The Barea : Madagascar's superheroes
It is said that superheroes save lives… In Madagascar, the Barea have revived the spirit of the nation in ways unimaginable. For too long, the Malagasy were seen as "the little ones" due to their lack of international sports achievements. But now, that perception has shifted forever. What pride to see the world finally turning its admiring gaze toward us!
Barea, what does it really mean?
Barea, the Zebu
The Barea is a rare breed of zebu found in the forests of the Tuléar region, stretching from the central-western part of the island to the southwest. Known as "Barea" in the southwestern dialect and "Baria" in the central-western dialect, this wild zebu species is unique to Madagascar.
With a powerful body, more hair than other zebus, a prominent hump, and large, impressive horns, the Barea’s rare features make it extraordinary—reminiscent of the deer that once roamed the island but were hunted to extinction.
Barea, the National Football Team
The Malagasy national football team adopted the name Barea, reflecting the values associated with zebus in Madagascar: power, strength, and wealth.
The team unified the nation through their victories during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, which lasted until July 19, 2019. The Barea brought joy to everyone, from the poorest to the wealthiest, gathering people in the streets to watch matches live on giant screens in public squares.
For the Malagasy people, the Barea became heroes. In the streets and on public transport, people expressed their admiration and gratitude for the "zebus of Madagascar." Faneva ANDRIANTSIMA, the team captain, shared his delight: “To make the people vibrate and bring a little light to a nation that struggles daily is truly rewarding.”
Their remarkable 2-0 victory over Nigeria, which secured a place in the Round of 16, revealed a little-known virtue of the Malagasy people: unity—expressed locally as "miara mirona!" (one for all and all for one).
This historic qualification as group leaders, ahead of Nigeria and Guinea, created widespread euphoria across the island.
@ Africa Top Sports
The Magic of the Quarterfinals
A night like no other! Sunday, July 7, 2019, may have been Madagascar’s most thrilling evening since the country’s independence in 1960.
A fiercely contested football match saw Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) tied 2-2 after 120 nail-biting minutes. In the end, Madagascar triumphed in a 4-2 penalty shootout. The failed penalty kick by the DRC triggered a surge of emotions so intense that it reportedly led to five deaths that night.
Even people from other countries who witnessed the joyous hysteria admitted, “We’ve never seen anything like this, even when our own nations achieved similar victories.”
What exactly was this magic?
People watching the game at home poured into the streets to celebrate each goal, congratulating one another. After the match, neighborhoods came alive with whistles, applause, blaring music from car parades, rhythmic honking, and fervent drumbeats. Traditional musicians paraded through neighborhoods, playing enchanting rhythms on trumpets and drums. Malagasy flags waved everywhere, and some banged on pot lids with fervor. Others joined spontaneous dance performances, expressing their joy.
Sylvain PHILIP, General Manager of DETOURS, remarked:
“For me, it’s the first time I’ve seen the Malagasy community united in such a fervent, collective dynamic for a common good rather than individual interests. This team embodies teamwork, solidarity, energy, and humility—values that I integrate into the management of Détours Madagascar. Let’s hope that at the highest level of government, this virtuous momentum is harnessed and sustained. This fervor isn’t just Malagasy; it knows no borders. Here in Madagascar, everyone supports the Barea without distinction, celebrating the team, its spirit, and this newfound unity. Beyond Madagascar, in France and across the Indian Ocean, everyone stands with the Barea. It’s amazing, incredible, and beautiful to witness.”
Though some say, “It’s not the final yet,” the truth is that the Barea have worked magic. They have accomplished what no one else could: igniting a passion that brought immense joy to the Malagasy people, both at home and abroad. This new spirit will inspire future generations for years to come, and for that, the nation is deeply grateful to the players of the Barea.
Alefa Barea !
Olive Ramarozatovo