Jorge Knijniks second work of non-fiction via Fair Play Publishing is a compelling contribution to sports literature: a Brazilian-born Australian humanities academic writing about his passion-football-in his homeland and the continent it belongs to. Exquisitely researched and written, it captures the elegance of the star players and the visceral struggles in South American societies describing the social and political context of football on the content where jogo bonito is a force that both divides and unites people. The backdrop of volatile politics, oppression and inequality in the continent is painted behind vignettes of football games, players, politicians and the sport itself. Tales of South American Football weaves the fabric of culture and sport in 13 chapters that give the reader a path into modern history and social realities in the region.
Jorge Knijnik was born in the Rio Grande do Sul, Brazils southernmost state. He moved to Sao Paulo with his family as a child and began his love for football whilst watching Pele play in the Pacaembu stadium. Jorge writes and researches on a number of topics, including sport in society, culture, and history; gender and human rights in education; physical education pedagogies; drama studies; and fandom culture. Jorges current research examines the socialization process within football fans in Greater Western Sydney and how football fandom has the potential to make a significant contribution to community cohesion and regeneration in the area. He is also involved in a number of projects that examine the political and cultural contradictory legacies of sports mega-events in Brazil. Jorge is an Associate Professor at the Western Sydney University (School of Education and Institute for Culture & Society), and kives in Sydney with his wife and four children, where he enjoys the beautiful beaches and his bike rides-but misses the Brazilian rhythms.
* Written by a Brazilian-born Australian Associate Professor at Western Sydney University.
* Weaves together the cultural impact of football on South American societies together with the broader political and cultural environment.
* Special focus on some of the icons of South American football, e.g. Pele, Maradona, Marta, Messi and others.
Publicity:
* The book is out for review with various cultural / sports history associatiations.
* Jorge will be a guest at the 2024 Football Writers Festival in Melbourne in October.
