Football, known as soccer in some parts of the world, is the most popular sport globally, with a rich history and a massive following. While most fans are familiar with the major tournaments, legendary players, and iconic moments, there are many interesting and lesser-known facts about football that even the most die-hard enthusiasts might not know. Here are 10 surprising facts about football:
1. The Origin of the Red and Yellow Cards
- The idea of using red and yellow cards to signal fouls in football came from a traffic light system. English referee Ken Aston introduced it during the 1970 World Cup after realizing the need for a universal way to communicate with players who spoke different languages.
2. The First Live Televised Football Match
- The first-ever live televised football match was broadcast in 1937 by the BBC. The match was an exhibition game between Arsenal’s first team and their reserves at Highbury Stadium in London. However, it wasn’t until after World War II that live football broadcasts became more common.
3. The Oldest Football Club in the World
- Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, is officially recognized by FIFA as the world’s oldest football club. The club, based in Sheffield, England, is still active today and competes in the lower leagues of English football.
4. The Most Goals Scored in a Single Football Match
- The highest-scoring football match in history took place in 2002 when Madagascar’s AS Adema defeated SO l’Emyrne 149-0. The match entered the record books due to SO l’Emyrne intentionally scoring own goals in protest against refereeing decisions in a previous game.
5. The Origins of the Word “Soccer”
- The term “soccer” originated in England as a slang abbreviation for “association football.” The word “soccer” was used to distinguish it from other forms of football, like rugby football. It wasn’t until the 20th century that “football” became the dominant term in England, with “soccer” remaining more common in the United States and Canada.
6. The World Cup Trophy’s Disappearance
- The original FIFA World Cup trophy, known as the Jules Rimet Trophy, was stolen in 1966, just before the World Cup in England. It was later found by a dog named Pickles, who became a national hero. Unfortunately, the trophy was stolen again in 1983 in Brazil and has never been recovered.
7. The First African Country to Play in the World Cup
- Egypt was the first African country to participate in the FIFA World Cup. They made their debut in the 1934 World Cup in Italy, where they played one match, losing 4-2 to Hungary in the first round.
8. The Longest Penalty Shootout
- The longest penalty shootout in a competitive football match occurred in 2005 during the Namibian Cup. The match between KK Palace and Civics saw a total of 48 penalty kicks, with KK Palace eventually winning 17-16 after an incredible 27 penalties per team.
9. The Most Red Cards in a Single Match
- The record for the most red cards in a single football match is held by a game in the Argentine fifth division in 2011. The match between Claypole and Victoriano Arenas saw an astonishing 36 red cards handed out after a massive brawl, with both players and coaching staff being sent off.
10. Football Played on the Moon
- Football has even made it to space! During the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard famously hit golf balls on the moon. However, before that, during Apollo 11, the crew brought a small soccer ball with them, making it the first football to leave Earth.
Conclusion
Football’s history is filled with fascinating stories, records, and quirky facts that go beyond what happens on the pitch. From the origins of common terms to bizarre records and historical firsts, these lesser-known facts showcase the rich and diverse culture of football. Whether you’re a casual fan or a football aficionado, these tidbits of trivia add an extra layer of depth to the world’s most beloved sports