The Beautiful Capitalist Game

Mayor Zohran Mamdani seems to think of the game of soccer as a manifestation of his ideology. In the Democratic Socialist’s rhetorical world, the “beautiful game” must be accessible to all. “Soccer, as a game, is born out of the working class,” the mayor imagines. “This World Cup is pricing out so many working-class supporters of the game.” He is offering $5 tickets to New Yorkers. Bounce that off the head of Karl Marx. Once a marginal sport in America, soccer has gained followers in recent decades. It is yet to catch up, though, to our native games of baseball, football, or basketball. Yet as North America hosts the crown jewel of the globe’s most popular sport, our leaders want in. As Governor Kathy Hochul says, “New York isn’t just hosting the World Cup. New York is the World Cup.” Really? None of the tournament’s games will be played in the Empire State. Instead, the New York City mayor and Mrs. Hochul are mounting giant video screens at each of the five boroughs, so even soccer fans who don’t have access to a television set or a corner bar can enjoy games played across the Hudson. Mr. Mamdani is irate that NJ Transit is charging $150 for a round trip between Pennsylvania Station and MetLife stadium, where World Cup games will be played. The same trip normally costs $12.90. Price gouging is certainly logical. The transportation giant owned by New Jersey believes some New Yorkers will pony up. Also, too, Cup fans aren’t giddy about watching youngsters at a makeshift Rio soccer field. They’re eager to see Cristiano Rolando, who is earning $280 million this year, Lionel Messi, with $130 million, or Kylian Mbappé, who gets $90 million in salary and endorsements. Much to Hizzoner’s horror, this is a capitalist enterprise.

The Beautiful Capitalist Game

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