The origins of football

2025-09-03

Football (also known as soccer ) is a globally popular sport, enjoyed by hundreds of millions of fans. Whether among amateurs or professionals, soccer has always enjoyed immense popularity and influence worldwide. The sport has a long history and has undergone numerous evolutions and developments before becoming the modern sport we know today. So, what are the origins of soccer? How did it develop into one of the world’s most popular competitive sports? The following article will explain the origins of soccer in detail.

Early football

1. Ancient ball games

Football isn’t a modern sport; its origins can be traced back to various ball games in ancient civilizations. Ancient civilizations like Greece, Rome, and China all had similar activities to football. These activities shared many similarities, such as using a ball for team competition and were often played for recreation, exercise, or to celebrate special events.

Cuju in China :
In China, the earliest form of football was called ” Cuju .” Cuju’s history dates back to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (4th century BC), and its rules are similar to modern football. The game involves two teams of players kicking a leather ball around a circular or square field, with the goal of kicking it into the opposing team’s circle. Cuju can be considered a forerunner of modern football and has had a profound influence on subsequent football.
Harpastum :
In ancient Rome, there was a ball game called Harpastum , which was similar to modern football in that it used a ball and pitted two teams against each other. While the rules of Harpastum differed from those of modern football, it provided much of the inspiration for the development of soccer.

The origins of modern football

1. Football in England

The modern form of football, particularly in terms of rules and competition system, first emerged in England . In the mid-19th century, schools and universities in England began organizing football matches. At the time, the rules varied significantly across schools and regions, leading to a wide variety of different formats. This chaotic situation prompted some insightful individuals to consider how to standardize football rules.

Cambridge Rules vs. London Rules :
In the mid-19th century, a variety of different football rules emerged in England. The most famous were the Cambridge Rules and the London

2. The establishment of the English Football Association and the Football Association Rules

In 1863, the Football Association was established :
In 1863, the Football Association (FA) was officially established in England and began to formulate unified rules of the game. The establishment of the FA marked the birth of modern football, and the “Football Association Rules” issued by the association became the basic rules for football matches around the world.
The content of the Football Association Rules :
The Football Association Rules are the first set of official rules for football. They stipulate the basic conditions of the game, such as the size of the field, the composition of the teams, the time of the game, etc., and stipulate that players are not allowed to touch the ball with any part of their body other than their hands. This clause is considered to be the cornerstone of modern football.

The global expansion of football

1. Internationalization and Popularization of Football

With the unification of football rules, football began to spread around the world. Under the influence of England, countries in Europe and South America gradually began to establish their own football associations and hold domestic leagues and international competitions.

Football’s Expansion to Other Countries :
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, football gradually spread to continental Europe , South and North America , and Asia . Many countries began to establish their own football associations and hold domestic competitions. The popularity of football grew rapidly in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and Italy .

2. FIFA is established

FIFA’s founding in 1904 :
With the internationalization of football, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was established in 1904 to promote exchange and cooperation between nations and to organize international football competitions. FIFA’s founding provided a unified platform for global football and laid the foundation for the subsequent FIFA World Cup.

The modern development of football

1. The Birth of the World Cup

In 1930, the first World Cup was held in Uruguay . Since then, the World Cup has become one of the most influential football events in the world. The World Cup has further promoted the globalization of football and attracted a large number of audiences and media attention.
The development of the World Cup :
With each World Cup, football’s global influence has gradually expanded. Whether it is traditional football powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany, and Argentina , or emerging football nations in Africa and Asia , the World Cup has become a stage for these countries to showcase their football prowess.

2. The development and commercialization of modern football

The internationalization of football leagues :
With the development of commercialization, major football leagues (such as the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A) have gradually established strong commercial systems, attracting top players and spectators from around the world. The development of these leagues has further internationalized football, enhancing the technical level and viewing value of the game.
The Application of Football Technology :
Since the beginning of the 21st century, technology has also been applied in football. For example, the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has further improved the fairness of the game. Furthermore, team tactical research and player physical training have also been continuously improved with the help of technology.

Summary: The Origin and Development of Football

The origins of football can be traced back to various ball games in ancient civilizations , such as Cuju in China and Hastumum in ancient Rome.
In England in the mid-19th century , the rules of modern football gradually became unified, and in 1863 the Football Association of England was established , which issued the “Football Association Rules”, creating the formal rules of modern football.
The internationalization of football began in the 20th century and has gradually become popular around the world under the organization of **FIFA**.
Since its first World Cup in 1930, it has become one of the most important football events in the world, further promoting the global influence of football.
Today, football is no longer just a competitive sport; it has also integrated commercialization, entertainment, and internationalization, becoming one of the most popular sports in the world.