Football has always had the power to unite people, while few destinations have the ability to draw a crowd like Como. 

Even then, the ability of the Como Cup to lure fans from all corners of the globe has been one of the most eye-catching elements of the first ever Football on the Lake festival. 

The city centre has been awash with football jerseys, caps and scarves across the five-day tournament, with the regular stream of Lariani blue mixed with a palate of kit colours from around the globe.

Adding to the blend are Celtic, Ajax and Al-Ahli fans, who have been soaking up the sun by the lake. 

That includes Rahman, who travelled cross-continent from his homeland to watch his side play. 

“We came from south-west of Saudi Arabia just to attend this tournament,” he says while taking in the fan zone which has taken over the city’s main Piazza Cavour. 

“We had to take two flights. It took us eight to nine hours to arrive here. It’s our first time in Como but we really like it. 

“People here are charming.The lake, the atmosphere. It’s a multicultural city.”

While those from Saudi have arrived with the promise of seeing their favourite team, others have switched up holiday plans at the last minute to experience the Sinigaglia on a match day. 

“We booked a holiday to Milan and then the Cup got announced,” says Jack, who has travelled to Italy from Aberdeen in Scotland with his friend Steven.

“Como has become such a big team now, worldwide. We’ve just seen it on Twitter. I saw that there were a few games on and I thought, why not?”

The pair are part of a wide-ranging cast of neutrals who have filled the stands and streets during the tournament, with football tops from England, France and Spain all on show. 

Every fan has their own story to tell about how and why the Como Cup resonated with them, but most will be hard pushed to beat one group. 

“We’re doing a Euro summer tour, and we saw this,” says James, who is originally from Sydney in Australia. “We thought it was a good stop. Good team line-ups as well. A lot of Aussies played for Celtic.”

He has arrived with five friends from home – a mix of young professionals starting their careers in Europe and those making the long trip to join from Down Under. 

“It’s just such a celebration of the game. It brings tourists to somewhere they normally wouldn’t be able to come and show their love of the game. 

“We’re meeting people from all around the world, and we’re all here in celebration of the game.

“We’re staying in Brunate. It’s such a beautiful view. Como’s got a good vibe about it. Good atmosphere, lots of people buzzing.

“In Australia we have these events that are bigger things – one-offs. But football over here – every game, it’s like an event. It’s a celebration.”