Using your hands for something like football?

There is one thing that has long been a passionate part of our relationship with Brazil as a tradition, yet recently became awkward. That thing is soccer.

2014 became a year forever etched in Brazil's history. The tragedy of the crushing defeat to Germany in the World Cup semifinals didn't end that day. It became a clear symbol of Brazilian soccer's decline. Public interest in the national team—no, in soccer itself—has completely faded. In fact, average ticket sales for our domestic league have been falling by 10% annually. Attendance per match has now fallen below that of China and the United States, countries with far less soccer tradition than ours.

Why?

Several reasons come to mind. The most resonant is the absence of stars. Brazil's heroes have always emerged from the sporting world: F1's Ayrton Senna, Gustavo Kuerten who won the French Open three times. Even more heroes came from the world of soccer. But what about now? No hero's name springs to mind to set our hearts aflame. If soccer lacks appeal, people shift their obsession elsewhere. The grass is always greener on the other side.

A new phenomenon is emerging. Brazilians are beginning to lose their hearts to American football, not soccer. Super Bowl viewership has increased by 800% compared to 2011. Playoff viewership also rose by 22% from 2013 to 2014. The hashtag for ESPN Brazil's Super Bowl broadcast recorded the most tweets worldwide.
Brazilians now speak of American football superstar Tom Brady as if he were their own national hero. Brady is also married to Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen. Boys casually discuss American football games and cheer for their favorite teams. It almost feels like there's no going back to the days of loving soccer.

As a Brazilian, let me say this: Why is a sport where 99% of the action happens with the hands called "foot"ball? I'm utterly baffled. Could someone please tell the Americans? "Foot" refers to the lower part of the body. It's not the name for something located so high up.

(Supervised by Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network Business Bureau)