What does a goal sound like?

The experience of football as a spectacle captivates fans through a classic narrative arc of prologue, episodes, and climax, engaging all of their senses. Spectators leave the match fulfilled, mesmerized by the fluid athletic movements and the pre- and post-game rituals that enhance the visual and tactile experience. While sight and touch play significant roles, the sense often overlooked yet crucial to the emotions evoked by football is hearing. In every nation and, more specifically, every stadium, fans celebrate in distinctive ways, interacting with the venue itself. The chants that resonate during a match become the true soundtrack of each goal, while the unique structure of certain goals accentuates their impact, creating unforgettable moments of joy. 

The relationship between goals and sound is remarkable, but so is the dynamic between goals and silence, which also contributes to the communal celebration. When joy erupts with a roar, it is preceded by a moment of tension, a pregnant pause that swells with anticipation, creating a silence thick with emotion. This brief tranquility, however, often obscures subtle details of the experience, especially for viewers at home who are distracted by the commentators’ voices. Yet, it is these small details that, once recognized, enrich the overall cheering experience.

Stamford Bridge

While it's a rare occurrence during select Chelsea matches, particularly high-stakes games, a distinctive metallic sound can often be heard resonating with the celebratory fervor of the players on the pitch. This unique background noise harks back to the charm of local suburban football fields, where sheet metal stands create a clamor at every movement.

This same sound can be experienced at Stamford Bridge during pivotal moments, especially when the Blues score. According to the official Premier League profile, the source of this sound is quite straightforward. Found within the Matthew Harding Stand, the north end behind one of the goals is adorned with metal sheets that excited fans enthusiastically bang on, channeling their exhilaration and adding a dynamic metallic resonance to their jubilant shouts.

Signal Iduna Park

The names may change because of the different sponsors, but one constant in Dortmund is the unmistakable sound that resonates when a goal is scored. Whether the goal comes from the home team or the visiting side, the impact of that sound remains significant. This distinctive auditory hallmark has become a stylistic touchpoint at the stadium, a phenomenon that has been noted intermittently over the years.

This metallic sound arises from a powerful strike on the ball, resulting from a combination of the net and the metal crossbar at the base of the goal. Often, it creates a rapid double sound: first, the bar bounces off the ground after being struck by the ball, which pushes the net upward, then the ball itself hits the bar as it rebounds towards the pitch.

In our role as ethnomusicologists, we have uncovered a distinctive fusion of enchantment, heritage, and feeling within the frequently ignored auditory experiences of football. While algorithms, data analytics, and expected goals (XG) play a dominant role in contemporary sports, this traditional game continues to possess an enchanting quality that is deeply rooted in its essential aspects. Sacred places in which rituals can not be performed with the same tone of voice as elsewhere, with the same sound of plates smashed with fists after the most astounding goal. 

Lluís Companys Stadium

FC Barcelona is set to bid its farewell to Lluís Companys Stadium in Montjuïc as home ground. The Blaugrana club has opted for this venue to host their matches while renovations at Spotify Camp Nou are underway. Although a specific date for the transition has yet to be confirmed, this shift will mark the end of an era for the Olympic facility, which was opened in 1929. Originally not designed for football, the stadium struggles to meet the expectations of modern audiences. Beyond experiencing a change in venue, fans will also lose a distinctive sound that adds to the atmosphere of the matches, though it often goes unnoticed.

This unique metallic echo occurs when opposing teams score, creating a light yet sharp noise that resonates in the relative silence of the stadium. The sound originates from the net as it jostles, causing the rings that secure it to the metal post hidden beneath the pitch to vibrate. The louder the conclusion, the louder the noise. The more important the goal, the clearer the sound will be.

La Bombonera

In the realm of football literature, one of the most frequently cited sayings is, "English may have invented football, but the Argentines invented the passion for the game”. The origins of this phrase remain unknown, yet it has become a widely accepted truth among fans, nearly impossible to dispute. There are compelling indicators that support this notion, particularly with regard to Argentina's unparalleled fervor for football. Take, for instance, the atmosphere at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. Goals scored by Boca Juniors resonate with a unique sound and evoke a distinct visual spectacle that sets it apart from any other venue. This visual excitement is largely attributed to the Doce, the section occupied by the Boca Juniors ultras, and the thrilling surge of fans that flood toward the goals, enhancing the celebration of each Xeneizes goal. 

This phenomenon, known as the "Avalancha," mirrors its natural counterpart, accompanied by a thunderous roar that signals its approach, a deep sound that heralds the crowd’s movement toward the field. This collective wave interrupts the rhythmic symphony of chants, trumpets, and drums that typically marks the match's course. A multitude of diverse voices expressing various sentiments, yet together they form a collective chorus exclaiming the word goal.

Field of Vision

In the realm of football, the significance of sounds is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role. This was highlighted at the recent Paralympics in Paris, where we gained insight into five-a-side football for the blind. In this unique sport, the ball contains steel rattles that generate sound, enabling players to locate it effectively. Before each penalty kick, a metal object strikes one of the goalposts, providing the kicker with auditory cues to better gauge the goal's location.

Additionally, sounds serve as an essential guide for blind fans wanting to experience live matches at the stadium. In 2023, AC Milan took a significant step by introducing an audio description service that offers blind and visually impaired supporters detailed commentary for each home game. Then there are solutions that go beyond the simple narration: Field of Vision is pioneering a unique solution that enhances the experience for blind sports fans by providing real-time guidance on the playing pitch.

The device consists of a blackboard featuring a football field diagram, along with a magnet that moves across it to indicate the ball's position. This positioning is driven by artificial intelligence, which analyzes images captured by four strategically placed cameras around the stadium. Blind fans can place their fingers on the magnet to follow the action, while the device vibrates to reflect key moments in the match, creating an immersive experience. In addition to this tactile feedback, users can enjoy live stadium sounds and commentary, allowing them to actively engage with the excitement of the game.