Soccer, that exciting sport that fills us with emotion and unites us as fans, has a fascinating history that goes back many centuries. If you want to know the origins of soccer and more, this article is for you.
Soccer, the most popular and exciting sport in the world, has left an indelible mark on the history of humanity.
From its beginnings several centuries ago to becoming a global phenomenon today, this sport has captured the hearts of millions of people in all corners of the planet.
But what are the origins of soccer? Where does this unbridled passion for him come from?
In this article, you can read about its evolution throughout the centuries to discover how it has transcended borders and cultures, becoming the sport we know today.
Soccer Origins: Ancient Rome and Greece
The idea of a game involving kicking a ball is quite universal, and evidence exists in various ancient cultures.
In ancient Greece, a game called “episkyros” involved kicking a ball and was played on a marked field, although it allowed using the hands.
On the other hand, in ancient Rome, the legionnaires played the “harpastum,” a game considered a version of the Greek “episkyros,” brought by the Romans when they conquered Greece.
FIFA recognizes “episkyros” as one of the first forms of football.
Possible origins of soccer include the ancient Chinese civilization.
Around 2,300 years ago, in the ancient Chinese civilization, a game called “cuju” was viral. Literally, “cuju” means “to kick the ball.”
Like modern soccer, this game consisted of passing a ball stuffed with fur and feathers through a net, using only the feet.
It wasn’t just entertainment but also used to keep soldiers in shape.
This is one of the first documented examples of a game similar to soccer, where there were manuals with rules, the teams had their colors, and the captains wore a hat that differentiated them from the rest of the players.
On the other hand, there were clubs, sponsors, and coaches.
As a curious fact, the best players were always invited to imperial celebrations in addition to obtaining fame and fortune.
The medievals and the ‘Mob Football
As we move towards the Middle Ages in Europe, we see a game called ‘Mob Football’ in England.
This game was played between rival groups of villages and towns, and its violent style resulted in injuries, even deaths.
The object was to move a ball to a designated target, but the rules were non-existent or vague.
Entire populations participated, and the playing fields could extend several kilometers.
Despite their danger, these games were popular on festivities and special occasions, such as carnivals.
The beginnings of modern football
The 19th century in England
As we know it today, soccer has its roots in 19th-century England.
At this point, numerous forms of football existed with different rules.
This caused problems when schools tried to compete with each other.
In 1848, a set of rules known as the “Cambridge Rules” was drawn up at the University of Cambridge.
In these, using the hands was prohibited, and they began to form the basis of modern football.
The founding of the Football Association
A crucial milestone occurred in 1863: the Football Association (FA) formation in England.
This body took the Cambridge Rules and further developed them to create a standardized set of rules.
In addition, the FA Cup started in 1871, was one of the first organized tournaments and helped to popularize and regularize the game.
Soccer goes international
This sport began to spread through English workers who traveled the world, and the first international soccer match took place in 1872 between Scotland and England.
FIFA and the World Cup
In 1904 the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) was founded.
This organization took soccer globally, culminating in the inaugural World Cup in 1930, which Uruguay won.
Football Today: A global sport
Currently, soccer is the most popular and practiced sport in the world.
It has a huge fan base and thousands of teams competing nationally and internationally.
Europe’s soccer leagues, such as the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, and Italian Serie A, are considered some of the best in the world, attracting players and fans from far and wide.
Frequently asked questions about the origins of soccer.
Why is the sport called “soccer”?
The term “soccer” comes from England (in English football) and refers to playing mainly with the feet and a ball.
Is there a country that is considered the “father” of modern football?
Yes, modern football as we know it today originated in England in the 19th century. It was here that the standardized rules of the game were established.
Has soccer always been a game without physical contact?
No, older versions of the game, such as “mob football” in medieval England, were often violent and chaotic, with no clear rules to prevent physical contact.
When was the first women’s soccer game played?
Historical records indicate that women’s football was played in England as early as the 1890s. However, in the 20th century, women’s football began to receive more widespread acceptance and recognition.
Conclusion
Today, soccer is more than just a game; it is a culture, a lifestyle, and a passion that unites people of all ages, races, and social classes.
From its humble beginnings in ancient civilizations to its current status as the world’s most popular sport, soccer has come a long way.
As the game continues to evolve, soccer continues to excite and captivate us, generating passion and joy in every corner of the planet.
CeleBreak is football for everyone.
CeleBreak organizes friendly matches throughout the day in different places so you can play when and where you want.
You just need to download and register for the CeleBreak App, available for iOS and Android.
You can choose between the different modalities, women’s football, men’s football, or fun mixed football.
Download and play!
