Ancient Origins
The earliest forms of football date back to ancient civilizations. In China, a game called 'Cuju' was played as early as 2500 BC. Ancient Greeks and Romans also had their versions of ball games.
Medieval Period
During medieval times, 'mob football' was played in England between neighboring towns and villages. These games had few rules and often became violent.
Modern Football
The modern game began taking shape in English public schools in the early 19th century. The Football Association was founded in 1863, establishing the first official rules of the game.
Global Phenomenon
FIFA was founded in 1904, and the first World Cup was held in 1930. Today, football is played by over 250 million players in over 200 countries, making it the world's most popular sport.