When a clip of American supporters attempting a synchronized chant went viral, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy didn't hold back. He described the effort as a poor imitation of the Netherlands' 'Links Rechts' chant, a ritual that has become a hallmark of Dutch football fandom.
The Dutch 'Links Rechts' tradition
The 'Links Rechts' chant, popularized by the Dutch party act Snollebollekes in 2015, sees fans standing arm‑in‑arm, chanting 'naar links' and 'naar rechts' while jumping in unison. The routine creates a sea of orange across stadiums and has served as the unofficial anthem of the Oranje faithful during tournaments such as Euro 2024.
Portnoy’s commentary struck a chord because it tapped into a broader perception that American fan chants often lack the complexity and unity of their European counterparts. While the USMNT’s 'I Believe That We Will Win' has its own spirit, it was labeled by former Philadelphia Eagles long‑snapper Jason Kelce as the 'most loser mentality chant' he’d ever heard, prompting calls for something more intimidating and original.
The contrast reflects deeper cultural differences in how soccer supporters express themselves. European chants have evolved over decades, blending music, rhythm and collective movement into a cohesive experience. In contrast, American supporter groups are still building a distinct identity, experimenting with coordinated gestures and lyrics that can match the energy seen in the Netherlands, South America or England.
Whether the United States will ever adopt a chant that rivals the coordinated power of 'Links Rechts' remains an open question. What is clear, however, is that the conversation sparked by Portnoy’s critique is pushing fans, media personalities and even former athletes to imagine new ways for American supporters to claim their own voice on the global stage.