Facts about football that you might not know

Football is the most popular sport in the world, bringing together millions of people of all ages and nationalities. From exciting matches to spectacular goals, football brings unforgettable emotions and experiences. This game has a rich history and many interesting aspects that make it unique. Here is a selection of interesting facts about football that will help you better understand this wonderful sport.

1. The history of modern football begins in England in the 19th century. The first official football association was founded in 1863, when the first rules of the game were adopted. These rules became the basis for the development of football around the world.
2. The first international soccer match took place in 1872 between England and Scotland. The game ended in a 0-0 draw and took place in Glasgow. This match started the tradition of international football competitions.
3. The FIFA World Cup, organized by FIFA, is the most prestigious tournament in the world of football. The first World Cup was held in 1930 in Uruguay, and the Uruguayan national team won. Since then, the tournament has been held every four years.
4. Brazil is the most successful country in the history of the World Cup, having won the tournament five times. Brazilian players such as Pele, Zico, and Ronaldo have become legends in world football. The Brazilian national team is known for its attacking style of play and technique.
5. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered to be two of the best football players of our time. They have set numerous records and received many awards, including the Ballon d’Or, which is awarded to the best player of the year. Their rivalry has become one of the main topics of world football in recent years.
6. Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of the UEFA Champions League, having won the tournament 14 times. The club has a rich history and is known for its star players, such as Alfredo di Stefano, Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
7. The largest stadium in the world used for football matches is located in North Korea. It is the May 1 Rungrado Stadium in Pyongyang, which can accommodate 114 thousand spectators. It is used for various sports and cultural events.
8. The soccer match with the highest number of goals scored took place in 2002 in the Madagascar championship. The AS Adema team defeated Stade Olympic L’Emirne with a score of 149:0. This result was due to a protest by players who scored field goals.
9. It is believed that the fastest goal in the history of football was scored in 2.8 seconds after the start of the match. It happened in 2009 during a game between Kavkasioni and Olympiacos in Georgia. The player Michael Swidler shot on goal immediately after the starting whistle and scored a goal.
10. Football referee Ken Aston became the inventor of the yellow and red cards. After an incident at the 1966 World Cup, he proposed this system to facilitate communication between referees and players. A yellow card means a warning, and a red card means a sending off.
11. “The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, given to the best player in the world. The award was founded by France Football magazine in 1956. The first winner was the English player Stanley Matthews.
12. The longest football match lasted 36 hours. It took place in 2015 in the UK to raise funds for charity. The match involved two teams that competed without a break for almost a day and a half.
13. Football is the most popular sport in the world, with billions of fans on all continents. According to FIFA, more than 240 million people in more than 200 countries play football. This game unites people of different cultures and nationalities.
14. The most expensive transfer in the history of football took place in 2017, when Brazilian player Neymar moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for 222 million euros. This amount set a new record and emphasized the high financial stakes in modern football.
15. The soccer ball has an interesting history of development. The first balls were made of animal bladders, and later they were replaced by rubber ones. Modern soccer balls consist of 32 panels that ensure optimal shape and flight.
16. Women’s soccer is gaining in popularity. The first FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in 1991 in China. Today, women’s football is actively developing, and its level is constantly growing.
17. In football, there is a term “hat trick” that means three goals scored by one player in one match. If a player scores four goals, it is called a “poker”. These achievements are very prestigious and rare.
18. The most famous football tournament for clubs is the UEFA Champions League. This tournament was founded in 1955 and was originally called the European Champions Cup. The Champions League gathers the best clubs in Europe and determines the strongest of them.
19. Football fans are known for their dedication and passion. Many countries have official fan clubs that support their teams at every match. The atmosphere at football stadiums is often unforgettable due to the songs, choreographies and emotions of the fans.
20. The offside rule is one of the most difficult to understand in football. This rule prohibits a player from being closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the penultimate defender during a pass. Offside is designed to prevent an unfair advantage for the attackers.

Football is more than just a game. It is a culture, history and emotions that unite millions of people around the world. From the first whistle to the final goal, football gives unforgettable moments and captures the hearts of fans. Thanks to its versatility and simplicity, football will remain the most popular sport for many years to come.