If you’re a soccer fan, you already know the sport is more than just a game. It’s an experience.
You can’t watch soccer without being drawn into the drama of each play. Every down is a thrill ride, and every score is a celebration. Your team has to work hard to win—and watching them succeed feels like an accomplishment for your whole family.
But did you know that there are fascinating facts about soccer that might surprise you? Even if you’re a die-hard fan who knows everything about the game, some things about the sport will still make your jaw drop. Here are seven:
The Most-Watched Soccer Tournament
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest and the most watched tournament globally. It takes place in a different country every four years. Ideally, each continent will get a chance to hold the tournament.
The last World Cup was held in Qatar, and about 1.5 billion viewers watched the finale on live television. The number skyrockets if you include the audience that used digital platforms and other public viewing areas.
Furthermore, most viewers closely follow the FIFA World Cup to make informed wagers. Most sportsbooks, including comparison sites like the https://www.thesportsgeek.com/sportsbooks/soccer/, offer excellent soccer betting opportunities. Even better, it offers in-depth reviews of the best betting platforms to help you choose one that suits your needs. Additionally, you can find guides on how to wager to ensure you bet responsibly.
The Oldest Soccer Club in the World
Sheffield FC is the oldest club in the World. It was established in 1857 by members of the Sheffield Cricket Club, William Prest and Sir Nathaniel Creswick. At that time, soccer was just beginning to become popular in England. Most people were interested in cricket, but some formed soccer clubs to keep fit during wintertime.
The club was originally named “Sheffield Football Club” and then changed to “Sheffield United” in 1889. This is after merging with the local cricket club ‘Sheffield Cricket Club’. Today, the team has been known as Sheffield Wednesday Football Club since 1929, when they moved from their original ground at Olive Grove (now occupied by Hillsborough Stadium).
The Fastest Goal Ever Scored
What is the fastest-scored goal ever recorded in the history of soccer? This was during the League Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur in 2007. The record-breaking goal had a speed of 1.8 seconds, and the scorer was Nicklas Bendtner.
Most Arsenal fans know him as Lord Bendtner. He replaced Emmanuel Eboue and scored a powerful header from Cesc Fabregas’ corner in the first few seconds. Nicklas Bendtner’s goal guaranteed Arsenal three points against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Match That Made Ronaldinho Known
Ronaldinho was first known in 1988 at 13 when he scored 23 goals alone in one game. His career started when he was a young boy, driven by passion and talent for soccer. As a child, he would play in the streets and later joined a local team.
The legacy of Ronaldinho in soccer is iconic. He holds many awards, including the Best FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.
Countries That Have Won World Cup
Soccer has been around for many years. The first World Cup took place in 1930. Ever since, the tournament has been happening after every four years except in 1942 due to World War II. As a result, 21 tournaments have occurred, with only eight teams winning the Football World Cup title.
FIFA has registered 211 countries that play soccer competitively. Those that have won the World Cup are Brazil, Germany, England, Spain, France, Italy, Argentina, and Uruguay.
First-Ever International Soccer Match
The first international soccer match was between England and Scotland. It was played on November 30, 1872.
The match occurred at the West of Scotland Cricket Club’s ground at Hamilton Crescent in Partick. It was watched by around 4,000 spectators and ended in a 0-0 draw.
Charles Alcock, a Football Association committee member, took credit for coming up with the idea of the first international match. He was later appointed as the FA secretary in February 1870.
Who is the Oldest Professional Soccer Player
Kazuyoshi Miura is the oldest professional footballer in history, and he’s still going. He started his career in 1986 in Japanese JDT. He has played for various teams in Japan, including Vissel Kobe and Verdy Kawasaki.
Interestingly, Kazuyoshi Miura has shown excellent international performance for Japan’s national team after scoring 55 goals. He was responsible for leading Japan to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1998. This is after he scored 14 times during the qualification.
Learn the Facts!
Soccer is an amazing game and one that can teach us a lot. It’s also a sport that has seen many changes over the years.
Soccer has come a long way, from the safety measures and practices of the modern-day player to the uniforms and game strategies of centuries past. If you want to learn more about the fascinating history of soccer, check out the facts listed above. These treats will surely surprise you.