Fan makeup is a phenomenon that transcends the simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a truly lucrative business, part of a global industry worth billions of dollars. This enthusiasm for colors, patterns, and spectacular effects reflects not only the passion of supporters but also a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and brands.
This is tribal makeup that dates back centuries, where ancient peoples painted their faces for war rites or celebrations. Today, this tradition has evolved to become an act of support and solidarity for a sports team. On match days, stadiums turn into real palettes of colors, each fan proudly displaying the colors of their favorite team.
A product has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006, Fanbrush®, the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
More than just a fashion or a simple commercial aspect, sports fan makeup is a major social and cultural phenomenon worldwide. It allows supporters to identify and show their belonging to a sports community or support for a cause. The preparation ritual before the match reinforces the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion during moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
Tunisia is a North African country bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east, Algeria to the west, and Libya to the southeast. With a rich history dating back to antiquity, Tunisia was the cradle of the Carthaginian civilization before becoming a Roman province, then an important center of Arab and Islamic culture after the Arab conquests in the 7th century. Modern Tunisia is known for its democratic transition following the 2011 revolution, which marked the beginning of the Arab Spring.
The Tunisian flag consists of two main colors: red and white. The flag’s background is red, symbolizing the blood of the martyrs who fought for the country’s independence. At the center, a white disk represents peace. Inside the disk, a red five-pointed star surrounded by a red crescent symbolizes the country’s Arab-Muslim unity and identity.
Several sports play an important role in Tunisia’s culture and leisure activities.
Football is the most popular sport in Tunisia. The matches of Ligue Professionnelle 1, the national championship, attract many fans. The national team, nicknamed the "Eagles of Carthage," has a rich history with several participations in the FIFA World Cup and victories in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), notably in 2004.
Handball is also highly regarded in Tunisia, which ranks among the best African nations in the sport. The men’s national team has won several African championships and regularly competes in World Championships and the Olympic Games. Tunisian clubs such as Espérance de Tunis and Club Africain are also successful at the continental level.
Basketball has gained popularity in Tunisia, particularly with the recent successes of the men’s national team, which has won the Africa Basketball Championship (AfroBasket) several times. Tunisian clubs like Étoile Sportive de Radès and Union Sportive Monastirienne are also competitive on the African stage.
Track and field is a sport in which Tunisia has excelled internationally, notably through athletes such as Mohamed Gammoudi, gold medalist at the 1968 Olympic Games, and Habiba Ghribi, a 3000-meter steeplechase specialist who won gold at the World Championships and silver at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Volleyball is another sport where Tunisia excels, especially at the continental level. The men’s national team has won several African Championships and regularly participates in world competitions.
These sports are not only played professionally but also at an amateur level, contributing to their popularity throughout the country.
Supporters in Tunisia play a central role in the country’s sports scene, especially in football, where fan passion and fervor are particularly pronounced.
Tunisian supporters are known for their passion and commitment to their teams. Whether in stadiums or on social media, they show unwavering support for their club, often considered an integral part of their identity. Derbies, especially between Espérance de Tunis and Club Africain, are events where fervor peaks with stadiums full of fans singing, waving flags, and creating impressive tifos.
In Tunisia, supporter groups, often called "ultras," play a key role in energizing matches. Every major club has its organized supporter groups, such as the "Blood and Gold" for Espérance de Tunis or the "Leaders Clubistes" for Club Africain. These groups are known for their creativity in making tifos, choreographies, and chants, bringing a unique and sometimes intimidating atmosphere to the stadiums.
Tifos, these large visual frescoes displayed by supporters before the start of matches, are a well-established tradition in Tunisia. These giant works of art, often accompanied by chants and pyrotechnics, reflect the culture, history of the club, and identity of the supporters. Supporter chants, often very rhythmic and inspired by traditional or modern music, are another distinctive element of this culture, resonating throughout the stadiums during matches.
Rivalries between clubs are intense in Tunisia, with matches between historic rivals often marked by an electric atmosphere. Encounters between Espérance de Tunis and Club Africain, or between Étoile Sportive du Sahel and CS Sfaxien, are highlights of the Tunisian football calendar, where the stakes often go beyond the mere sporting result.
Supporters in Tunisia have also shown their influence beyond sports fields, especially during the 2011 Revolution. Ultras played an active role in the protests, using their organization and mobilization capacity to contribute to the country’s social and political movements.
Over time, supporter culture in Tunisia has evolved, notably with the influence of social media, allowing fans to express themselves and mobilize more easily. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of stadium security, where violent incidents have sometimes occurred, forcing authorities to take measures to manage these gatherings.
In short, Tunisian supporters, with their passion and creativity, are the soul of sport in Tunisia, playing a crucial role in the identity of clubs and in the country’s sporting culture.
Tunisia hosts numerous major international sporting events each year. Here is a list of the most important sports competitions and events held in Tunisia:
Championnat de Tunisie de Football (Football): The Championnat de Tunisie de Football, also known as Ligue Professionnelle 1, is the top division of Tunisian football. It brings together the country’s best clubs, with intense matches throughout the season. FTF.org.tn
Coupe de Tunisie de Football (Football): The Coupe de Tunisie is an annual knockout competition open to all Tunisian clubs. It is one of the most prestigious trophies in Tunisian football. FTF.org.tn
Championnat d'Afrique des Nations de Handball (Handball): A major continental competition regularly held in Tunisia, bringing together the best African national handball teams. Tunisia is often one of the hosts and favorites. CAHB.org
Marathon de Carthage (Athletics): The Carthage Marathon is an annual running event held in Tunis, offering participants a scenic course through iconic historical sites such as the ruins of Carthage. carthage-marathon.com
Championnat de Tunisie de Basketball (Basketball): This championship brings together Tunisia’s top basketball teams, with matches held throughout the season for the national title. Fédération Tunisienne de Basket Ball
Open de Tunis (Tennis): The Open de Tunis is an international clay court tennis tournament that is part of the ATP Challenger circuit. It attracts world-class players and is held annually in Tunis. Tunis | Overview | ATP Tour | Tennis
Rallye de Tunisie (Rally-Raid): The Rallye de Tunisie is a rally-raid that takes place in the Tunisian desert. It is one of the flagship events on the North African rally calendar. Fenix Rally 2024 - Fenix Rally
Tournoi International de Hammamet (Wrestling): This wrestling tournament brings together top international competitors, with matches contested in various weight categories. Fédération Tunisienne De Lutte
Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Football, Handball, Volleyball): Founded in 1919, Espérance Sportive de Tunis (EST) is one of Tunisia’s most titled and iconic clubs, nicknamed the "Blood and Gold" in reference to its red and yellow colors. The club has won numerous national championships and African competitions in several sports, particularly football. EST supporters are known as the "Blood and Gold" and are among the most passionate in the country, often responsible for impressive tifos and an electric atmosphere in the stadium. Esperance-de-tunis.net
Club Africain (Football, Handball, Basketball): Founded in 1920, Club Africain (CA) is another historic Tunis club, often regarded as EST’s main rival. Nicknamed the "Red and White," CA has won numerous national and African titles, particularly in football and handball. Club Africain supporters are called the "Leaders Clubistes" and are known for their loyalty and dedication, with highly creative chants and tifos. Clubafricain.com
Étoile Sportive du Sahel (Football, Handball, Basketball): Étoile Sportive du Sahel (ESS), founded in 1925 in Sousse, is a multidisciplinary club known for its successes in football, handball, and basketball. Nicknamed the "Étoilés," the club has a rich history of victories both nationally and internationally. ESS supporters, known as the "Brigade Rouge," are particularly fervent, creating a hot atmosphere during matches, especially at the Stade Olympique de Sousse. Etoile Sportive Du Sahel
Club Sportif Sfaxien (Football, Volleyball): Founded in 1928, Club Sportif Sfaxien (CSS) is one of the most respected clubs in Sfax. Nicknamed the "Black and White," CSS has had much success, particularly in football and volleyball, with several national and continental titles. CSS supporters, called the "Sfaxiens," are known for their passion and unwavering support, with a strong presence at home and away matches. Club-sportif-sfaxien.com
Union Sportive Monastirienne (Basketball, Football): Founded in 1923, Union Sportive Monastirienne (USMo) is particularly recognized for its basketball achievements, where it has won several national and African championships. In football, the club is also competitive, but it shines mainly in basketball. USMo supporters, often called the "Blue and White," are very engaged, especially during basketball matches, creating a friendly but intense atmosphere.
Union Sportive de Ben Guerdane (Football): Founded in 1936, Union Sportive de Ben Guerdane (USBG) is a football club that has recently climbed the ranks to become a top team in Tunisian Ligue 1. Nicknamed the "Yellow and Black," the club has become a key player in Tunisian football. USBG supporters, known as the "Lions of the South," are very passionate and bring vibrant energy to matches, especially in southern Tunisia.
With the rising popularity of sports events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market offer has adapted to this global market, with a range of individual makeup pencils for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® making last-minute makeup easy, sticker makeup kits, and even personalized makeup operations on match days.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent market study, the sports makeup sector has seen a 15% annual sales increase over the past five years. This growth is fueled by the popularity of social media, where fans proudly share their looks and thus encourage the trend's virality.
Influencers play a crucial role in popularizing fan makeup. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, thousands of tutorials and transformation videos are shared, generating millions of views. These content creators inspire their followers to express their passion for sports through creative and bold looks.
Brands often collaborate with these influencers to promote their products, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. Dedicated hashtags like #FanFacePaint, #FanMakeup, or #GameDayFace have become viral trends, boosting engagement and product visibility.
Innovations in this field are numerous. Notably, Fanbrush®, the reference in fan makeup innovation. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil, launched in 2006 in Europe. The product is now available for all clubs worldwide.
In terms of makeup, the products are also formulated to resist sweat, weather conditions, and even offer sun protection. Companies diversify by offering varied ranges suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classics to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also create limited editions and special collections that sell out quickly. For example, some football teams collaborate with brands to create makeup kits in official colors, often sold in club shops.
The fan sports makeup merchandising business is much more than a niche. It is a dynamic, expanding sector that combines passion, creativity, and innovation. As sports events continue to attract millions of spectators worldwide, fan makeup is only gaining popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
This innovation was designed for easy and quick fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in a group, or at home.
The range includes +1000 references from 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checkerboards, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors of national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sports competitions with major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lidl, adidas, Heineken, etc.
Whatever type of supporter you are, we have your Fanbrush®.
Learn more: www.fanbrush.com
Whether in the form of supporter makeup, powder thrown in fun runs, or body paint in Rainbow parades, color is now an integral part of sports, festive, or protest events worldwide. Our success story began with the launch of Fanbrush® in Europe in 2006.
Fanbrush® is the world's first multiline makeup pencil. A product made in France, protected by trademarks and patents.
Our product is now distributed in over 21 countries: Europe, USA, India, Australia, Tunisia. We can export to any other country. With +1000 references and limitless combination possibilities, we can create any new reference on demand.
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