We all love an underdog story, but do we actually understand why? Sports Psychologist Professor Richard Thelwel explains what psychology says about why we love an underdog.

Why are people naturally drawn to underdogs in sport, even when the odds are stacked against them?

With human nature typically basing judgments on status and prestige, the underdog effect sits somewhat contrary to this and draws on the potential for emotional connections and likeability to be made. Much of this stems from the perception that underdogs are often assumed to be trying harder and may have experienced injustice. In the world of elite sports, this may be due to limited financial opportunities or repeated near misses. For example, getting to the latter stages of a competition but always being beaten by the favourites.

Underdogs often receive the support of neutral fans because people wish to see something different. Of course, there is also the idealistic David versus Goliath narrative, where the “one in a million” upset may happen. This creates a moment in history that keeps sports supporters enthused and provides a break from the expected norm.

A good example is the FA Cup final last weekend, where Crystal Palace won their first-ever domestic trophy by beating Manchester City, who, for the first time in seven seasons, did not win any silverware. Other than those who are rivals of Crystal Palace, you can assume that the majority of football supporters with knowledge of the domestic game were likely siding with them for the reasons stated above.

Is there a theory that explains why fans feel a connection with underdogs?

Yes, it is called the Social Identity Theory.

What is Social Identity Theory?

Social Identity Theory suggests that people develop their social identity based on the group they are affiliated with, as well as their personal and social experiences. It also suggests that behaviour can vary depending on the context and group, meaning that choices may differ when someone is acting as part of a group versus acting independently.

In the case of sports fans, the relationship with the team is linked to identity and can influence behaviours during a game. This includes their choice of how to dress, such as wearing team colours, and how they speak. By joining a group, they are defining part of who they are.

This group connection leads to the development of rivalries, which are typically emotion-oriented and reinforce in-group favouritism and out-group derogation. In-group favouritism refers to the tendency of fans to view their own team more positively, while out-group derogation involves negative attitudes towards rival teams.

Although sports fans align well with the notion of in-group favouritism, this is also where we see the connection with underdogs. This generally happens for two reasons.

The first is likely due to the fact that their own team and identity are not performing well. As a result, they increase their negative perception of the favourite team.

The second may be due to other aspects of an individual’s identity aligning with the underdog. For example, while a sports fan may associate with one group, the team they support, they might also identify with another group, even without sharing immediate similarities.

If an individual has experienced hardship or struggles in life, they may relate to being disadvantaged, having to try harder, always being the “nearly” person, or experiencing injustice. Their perception may then align with what they believe the underdog is experiencing, leading to support based on that perceived shared struggle.

What psychological reward do fans experience by supporting teams that rarely win?

We know that being a sports fan is an emotional rollercoaster that affects mood and well-being. The experience of success brings positive emotions such as joy, pride, and excitement, along with physiological responses like dopamine release, which is associated with pleasure and reward.

The flip side is that losing often results in feelings of disappointment, frustration, and sadness, and those feelings can be long-lasting. Take it from me.

For individuals supporting a team that rarely wins, this can be emotionally harmful but can also shape self-identity and affect how others interact with them. My best advice for any supporter would be to have the strongest possible emotional attachment to a team with the least expectation of success. As many say, it is the hope that kills us.

Given the tribal nature of sports supporters, and sport itself, there are inevitably many teams that will rarely win. This can be acute or chronic, across a season or sometimes for much longer.

Supporters will always be there, but they do so at an emotional and psychological cost. The identity of supporting a team that rarely wins can shift from being result-focused, which leads to desperation and despair, to focusing on the social attachment that forms around the sporting event itself.

However, when their team does win, they are likely to experience higher highs, even if only briefly, because their expectation balance eventually brings a sense of rational thinking.

This is especially true for teams that have recently been promoted and are not expected to win regularly. For them, success may simply mean avoiding relegation. While there will always be the dream of more consistent success, this must also be considered in the context of the club’s circumstances and initial expectations.

Why do underdog victories feel so memorable?

An underdog victory often becomes a key moment in time. I still recall watching AFC Wimbledon beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final, and more recently, we saw Leicester City win the Premier League in 2016.

The power of both events reminds us that sport is unpredictable, and an underdog victory keeps alive the belief that anything can happen. The victorious underdog gains confidence and is encouraged to push for further success. These moments also generate widespread positive emotions for all involved.

There is often hope that the losing team will use the experience to grow and improve. They have been humbled. It can also strengthen the loyalty of supporters and deepen their sense of identity.

Importantly, losing can lead to resilience, renewed effort, and humility. Most importantly, an underdog victory reminds us that every team, regardless of its perceived strength, has an equal chance to compete and win.