Football, or soccer if you hail from beyond North America, is the world’s most popular game. Its historical beginnings stretch thousands of years, evolving from several ancient ball sports to the present-day worldwide phenomenon.
Early Chinese sports, similar to soccer, have their roots in old China, where “Cuju” was already played during the Han Dynasty (approximately 2,000 years ago). Even the ancient Greeks and Romans participated in playing ball games, using “Episkyros” and “Harpastum”, which used feet and hands to advance the ball. The early games were physical yet lacked the organization of soccer today.
During medieval Europe, “mob football” was a regular game, often played by entire villages on festival days. The games were unorganized, with no specific rules and aggressive play. With time, there was an increased demand for a more organized game version.
The modern version of soccer emerged in 1863 in England when the Football Association (FA) was formed. The FA developed standardized rules prohibiting using hands, setting the stage for the game as we know it today. This set the stage for soccer’s rapid growth across Europe and the globe, eventually forming the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in 1904 to govern international competition.
By the 20th century, soccer had become a global phenomenon, and the first FIFA World Cup was organized in 1930. The popularity of soccer clubs and leagues, particularly in Europe, grew. Real Madrid and Manchester United are now global brands, and players worldwide flock to them.
The technology, fitness, and data analysis breakthroughs have intensified and made soccer more strategic. Although the sport’s business has commoditized it into a multi-billion-dollar market, soccer’s fundamental attraction persists and unites people everywhere in the world. From street games to World Cup tournaments, soccer continues to evolve, adapt to, and shape global culture.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_association_football
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https://barcelonapremiersc.com/blog/evolution-of-soccer-from-ancient-roots-to-modern-day-phenomenon/
