”
Critics also pointed out contradictions in his argument, particularly given soccer’s massive global following, which includes many of the demographic groups he referenced. One user sarcastically noted, “Unlike all the other times when men are at bars on a Saturday and they are quietly discussing philosophy?”
Soccer and Masculinity
Watters’ comments are part of a broader trend of American sports figures and commentators dismissing soccer. Joe Rogan, for instance, has previously criticized soccer’s popularity, siding with MMA’s Matt Brown, who questioned why Muay Thai has not surpassed soccer as a dominant sport. Brown expressed frustration on Instagram, writing: “HOW is Muay Thai not the biggest sport in the world?!?! You rather watch football? Or soccer? I don’t get it.” Rogan reposted the sentiment with agreement, further fueling the debate.
This skepticism toward soccer is not new. UFC President Dana White has also taken jabs at the sport, calling it “the least talented sport on Earth.” In a resurfaced clip, White dismissed soccer by arguing, “There’s a reason three-year-olds can play soccer. You run around and kick a ball.”
White’s remarks did not go unnoticed, drawing backlash from prominent athletes. British tennis legend Andy Murray and Arsenal defender Rob Holding both ridiculed his stance, highlighting the skill and precision required in soccer. Murray questioned the standards for “talented” sports, pointing out the irony in American football’s large goals and lack of a goalkeeper.
Combat Sports vs. Soccer
Former UFC star and wrestling champion Ben Askren has also taken a stance against soccer, advocating for wrestling as the ultimate sport for young men. In a controversial video, Askren warned against enrolling kids in soccer, stating: “If you want your kid to be a sniveling little kick watching TikTok videos all day, then put him in soccer. If you want him to be a real man who works hard and is tough, then sign him up for wrestling.”
Askren, who built his career on relentless grappling and physical endurance, argues that combat sports foster resilience in ways that soccer does not. “I was wrestling in a room with two other future Olympians, getting beat up and grinded down every day,” he said. “Soccer players just run around kicking a ball. It’s not a real battle like wrestling.”
The Irony
Despite these dismissive takes, the UFC has strategically partnered with Spain’s top soccer league, La Liga, to promote their respective events. This collaboration is ironic given Dana White’s previous disparagement of soccer as a sport. The move suggests that, despite the loud criticisms from figures like White, Rogan, and Askren, soccer’s global influence remains undeniable.
