For many fans, soccer conjures images of skillful plays, moments of glory, or the sting of defeat. Few might associate the sport with surrealist painters like Salvador Dali and Joan Miro, street artist Banksy, or Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo. However, an exhibition at the German Football Museum in Dortmund aims to bridge the worlds of football and art enthusiasts. Titled “In Motion: Art and Football,” the exhibition coincides with Euro 2024 and features nearly 200 works representing all 24 nations participating in the European Championship.
The exhibition traces the sport’s evolution from the early 20th century to the present, showcasing iconic figures like Diego Maradona, Eric Cantona, and Cristiano Ronaldo. According to the museum’s director, Manuel Neukirchner, “football is a social phenomenon,” which in its early days served as an important medium for artistic expression. Modern pieces in the exhibition portray Ronaldo as the god in Michelangelo’s ‘The Creation of Adam,’ while Cantona is depicted in a Renaissance-era painting of the resurrection of Jesus—a piece owned by Cantona himself.
Neukirchner noted that players like Cantona, along with legends such as Johann Cruyff and Pele, brought an artistic flair to the game. While contemporary elite soccer might appear less conducive to individual expression, Neukirchner highlighted that players like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz from Germany’s current team embody a more free-spirited approach. “This is also an opportunity where art can positively influence football,” he added.
Running until January, the exhibition is one of several art projects organized by the museum during the European Championship. The museum’s collection includes jerseys worn by Maradona and Franz Beckenbauer, as well as unique items like the ashes of the famous footballing ‘oracle’ Paul the octopus.
Josephine Henning, a member of the German squad that won the Women’s Euro 2013 and the museum’s “artist in residence” for the tournament, echoed Neukirchner’s sentiments on the importance of creativity in soccer. “You always need someone who’s a little bit different, and artists in this world, that’s what they’re there for—to allow everyone to be themselves,” she said.
By blending the dynamic worlds of art and soccer, the German Football Museum’s exhibition celebrates the creativity and individuality that enrich both fields, offering a unique perspective on the beautiful game.
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