Sven Ehmann Play loud!

"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that". Bill Shankly, Liverpool Football Club Manager.

Football (or Soccer as it is called in the US) is unquestionably THE most popular and celebrated sport worldwide. Children start kicking the ball around the streets and playgrounds at a young age, most of them dreaming of becoming charismatic football stars. Every four years, the globe goes football crazy over the most exclusive of competitions, the World Championships (World Cup), which this year, 2006, is being hosted by Germany.

Companies support the game with millions on advertising campaigns using the very stars of the sport, but there is another side to traditional football advertising. Enthusiasm and celebration of the sport are visually and unofficially expressed at street level in cities the world over and like music, football culture is a theme of major influence for many young designers.

Play Loud! presents the graphic street art as well as football inspired illustrations, posters and flyers from around the world. Each country has its own way of showing its passion for the game. It is an eclectic visual compilation taking you on a fantastically colourful journey through the world. With stunning visuals, Play Loud! also appeals to a general audience and all those interested in the sport. Goooaaaal!