Beyond the Pitch: How Media Narratives Shape Perceptions of the Shanghai Derby and Their Impact on Urban Identity

Abstract

The Shanghai Derby, contested between Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Port, represents one of the most significant rivalries in Chinese football, embodying far more than athletic competition. This paper examines the interplay of sport, media, and urban identity within this high-profile event, using the derby as a lens to explore broader cultural and social dynamics in contemporary Shanghai. It analyzes how a variety of media actors-including national news outlets, commercial sports platforms, and digital fan communities-actively construct and disseminate competing narratives, framing the derby as a site where collective identity is performed and contested rather than merely a sporting fixture. Through these narratives, the derby becomes a focal point for negotiating issues of class, locality, and modernity within the city. Media representations often highlight contrasts between different social groups and urban districts, subtly reinforcing perceptions of belonging, prestige, and social hierarchy. Meanwhile, fan communities engage in digital storytelling and commentary that not only intensify the rivalry but also contribute to a shared sense of urban identity. This convergence of media and fan engagement demonstrates how sports events can operate as cultural texts, revealing deeper patterns of urban life, social interaction, and identity formation. By situating the Shanghai Derby within the broader context of Shanghai's evolving urban landscape, this study illustrates the multifaceted role of football as both entertainment and a medium for cultural expression. It underscores how sporting rivalries, mediated through complex channels of communication, can reflect and shape public perceptions of the city, offering insights into the intersections of sport, media, and urban culture in modern China.