about the gallery
Host nation Russia’s early success in the FIFA World Cup tournament this year has only amplified the status of popular players such as Aleksandr Golovin or Igor Akinfeev. But talent from elsewhere in the world is inspiring a generation towards the sport, introducing others to football for the first time and creating bonds within communities –the small village of Aleksandrovka with its 1,500 inhabitants being just one example of the game’s impact on communities and the lives of fans across the world.