Who Invented Football? The Story Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport

Football, also called soccer in some countries, is the world’s most popular sport. Major events like the FIFA World Cup attract millions of fans. But where did football come from, and how did it become the game we know today?

Ancient Forms of Football

Football-like games were played centuries before the modern version was created:

• China: The earliest known version of football, Cuju, was played during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). Players kicked a ball into a net without using their hands.
• Greece: The Greeks played Episkyros, a game with two teams and a ball. Unlike modern football, players could use their hands, and the game was more physical.
• Rome: The Romans played Harpastum, a fast-paced game focused on carrying the ball.

These early versions of football show that the love for ball games has existed for centuries.

Ebenezer Morley and the Formation of the FA

While no single person can be credited with inventing football, Ebenezer Morley played a crucial role in shaping modern football. In 1863, he wrote to a newspaper suggesting a meeting to create standard rules for the game. On October 26, 1863, representatives from 12 clubs met in London and formed the Football Association (FA), introducing the first official rules of the game.

Football’s Evolution: From Chaos to Order

Before the FA’s rules, football was played in many different ways, with schools and local teams having their own rules. This led to confusion and disagreements during matches. The FA’s rulebook helped standardize the game, making it more structured and fair. Over time, the rules have evolved—such as the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee)—but the basic principles have remained unchanged.

FIFA and Football’s Global Reach

The sport continued to grow, and in 1904, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) was established to manage football worldwide. Today, FIFA, along with the International Football Association Board (IFAB), ensures the game follows a unified set of rules across all countries.

Football: A Game for Everyone

From its humble beginnings in the 19th century to becoming a global phenomenon, football has united people across cultures and nations. What started as a simple set of rules in 1863 has now become a sport loved and played by millions worldwide.