Fan becomes a meme – and can fly to the next game for free
Sometimes there are only a few seconds between joy and sorrow. (Screenshot: Twitter)
Getting caught by television cameras for a few seconds at a major event is one thing. Becoming a meme after a few seconds of fame is the other. Entirely new doors are now opening up for a Swiss fan.
It was the image that will be remembered from the round of 16 games of the European Football Championship. Switzerland is 3-2 behind against the seemingly overpowering world champion France, the last minute of the game is running. A man can be seen on television screens all over the world who, on the verge of tears, stares anxiously at the pitch.
His Swiss threaten to be eliminated from the tournament after a strong performance and a missed penalty. About a minute later he can be seen again. Mario Gavranovic has just scored the 3: 3 equalizer for the Swiss. It is the gateway to extra time. The 28-year-old Luca Loutenbach has now got rid of his jersey and bucket hat and screams his joy. Memories of Gerard Butler as King Leonidas in Zack Snyder’s “300” are awakened. This is Switzerland.
π₯ππ
πππ the emotions in just 1 minute! # EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/UYDYDUyi5l
– UEFA EURO 2020 (@ EURO2020) June 28, 2021
Loutenbach’s emotional roller coaster ride becomes a viral internet hit. Himself to the meme. The internet is full of Loutenbach’s two faces. Like him in conversation with the Swiss newspaper Look reveals, he knows that his fame will be short-lived. But now he was even able to take advantage of this short-term celebrity status.
Dear @ lucalo92 contact us via direct message and we will make your dream come true;)
– Swiss Intl Air Lines (@FlySWISS) June 29, 2021
So far, he has only missed the group game in Rome, otherwise always cheering on the “Nati” on site in Baku or Bucharest. A trip to the quarter-finals in St. Petersburg was not planned. That’s why Loutenbach contacted the Swiss airline Swiss on his return to Zurich – and got an answer promptly. Swiss wants to fly him to St. Petersburg – for free. What an internet hype about yourself can be all good for. Thanks to meme culture.
