uni.liPORTUGAL - LISBON

PORTUGAL - LISBON

3rd Blog by Moritz Graf - Friday, 27 January 2023, 11:59 AM Discovering Football and Padel Culture

As a football fan, my experience as an exchange student in Lisbon was a dream come true. My time in Lisbon was unforgettable, from attending matches at the historic Estádio da Luz to immersing myself in the city's vibrant football culture.

One of the highlights of my stay was attending a match at the Estádio da Luz, home of S.L. Benfica. I was lucky enough to watch a game against one of their rivals with a group of students. The atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying, and it was an incredible experience to witness the fans' passion first-hand. I will never forget the energy and enthusiasm in the stadium. The stadium is a masterpiece of modern architecture, a true landmark that every sports fan visiting Lisbon must see. The Benfica fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and it was a unique experience to be among them during a match.

Besides football, I also discovered a new sport in Lisbon: padel. I had never played it before, but I was excited to try something new. Padel is a sport that is becoming more and more popular in Portugal, and it's not hard to understand why. Padel is a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash and is usually played in doubles. As I have been playing tennis for many years, padel was a good fit for me. I quickly found my passion in padel and played several times a week with friends. It's an excellent way to stay active, meet new people, and make friends. I had the opportunity to play padel with friends at different clubs in the city, and I enjoyed it. The game is usually played outdoors, and it's a great way to enjoy the sunny weather in Lisbon.

One of the most exciting things I experienced during my stay in Lisbon was the intense rivalry between S.L. Benfica and Sporting CP, two of the biggest football clubs in the city. This rivalry, known as the "Lisbon Derby", is one of Europe's most heated and passionate derbies. I had the opportunity to attend a match between the two teams, which was an incredible experience. I will never forget the energy and passion of the fans. The rivalry between the two teams has a long tradition and is an essential part of the culture in Lisbon. The fans are incredibly passionate, and it was a unique experience to be among them during a match.

Besides the sport, Lisbon is a beautiful and vibrant city with a rich culture. The city's historic architecture is stunning, and there are many museums and sights to discover. The food is delicious, and there are many traditional Portuguese dishes. The nightlife is also fantastic, with a variety of bars and clubs.

My experience as an exchange student in Lisbon was a dream come true for a football fan like me. The city is full of sports and fitness enthusiasts, and I was able to experience football culture in a whole new way. I also had the opportunity to discover a new sport and make new friends. Therefore, I would recommend studying abroad in Lisbon to anyone who loves sports and wants to experience a different culture.