A Brief History of Soccer: Timeline and Facts
A History of Soccer: Full Timeline, Facts and Stats
Today, soccer is the most popular sport on earth. But how did it get there? Read on for a full history of the beautiful game…
FIFA is followed by an estimated 3.5 billion people, with 265 million players registered in 200 countries.
To understand how football became the dominant game we know today, we need to take a look at its history. Let’s follow the history of soccer to connect the primitive practices of ancient times to our present-day billion-dollar stadiums!
Ancient Beginnings: Kicking Games in Early Civilisations
The history of soccer dates back to ancient China, where it was invented in the year 200 BC. Ancient people played the game of Cuju in the Han Dynasty, which involved kicking a ball made of feathers and stuffed with leather into a net.
FIFA has officially declared Cuju to be the first organised form of soccer. It was even used by emperors to train soldiers!
There are a few other versions of ancient soccer. In Greece, play was called Episkyros, and it was a test of cooperation, whereas the Romans played a more violent game called Harpastum.
Even in Central America, the Mayans and Aztecs played ball games on stone courts, but these were usually associated with rituals. These primitive forms demonstrate that the history of soccer isn’t just about sport - it’s a history of human instinct and connection.
Medieval Soccer: Chaos in the Streets
In the Middle Ages, football was first established in England. During the 12th and 13th centuries, towns competed against each other in what more resembled a riot than a sport.
The bladder of an inflated pig was pursued by hundreds of villagers in muddy streets, fields and rivers. Games might take hours, or even days, and the rules often varied according to local custom.
This raucous variant of the game frightened the authorities. In 1314, King Edward II prohibited soccer in London, as it was “noisy and dangerous.” Subsequent kings, such as Edward III, reinstated the ban, fearing that soccer distracted men from more important pursuits like archery, which was crucial to defence.
However, the English people didn’t stop playing. The game was already a part of everyday habits and self-identification.
The 19th Century: Birth of Modern Rules
The history of soccer as we know it really started in the 1800s. Schools and universities in England all played their own versions. Some allowed the ball to be handled, similar to rugby, but others preferred kicking.
When teams in different areas came together, there was confusion and chaos, as no one felt they properly understood the rules.
This problem was solved in 1863, when a group of clubs convened in London. They established the Football Association (FA) and drafted the original standard rules. Holding the ball was now prohibited, marking the final parting of ways between soccer and rugby.
The first FA Cup competition followed shortly after in 1871, with the Wanderers as the first champions. This started an organised, recognisable version of the sport for the very first time.
Soccer Goes Global: Early International Competitions
Once the rules were established in England, football was transported by British sailors, traders and workers to Europe, Africa and South America. By the 1890s, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay had developed successful soccer cultures.
Organised soccer in São Paulo is typically attributed to British-Brazilian Charles Miller, whose efforts resulted in the state becoming a powerhouse of the game.
FIFA was established in 1904 in Paris by seven European countries: France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and Sweden. It aimed to encourage global togetherness using soccer.
This dream came true in 1930 with the first FIFA World Cup, which was hosted in Uruguay. There were thirteen participants, including Uruguay, who won the first trophy.
Approximately half a million fans attended all the matches. This was a huge figure at the time, and it’s clear evidence of the growing world prominence of soccer.
The Golden Age: Iconic Stars and New Tactics
The mid-19th century was the true Golden Age of soccer. Pelé, a 17-year-old Brazilian football star, was first introduced to the world during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. He scored six goals, including two in the final.
This ushered in a decade of dominance for soccer, and Pelé would go on to score more than 1,000 career goals. Even today, this is a truly remarkable achievement.
Johan Cruyff and the Dutch national team popularised a new tactical system in the 1970s, called Total Football. This allowed players to change positions freely, and it transformed how the world thought about football strategy.
Diego Maradona also provided one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history. In 1986, he scored the notorious Hand of God goal and the Goal of the Century against England.
These instances demonstrate that soccer moments are not just facts on a page, but treasured memories for fans across the world.
The Modern Era: Money, Media and Technology
Nowadays, the history of soccer cannot be told without money and the media. The 2018 World Cup in Russia was viewed by 3.57 billion people, almost half the entire world. The final between France and Croatia was seen by over 1.1 billion people.
In 2022, FIFA paid out $440 million in prize money at the World Cup, with Argentina winning $42 million. Manchester City, who won the 2023 UEFA Champions League, received approximately $136 million in prize money and bonuses throughout the tournament.
This boost in earnings applies to player salaries, too. Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo earned over one billion dollars during their careers through contracts and endorsements.
The modern game has been transformed by technology. Video Assistant Referee (VAR), goal line sensors and enhanced fitness tracking are now playing a huge role in decisions and performance.
Women’s football has also seen a growth in recognition in recent years. The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup was viewed by over 1.12 billion individuals worldwide.
Top Soccer Facts: Defining a Legacy
Here are some of the best stats, figures and records from the history of soccer:
The most attended soccer game was in 1950 - 200,000 fans filled the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro
Real Madrid has won 15 UEFA Champions League titles
Lionel Messi has scored more than 800 career goals
Brazil has won five World Cups
Arsenal has the longest unbeaten run in the Premier League - 49 league matches in a row
The most expensive transfer in history was Neymar in 2017 - he was sold from Barcelona FC to Paris Saint-Germain for 222 million
Soccer has integrated tradition and modernity to produce incredible players, new tactics and cultural moments for nations across the world.
A History of Soccer - Everything You Need to Know
The history of football is a broad, cultural and interconnected story. Since ancient Chinese warriors played Cuju, soccer has been beloved like no other sport. Each decade has brought something different, from organised games to the latest technology.
We’ve seen new Football Association regulations, the first World Cup, the emergence of heroes like Diego Maradona, and the billion-dollar deals of Messi and Ronaldo.
Soccer’s sheer scale of global coverage speaks volumes, and it’s clear to see why the sport continues to win hearts all over the world. The history of football will never be irrelevant. It’s not just a game, but a reflection of human society.
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