How soccer became the most popular sport in the world

Football as a religion

Many people nowadays view soccer as some type of religion and worship their team. This, however, is nothing new, as the Mayan and Aztec civilizations also had similar types of ball games, which had spiritual significance and religious regard.

Ancient Chinese origins

In fact, the first game that resembles soccer can be traced back over 2,200 years. During the Han Dynasty in China, there was a game called Cuju where people would kick a ball through a net. 

Medieval mob football

A game that resembles modern-day soccer then became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. And in England, they played a version called mob football, where large groups (or mobs) of villagers would kick a ball through the streets. 

A school subject

By the 19th century, the UK started to incorporate a form of soccer (or football) into the curriculum at schools and colleges. As a result, the game began to shape into a more organized sport, although rules varied between institutions.

Rugby or football?

During this time, there was a lot of confusion between rugby and soccer, with some clubs handling the ball and others only kicking it. So, in 1863, the UK established the Football Association (FA) and created standardized rules, which officially split them into two separate games.

Going global

Soccer then started to spread outside of England in the early 20th century, when sailors, traders, and colonizers played it on their travels. Soon, it became a popular sport in countries including Brazil, Argentina, and Germany.

The birth of FIFA

In less than five years, international games had become so popular that the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) was established to oversee the development of the sport and organize international tournaments. 

The World Cup

The first ever World Cup took place in 1930. It featured just 13 teams and lasted just over two weeks. The final game was between the host country of Uruguay and Argentina, and Uruguay became the first World Cup champions.

A televised revolution

Soccer was first televised in 1937. World War II broke out just two years later, however, the game came back with a vengeance and skyrocketed in popularity, as TV enabled it to be watched by millions across the globe. 

UEFA Competitions

In 1955, the UEFA Champions League was established, bringing club competition to a new level. Suddenly, domestic leagues, such as the English Premier League, began to dominate soccer culture.

Billion-dollar business

Soon, the game started to attract sponsorships, bids for broadcasting rights, and endorsements, turning soccer into a billion-dollar industry. Transfer deals also began to attract headlines and help integrate celebrity culture into the sport.

The WAG era

During this time, however, it wasn’t just the soccer players who were making the games so famous; it was their wives and girlfriends too, who became known as ‘WAGS.’ Celebrities like Coleen Rooney, Cheryl Cole, and Victoria Beckham would be filmed in the audience of a match, almost as much as the game itself!

The David Beckham effect

Many of the most famous players have gone on to become managers, and some, like David Beckham, even went on to establish their own teams. Beckham shocked everyone when he moved to the US and signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.

Celebrity owners

But it’s not just ex-players who are buying teams; it has become a trend for celebrities to buy them too. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney notably bought the relatively unknown English team, Wrexham AFC, and transformed it into a global sensation. 

Banning women

Women’s soccer finally began to gain popularity in the 1920s. However, in 1921, the Football Association banned the game, claiming it was "unsuitable for females," and it didn't return until 1971. 

A game everyone can play

Now, women, men, and people who have never even kicked a ball can play soccer. Fantasy football has become a popular pastime, FIFA is a global video game, and e-sports have become so big that there’s even an e-Premier League!

Giving something back

The game is determined to do good as it brings in the big bucks, though. Players have been influential in addressing racism, promoting equality, and supporting charitable causes. Clubs are also investing in eco-friendly stadiums in a bid to be more sustainable.