“Green Bay Sucks!” Chants Echo in Milan: The Bears-Packers Rivalry Goes Global
The Bears-Packers rivalry has always had teeth, but lately, it's been baring fangs on a whole new level - and not just in the NFC North. For decades, Chicago fans have lived in the long shadow of Green Bay’s quarterback royalty, from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers.
That dominance turned what was once a storied rivalry into something more lopsided - and far more frustrating for Bears fans. But times are changing.
After the Bears swept the Packers last season, a shift in energy was undeniable. That long-standing bitterness?
It’s no longer simmering quietly. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s everywhere - literally.
Over the past year, “Green Bay sucks!” chants have become a soundtrack of sorts in Chicago - and not just at Soldier Field.
You’d hear it at Blackhawks games, Bulls games, even at Wrigley Field during Cubs season. What started as a local rallying cry has now gone global.
The Bears Show Up in Milan - Without Even Taking the Ice
During the U.S. men’s hockey game against Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the score was tied 1-1 in the second period when something unexpected happened: the now-familiar “Green Bay sucks!” chant broke out in the crowd. Thousands of miles from the Windy City, the rivalry still found a way to make itself heard.
It was a surreal moment - the kind of thing that makes you realize just how far the Bears’ reach has grown. Sure, seeing those chants in Chicago is one thing.
But hearing them echo through an Olympic arena in Italy? That’s something else entirely.
A Global Fanbase, Decades in the Making
The Bears have been planting international roots for years, and this moment felt like a culmination of that effort. Back in 1986, fresh off a Super Bowl win, the Bears played in the American Bowl in London.
That trip helped spark interest in the team overseas, and the fanbase has only grown since. Today, the Bears are reportedly the second-most popular NFL team in the UK, trailing only the Cowboys.
They’ve also built a strong following in Spain - just a short hop from Italy - which adds some context to how a Bears chant could break out at a hockey game in Milan. Whether it was American fans traveling for the Olympics or European fans who’ve adopted Chicago as their team, the presence was real. And, as it turns out, maybe even a little lucky.
After the chants? Team USA rattled off four unanswered goals, cruising to a 5-1 win over Latvia.
Coincidence? Maybe.
But Bears fans won’t mind taking a little credit.
Looking Ahead: The Bears Could Be Headed to Spain
With the NFL set to host nine international games in 2026, the Bears seem poised to take their global brand a step further. Up to this point, all of their overseas appearances have been in the UK. But this season, there’s a strong chance they’ll play in a new country - and Spain is the leading candidate.
It makes sense. The Bears were granted marketing rights in Spain under the NFL’s Global Markets Program, giving them exclusive access to grow their fanbase there. Madrid feels like a natural next stop.
If the game does take place in Spain, the likely opponent would be the Miami Dolphins - another team with marketing rights in the region. That matchup would come with its own layer of intrigue.
Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley was the Packers’ defensive coordinator last season, and now he could be facing off against Ben Johnson, the Bears’ new head coach. A little NFC North flavor, served up on an international stage.
From Soldier Field to the World Stage
The Bears may not have played a down in the Olympics, but their presence was felt. And that’s the point. This isn’t just about a rivalry anymore - it’s about a fanbase that’s growing louder, prouder, and more global by the day.
So if you hear “Green Bay sucks!” halfway across the world, don’t be surprised. The Bears are coming - and apparently, they’re bringing the noise with them.