Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is the most popular sport in the world, played and watched by billions of people across every continent. Its simplicity, excitement, and ability to unite people from different cultures have made it more than just a game—it is a global phenomenon that influences society, culture, and even politics. The modern game of football originated in England in the mid-19th century, when standardized rules were established by The Football Association in 1863. However, games involving kicking a ball existed long before, including cuju in ancient China, harpastum in Rome, and similar games in medieval Europe.
As the British Empire expanded, football spread rapidly across the world. By the early 20th century, it had become deeply rooted in Europe, South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. The creation of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) in 1904 helped organize international competitions and unify the rules of the game. Football is played between two teams of eleven players, including one goalkeeper per team. The objective is simple: score more goals than the opposing team by getting the ball into the opponent’s goal using any part of the body except the hands and arms (goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands within the penalty area).
