Association football, commonly known as football or soccer, is played between two teams of 11 players each. The objective is to score goals by moving the ball into the opposing team's goal. The game is governed by FIFA and played with specific rules and a standard football. International competitions include the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League.
In 1331, King Edward III of England enacted laws to prohibit the violent football games that were popular at the time, due to the high risk of injury and death during these matches.
In 1424, King James I of Scotland issued a decree banning the game of football, likely due to similar concerns over violence and safety as seen in England.
Around 1500, the game of 'calcio' was played in Italy, involving teams of 27 or more players. The game included various methods of moving the ball towards a goal line, such as kicking, carrying, or passing.
In 1580, Giovanni Bardi published a set of rules for the game of calcio played in Italy, providing a structured framework for the sport.
Queen Elizabeth I of England implemented laws that allowed for the imprisonment of football players for a week, followed by penance in a church.
Football was once again made legal in England during this year.
In the original Jamestown settlement in North America, native American Indians played a rough game called pasuckuakohowog, which meant 'they gather to play ball with the foot.' The game was played on the beach, with a field half a mile wide and goals a mile apart, often involving up to 1000 players at a time.
In 1820, Eton College in England established a set of rules for games.
The Foot-Ball Club formed in 1824 in Edinburgh is suggested by some historians as one of the earliest football clubs.
In 1835, football was once again forbidden, but by this time, the game had already been established in public schools. The ban did not deter the popularity of the sport.
The first set of rules for football was published by Rugby School in 1845, marking an early attempt to formalize the game. These rules laid the foundation for the development of modern football regulations.
In 1846, alumni from different schools came together at the University of Cambridge to form a football club. This initiative aimed to create a common game and establish a respectable club, despite facing challenges from the Rugby game.
An attempt to establish proper rules for the game of football was made at a meeting in Cambridge in 1848, but a definitive set of rules was not agreed upon.
In 1849, official referees made their first appearance in a football match held in Cheltenham, setting a precedent for fair play.
The first football club of its kind, formed by former school students, was established in Sheffield in 1855.
Sheffield F.C was established in 1857, making it the oldest amateur football club in the world.
The Swiss club Lausanne Football and Cricket Club, founded in 1860, is considered the oldest club in continental Europe.
Notts County, formed in 1862, is the oldest professional football club in England that still exists today.
Representatives of several football clubs in the Greater London area met at the Freemasons' Tavern on Long Acre in Covent Garden. This marked the establishment of the world's first official football body.
The FA published the 'Laws of Football', which was the first comprehensive set of rules for the game later known as association football. These laws laid the foundations for modern football rules.
The first-ever soccer match took place on December 19, 1863, at Barnes Common in Mortlake, London, between Barnes Football Club and Richmond Football Club, ending in a 0-0 draw.
The first football match in the Netherlands was played in 1865 in Enschede.
In 1866, The Football Association introduced a 'cross tape' between goalposts, setting a precedent for the future inclusion of the 'crossbar' in football.
The Youdan Cup was introduced in 1867, marking the first competition and oldest existing trophy in football. It played a significant role in the development and popularization of football.
The Cromwell Cup, the second oldest football tournament in the world, took place in 1868 under the Sheffield Rules, highlighting the rich history of football competitions.
The first international football match arranged by the Football Association took place on 5 March 1870, ending in a 0-0 draw at the Kennington Oval in London.
C. W. Alcock proposed the establishment of a Challenge Cup in connection with the Football Association, leading to the creation of the FA Cup. The inaugural FA Cup became a major success, shaping the future of English football.
The first official international football match took place between the national teams of Scotland and England in Glasgow, Scotland. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
In 1874, the Football Association authorized referees to send players off for certain offenses and introduced a rule requiring teams to change ends at halftime. Shin pads were also introduced during this time.
In 1875, the crossbar was introduced in football, replacing tape as the means of marking the top of the goal. Oxford University also toured Germany during this period.
In 1876, Middlesbrough F.C. was founded. Carlton Cricket Club in Canada also formed a football section and toured Britain.
In 1877, the length of a football match was set at 90 minutes. Wolverhampton Wanderers were also founded during this year.
In 1878, referees in football began to use whistles. Additionally, West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United (known as Newton Heath L&YR F.C. at the time), and Everton (originally St. Domingo's FC) were founded.
Koninklijke HFC, founded by Pim Mulier in 1879, was the first Dutch football club.
In April 21, 1881, the 'Block Game' was played, marking a significant event in the history of football. The specifics of this game and its impact on the sport are notable in the evolution of football.
The four British football associations agreed on a uniform code and established the International Football Association Board.
The British Home Championship was first held in 1884, marking the oldest international tournament in the world.
In 1885, pressure was put on the Football Association to allow professional football players in English football. A special meeting was held on 20 July where it was decided to legalize the employment of professional players under certain restrictions.
The first non-European international football match was played between the US and Canada in Newark, New Jersey, with Canada winning 1-0.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), responsible for determining the Laws of the Game of association football, was established in England in 1886.
Hibernian F.C. emerges victorious against Preston North End with a score of 2–1 in Edinburgh, claiming the Football World Championship title. This event showcases the competitive nature of football in the late 19th century.
In 1888, William McGregor played a key role in the formation of the Football League, bringing together 12 football clubs to establish a league competition. The main motivation behind this was to provide consistent fixtures for clubs and prevent financial losses.
In 1889, the Royal Dutch Football Association (the KNVB) was founded.
The Scottish Football League is established, enhancing the structured competition within Scottish football and contributing to the sport's organization.
The penalty kick was introduced in 1891.
In 1892, William (Pudge) Heffelfinger became the first person to be paid to play football when he received $500 from the Allegheny Athletic Association (AAA) to play in a game against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club (PAC). Heffelfinger scored a touchdown, leading AAA to a 4-0 victory.
The Argentine Football Association is established, becoming the first South American football association.
A significant development in football where the referee gains complete control over the game.
The first national championship in Italy is organized by the Italian Federation of Gymnastics.
The Football League introduces automatic promotion and relegation between its two divisions.
The Latrobe Athletic Association football team transitioned to a fully professional team, marking the first instance of a team playing an entire season with only professional players.
Chris O'Brien established a neighborhood team called the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago, which later evolved into various names including the Arizona Cardinals. This team holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating professional football team.
Soccer was played at the Olympic Games for the first time.
On April 23, 1901, Hibernian emerged victorious in the Scottish Cup, showcasing their dominance in Scottish football during that period.
The Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies established professional football teams, participating in the early National Football League. The Athletics notably won the first night football game against Kanaweola AC.
FIFA was established by delegates from several European countries at a meeting in Paris.
Ah-Ahly was founded in Egypt in 1907, becoming the first African club ever.
The 1908 Olympics in London hosted the first ever official World football tournament.
In 1909, the first official national football tournament was organized in Romania by the newly founded Romanian Football Federation, then known as the Association of Athletic Societies in Romania.
In 1910, Charles Miller suggested the name 'Corinthians' for a new local team in Brazil after a tour by the Corinthians team from England. This name suggestion became iconic in Brazilian football history.
In 1911, FK Austria Vienna, El Zamalek, and Anorthosis Famagusta were founded.
In 1912, a rule was introduced prohibiting goalkeepers from handling the ball outside their own penalty area.
The first international match ever in Asia was held in 1913 between China and Philippines.
In 1914, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the oldest surviving club trophy soccer competition in the Americas, was founded. Additionally, Glentoran from Belfast achieved victory in the inaugural Vienna Cup, the first European competition.
The South American Copa América was first contested in 1916, preceding the World Cup and paving the way for other continental championships.
LDU Quito was founded in 1918 under the name Club Universitario, becoming a prominent football club in Ecuador with a strong fan base and competitive history.
The first ever football association in Africa was founded in 1919 as the Federation Congolaise De Football Association.
The first official club match ever held in Africa took place in 1921 as part of the Amateur Tunisian League competition.
Bolton Wanderers defeat West Ham United in the first English FA Cup final played at Wembley Stadium, remembered as the White Horse Final.
Uruguay played against Yugoslavia at the Summer Olympics in France, with Uruguay winning 7-0.
The first international match ever in Africa was held in 1926 between Kenya and Uganda.
La Liga, Spain's national league, had its first season in 1928, with participants based on the previous winners of the Copa del Rey, which began in 1902.
The first men's football World Cup took place in Uruguay in 1930. In the championship match between Argentina and Uruguay, they used Argentina's ball in the first half and Uruguay's in the second.
The CCCF Championship was first organized by CCCF in 1941, with Costa Rica hosting and winning the tournament.
In 1945, the U.S. Soccer Football Association changed its name to the U.S. Soccer Federation, dropping the word 'football' from its name.
The tragic Burnden Park Disaster took the lives of 33 Bolton Wanderers fans in 1946. Additionally, PFC and JS Kabylie were founded.
The 'Match of the Century' between Great Britain and 'Rest of Europe XI' took place on May 10, 1947, at Hampden Park in Glasgow, with Britain winning 6-1. The proceeds from the match were donated to FIFA to support its post-World War Two revival.
CSKA Sofia and Dinamo București were founded in 1948.
In 1949, FC Barcelona clinched the inaugural Latin Cup. The tragic Superga air disaster claimed the lives of 31 individuals, including 18 Grande Torino players. Raja Casablanca was also established.
In 1950, the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro was completed, with a capacity of almost 200,000 people, marking a milestone in the development of football stadiums.
In 1951, the use of a white ball was allowed in football matches. The Copa Rio, the first world tournament for clubs, was inaugurated in Brazil and won by Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras.
The penalty shoot-out was first implemented in the Yugoslav Cup.
In 1953, England suffered their first home defeat, a 6–3 loss to Hungary.
UEFA is founded in Basel, Switzerland, and the Asian Football Confederation is formed. West Germany achieves a remarkable comeback in the 1954 FIFA World Cup final against Hungary, known as The Miracle of Bern.
The European Cup, the continental European club competition, was first held.
Real Madrid wins the first European Cup final against Stade de Reims-Champagne. The first RAI TV's transmission of a football match Serie A happens in Italy.
CAF is founded, and the first African Cup of Nations takes place in Sudan, won by Egypt with only three teams participating.
On April 21, 1958, the NFL experienced a surge in popularity, attracting more fans and viewers to its games.
The first season of the Brazilian National Championship is held and won by Esporte Clube Bahia. Once Caldas football club is founded.
The first European Championship in football took place in France and was won by the USSR.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) was founded through the merger of CCCF and NAFC.
Brazil successfully defended their World Cup title by defeating Czechoslovakia 3–1 in the final.
Tottenham Hotspur achieved a milestone by becoming the first British club to win a European football competition, the European Cup Winner's Cup, by defeating Atlético Madrid 5–1 in the final.
Internazionale secured their first European Cup victory, joining city rivals AC Milan as European champions.
England emerged victorious in the 1966 World Cup as hosts, defeating West Germany 4–2 in the final with Geoff Hurst scoring a historic hat-trick.
Celtic becomes the first British club to win the European Cup by defeating Internazionale 2-1 in the final.
Manchester United wins the European Cup ten years after the Munich air disaster that killed eight of their players.
2000 people die as El Salvador and Honduras declare war on each other following a World Cup qualifying match.
Brazil becomes the first national side to win a third World Cup in Mexico, beating Italy 4-1 in the final.
66 people die in the second Ibrox disaster.
Rangers F.C. wins the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Ajax wins the European Cup for the third consecutive season.
Hosts West Germany win the 1974 World Cup, beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the final.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup is organized for the first time in Hong Kong and won by New Zealand.
In 1976, Bayern Munich achieved a remarkable feat by winning the European Cup for the third consecutive season in football.
In 1977, Juventus became the first Italian and South European club to win the UEFA Cup in football.
In 1978, hosts Argentina emerged victorious in the World Cup by defeating the Netherlands 3-1 in the final, with Johan Cruyff opting not to participate in the tournament in football.
In 1979, Nottingham Forest secured their first European Cup by defeating Malmö 1-0 in the final in football.
To commemorate 50 years of the World Cup, Uruguay hosted and won the 1980 Mundialito in football.
In 1982, Italy emerged victorious in the FIFA World Cup held in Spain, defeating West Germany 3-1 in the final to claim their third World Cup title in football.
In 1983, Aberdeen secured their first European Trophy by beating Real Madrid to win the European Cup Winners' Cup in football.
In 1984, Michel Platini led France to win the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Juventus, the European Football Championship by beating Spain, and the gold medal in the 1984 Olympic Games by defeating Brazil. Additionally, the UEFA Women's Championship was organized for the first time and won by Sweden.
On May 29, 1985, the Heysel Stadium disaster occurred in Brussels before the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus, resulting in English clubs being banned from European club competitions for five years. Juventus also made history by winning all three major confederation competitions and all possible international competitions in association football.
On December 8, 1985, Juventus became the first club in football history to win all possible international competitions after defeating Argentinos Juniors 6–4 in the Intercontinental Cup final at Tokyo's National Stadium.
Argentina wins the 1986 World Cup in Mexico by defeating West Germany 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal and 'Goal of the Century' solo dribble against England in the quarterfinals stand out.
F.C. Porto wins the European Cup for the first time by defeating Bayern Munich 2-1 in the final. The Soviet Union wins the second FIFA Under 16 World Championship by defeating Nigeria on penalties.
The Netherlands, led by Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, defeat the Soviet Union 2-0 to win the Euro 1988 championship. Atalanta's performance in the Cup Winners' Cup semifinal is notable.
The Hillsborough disaster occurs in Sheffield, England, resulting in the loss of 96 lives before the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Saudi Arabia wins the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The FIFA Women's World Cup was inaugurated in 1991, hosted in China with 12 teams representing their countries.
The Champions League, formerly known as the European Cup, began in 1992 as the premier club competition in European football.
The European Cup was transformed into the UEFA Champions League.
In 1994, Russia's Oleg Salenko made history by becoming the first and only player to score five goals in a single World Cup game, contributing to his country's victory over Cameroon.
The Bosman ruling, introduced in 1995, transformed football transfers by allowing players in the European Union to freely change clubs and abolishing foreign player quotas for EU nationals.
In the Euro 96 final, Germany defeat the Czech Republic 2–1 with a golden goal from Oliver Bierhoff.
Helenio Herrera, legendary coach of Inter in the 1960s, dies.
In the 1998 FIFA World Cup final, France win 3–0 over Brazil at Stade de France to claim their first World Cup.
Over 90,185 spectators attended the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, with nearly 1 billion viewers from 70 countries tuning in.
FIFA Player of the Century, a one-off award created by FIFA to decide the greatest football player of the 20th century, is awarded to Pelé and Diego Maradona, shared: both men are officially considered winners of the award.
Real Madrid signs playmaker Zinedine Zidane from Juventus in a world record transfer fee of 72 million euros.
Brazil wins their record fifth title in the World Cup, the first ever to be played in Asia, by defeating Germany 2–0 in the final.
Paolo Maldini makes history by captaining AC Milan to a Champions League victory, emulating his father Cesare's feat with the same club 40 years prior.
Greece produces one of the biggest shocks in football history by winning the Euro 2004 tournament, defeating hosts Portugal 1–0 in the final.
Liverpool stages a remarkable comeback from 0–3 down at half-time to defeat A.C. Milan 3–2 in a penalty shootout in the Champions League final in Istanbul.
Italy wins the 2006 World Cup held in Germany after defeating France in a penalty kick shootout. Zinedine Zidane plays his last professional game for France, getting sent off in extra time.
Étoile Sportive du Sahel becomes the first African squad to win all official club competitions recognized by CAF after defeating Al-Ahly in the CAF Champions League final.
Spain clinches their second UEFA European Championship title by defeating Germany 1–0.
Barcelona achieves a sextuple by winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup in the same year.
Spain wins the FIFA World Cup held in South Africa, becoming the first nation outside of South America to win the tournament outside of Europe.
Lionel Messi scored 91 goals in a single calendar year, surpassing Gerd Müller's previous record of 85 goals set in 1972. This achievement established Messi as a record-breaking goal scorer.
Bayern Munich secured their first FIFA Club World Cup title by defeating Raja Casablanca in the final. This victory added to Bayern Munich's illustrious history in football.
Germany emerged as the champions of the FIFA World Cup held in Brazil for the second time. Their victory showcased their dominance in international football.
Sepp Blatter concludes his term as the president of FIFA after serving from 1998 to 2015. He is succeeded by the acting president Issa Hayatou.
The Positional Hall of Fame Series is discussed in detail, including specific positions like midfielder and offensive attacking trequarista advance playmaker. It can be accessed through WFHC or the website xtraimmortal.blogspot.com.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Carli Lloyd are honored as The Best FIFA Men's Player and The Best FIFA Women's Player respectively in the awards ceremony held in January 2017.
In May 2017, Juventus makes history by becoming the first Italian team to win six national titles consecutively and clinching the Italian Cup thrice in a row by defeating Lazio in the final.
The FIFA Council officially acknowledges all European and South American teams that won the Intercontinental Cup as club world champions, granting them the same status as FIFA Club World Cup winners.
Atlético Madrid emerges victorious in the UEFA Europa League, clinching the title.
Real Madrid secures their third consecutive UEFA Champions League title by defeating Liverpool in the final.
The United States emerges victorious in the FIFA Women's World Cup hosted by France, claiming their second consecutive title and fourth overall.
France triumphs in the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup held in Russia, securing their second World Cup victory.
Atlético Madrid defeats their derby rivals Real Madrid to claim the UEFA Super Cup.
UEFA introduces the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League.
Liverpool F.C. secures victory in the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final, defeating Chelsea F.C.
Brazil emerges victorious in the 2019 Copa América tournament.
Algeria clinches the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Manchester City F.C. achieves a clean sweep of English trophies by winning the 2018–19 FA Premier League, 2019 FA Cup Final, 2019 EFL Cup Final, and 2019 FA Community Shield.
The COVID-19 pandemic leads to the suspension or abandonment of various football leagues and tournaments in 2020.
During a match between Canada and Saint Kitts and Nevis, Christine Sinclair scores her 185th international goal, becoming the top scorer in football history across genders.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be the first time the tournament is hosted by an Arab nation, specifically Qatar. This event marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the World Cup to new regions and showcases the growing global popularity of football.
Bayern Munich secured their 11th consecutive Bundesliga title after a dramatic 2-1 victory against Mainz. This victory solidified their dominance in German football.