Learn a little more about the history of football and find out about its emergence, rules and main championships.
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Considered the most popular team sport in the world, football is not only a national passion, but also a global one, with a complex history that crosses centuries and cultural boundaries.
Although football can be summarised as having originated in England, some reports suggest that its origins lie in more ancient cultures such as China, Greece and Rome.
During the Middle Ages, ball games were common throughout Europe, but it wasn't until the second half of the 19th century that football began to take on a more organised and standardised form.
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In 1863, in England, the Football Association established the first codified rules of the game. Since then, football has quickly become a global passion, spread by British sailors, merchants and immigrants to different parts of the world.
The rules we know today have been developed and improved over the years, with adaptations and modernisations in line with technological and other advances.
Football has become one of the world's greatest passions when it comes to sport, and it's almost impossible to find a person who doesn't support a team, whether it's a national team or a local team.
Learn a little more about the history of this sport that has brought joy, stress and a lot of passion to people since its origins. Read on to find out more!
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The emergence of football
Understanding the emergence of the world's most famous sport brings up some complex narratives that span centuries and cross cultural, social and geographical boundaries.
Although the exact origins of the sport are uncertain and can be traced back to ancient cultures such as the Chinese, Greeks and Romans, it is in 19th century England that we find the crucial milestone for the development of modern football.
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During the Middle Ages, ball games were popular throughout Europe, varying in their rules and practices according to local traditions. However, it was in the second half of the 19th century that the sport began to take on a more organised and standardised form.
In 1863, the Football Association was founded in England, establishing the sport's first codified rules.
Football quickly became a global passion, being spread by British sailors, traders and immigrants to different parts of the world.
Thus, by the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, sport had already established itself in many countries, with the formation of local leagues and competitions.
And over the years, the sport has perfected its rules and unified itself worldwide.
Main Rules
The main rules of this sport, as laid down by FIFA (International Federation of Association Football), are as follows:
Field size
The pitch must be between 100 and 110 metres long and between 64 and 75 metres wide.
Ball in Play and Out of Play
The ball is in play during the match unless it leaves the pitch completely or the referee stops play. A player is in an offside position if he is closer to the opponent's goal line than the ball and the penultimate opponent at the moment the ball is passed to him.
Game duration
An official match consists of two halves of 45 minutes each, with a break of 15 minutes between them, with the possibility of extra time depending on the referee.
Goals
A goal is scored when the ball goes completely over the goal line, between the posts and under the crossbar, provided no infringement of the rules has taken place. Each goal counts as one point.
Fouls and cards
Referees can call fouls for various offences, such as pushing, obstructions, fouls and the use of excessive force. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, the referee can admonish the player with a yellow card (caution) or a red card (sending off).
Goal kick
Restart of play awarded to the opposing team when the ball crosses the goal line and has been touched last by a player of the attacking team. The ball is kicked from inside the defending team's goal area into the field of play.
Corner kick (or corner)
Restart of play awarded to the attacking team when the ball crosses the goal line and has been touched last by a player from the defending team. The ball is kicked from one of the corners of the pitch (where the end and side lines meet) into the field of play.
Penalties
A penalty is awarded when a free-kickable offence is committed inside the penalty area. The penalty is taken from the penalty spot, 11 metres away from the goal, and only the goalkeeper can stand on the goal line during the kick.
Football in Brazil
In Brazil, football is considered one of the national passions and an integral part of Brazilian culture. The country is known worldwide for its skill and vibrancy in world and national championships.
The sport was introduced to Brazil at the end of the 19th century by British immigrants and has since grown exponentially in popularity.
The Brazilian national team is one of the most successful and famous in the world, having won the FIFA World Cup on five occasions in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. This unique achievement has earned Brazil the title of "football nation".
In addition to the international success of the Brazilian national team, the country has one of the most recognised football leagues in the world, the Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol. This championship is contested by clubs from all over the country in various divisions, with a passionate fan base and a rich history.
Football plays an important role in Brazilian society and often serves as a way of uniting people from different backgrounds and social classes. When the referee blows the whistle, everyone is buzzing with the same energy and enthusiasm for their favourite team.
Brazil's success in this sport means that the country has many global sporting icons, such as Pelé, considered the king of football, and other stars such as Ronaldo Fenômeno, Ronaldinho, the late Marta in women's football, and many other players who have inspired and inspire new generations.
In short, in Brazil, football is much more than just an ordinary sport, it's also part of the country's national and cultural identity and pride.
Major championships and leagues
The biggest football leagues and championships are generally determined by the level of competition, quality of players, popularity and global reach.
Some of the main football leagues and championships include:
- Premier League (England);
- La Liga (Spain);
- Bundesliga (Germany);
- Serie A (Italy);
- Brazilian Championship (Brazil);
- UEFA Champions League (Europe);
- FIFA World Cup;
- Copa Libertadores (South America).
World Cup
The Football World Cup, created in 1930 and held for the first time in Uruguay, has played a key role in consolidating football as the world's most popular sport. The tournament has become a symbol of global unity, bringing together national teams from every continent in a thrilling competition every four years.
Over the decades, football has undergone constant change and evolution. Tactics, techniques and equipment have been improved, and the sport has become a multi-million dollar industry, involving clubs, leagues, sponsors and millions of fans around the world.
Today, football is much more than just a game. It is a cultural expression, a social phenomenon and a passion shared by people of all origins and nationalities. Its history is a fascinating journey through time and space, reflecting the complexity and diversity of the human experience.
Women's football
One of the growing trends in sport in recent times is women's football. Historical accounts indicate that women began playing football informally in various parts of the world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Although women's games emerged at this time, they were almost always informal, since they were not officially recognised, and this was mainly due to the challenges and prohibitions that women suffered at the time.
Women's football has faced resistance and difficulties in many countries, including Brazil. In many cases, women were banned from playing football due to conservative social norms or discriminatory policies.
However, despite the challenges, women's football continued to grow not only in popularity but also in visibility throughout the 20th century. Although informal, women organised their matches, clubs and leagues independently, fighting for recognition and equal opportunities.
It wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s that there were significant advances in the institutionalisation of women's football with the formation of national and international federations dedicated to the sport.
International tournaments and competitions, such as the FIFA Women's World Cup, were established, providing a platform for the world's best players to compete.
In recent decades, women's football has grown globally, with more countries investing in the development of the sport and establishing professional leagues. This growth has increased competitiveness and technical level, providing more opportunities for female players.
Today, women's football is a fundamental part of the sporting landscape, with millions of women inspiring future generations of athletes. Despite the challenges of gender equality, women's football continues to expand, contributing to diversity and inclusion in the world of sport.
Conclusion
To summarise, football is one of the most played and famous sports in the world, and its history is marked by passion and endurance. It's more than a sport; it's a cultural expression, a shared passion and a global social phenomenon.
If you want to follow your favourite team and other leagues, find out how to watch football live:
Read more: Live football: the best apps to watch
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