Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, also known as soccer in some parts of the world. The oldest history of football that dates back more than 2000 years. It is known from the ancient civilizations of Rome and Greece that balls were made from animal bladders or (leather) and were played there. Which did not look like the football we see today.
However, football originated in China. The modern form of football that we see today began to take shape in England in the 19th century.
What was the ball game like in ancient times
You will be happy to know that football is still played in the same way as it was played by kicking with the feet. Only the style of play has changed. This game was part of religious rituals or military training in those days, they considered the game as a teamwork and physical skill.
Kuju: Ancient Chinese Football
Around 2,500 years ago, there was a similar game in China called “Kuju”, which, according to the International Football Association, was the origin of football as a sport. During the Warring States Period (476-221BC), “Cu” (“kicking”) and “Ju” (a type of leather ball filled with feathers) became popular.
Around 2,000 years ago, there was a game similar to modern football in China called “Kuju”. Which, according to the International Football Association, is recognized as a football game. The year was 476-221 BC during the Warring States Period.
“Cu” means-(kicking) and
“Ju” means-(a type of leather ball filled with feathers)
It became very popular then.
Kemari: Japan’s Ball Game
Kemari is a ball game that is believed to have originated in China during the Yamato period about 1,500 years ago. There is no winner or loser in this game, the object of the game is simply to pass the ball to one another.
Episkyros: Football in Ancient Greece and Rome
Episkyros, an ancient Greek game, involved two teams using strategy to throw or kick a ball over a boundary line in a physically intense competition. Episkyros was similar to modern football.
What was medieval football like in Europe?
During the Middle Ages, games like football spread throughout Europe. The game was often chaotic and lacked standardized rules. Locals played the game however they wanted.
Mob Football
During the Middle Ages in England, there was a popular game called “mob football”. Played between neighboring villages, mob football had a few different rules. The object was to make a ball out of a pig’s bladder and throw it into a goal.
Mob football was not played with just the hands or feet, sometimes players would use weapons to control the ball, which was forbidden by English kings. Despite this ban, the game survived and laid the foundation for modern football.
Calcio Storico
In Renaissance Italy, calcio storico emerged as a more structured form of football. Played in Florence, calcio was a mixture of football, wrestling, and rugby. It was played by 27 players, with the main objective being to kick or throw the ball into the opposing team’s net to score goals. The games were highly competitive and often brutal.
Birth of Modern Football
The 19th century is considered a turning point for football, as it transformed from local, unregulated games into the modern game of football that we know today.
The Role of Public Schools
English public schools played a significant role in the formation of modern football. Schools such as Eton, Harrow, and Rugby developed their versions of the game with different rules. Some schools emphasized kicking the ball. These differences eventually led to the formation of two distinct sports: association football (soccer) and rugby football.
Formation of the Football Association
Around 1863, representatives of several clubs and schools met in London to establish football rules. These discussions led to the formation of the Football Association (FA) and the creation of the “Laws of the Game.” This law prohibited using the ball with hands (except by the goalkeeper) and established basic principles such as offside and fouls. The FA separates association football from rugby.
The global spread of football
Nearly the end of the 19th century, football began to spread beyond England due to British sailors and workers. The game gained widespread popularity in Europe, South America and beyond.
South America
Football reached South America through British immigrants, sailors and workers. Countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay adopted the game, establishing their own clubs and organizing good competitions. By the early 20th century, South America had become a strong football center, producing legendary players and strong teams.
Europe
Football quickly gained popularity in subcontinental Europe, countries such as France, Germany and Italy. Soon national leagues and international tournaments began, fierce rivalries were born and the fan base grew.
Africa and Asia
The way football was played made it attractive to people in Africa and Asia. The game became a team force, uniting different communities and different cultures. And because of that manifestation, today, countries on this continent have competitive football leagues and national teams, which is great news.
Evolution of fotball
As football spread around the world, its rules and some of its structures continued to change. Key structural changes include:
- Introduction of competitions: The FA Cup was the first official football competition in 1871. International tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup (first held in 1930) and the UEFA Champions League further enhanced the game’s prestige.
- Professionalization: In the late 19th century, clubs began to pay players of their choice, giving rise to professional football. This change allowed athletes to become completely self-reliant in their sport, and the standard of play began to rise.
- Technological developments: Innovations such as goal-line technology, football sensors, video assistant referees (VAR), and modern coaching methods have further accelerated the standard of play.
From the ancient ball game to the modern game, the journey of football is inexhaustible. Today’s football creates harmony between people of different cultures, traditions and languages, football knows no boundaries and is spread worldwide. Its rich history reflects the love of people for competition, the love of one country for another and the joy of playing. That’s why we love football.
The oldest history of football
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