6 Interesting Facts About Soccer

Soccer is undoubtedly the most widely played game in the world. Its name came from the term 'association of football' which was abbreviated as 'assoc'. For many people, soccer is like a religion and the star players its Gods. Soccer is the one sport that connects people of different color and race from very different parts of the world.

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1. Origin of Soccer

The birth of soccer took place in England around 1863. People making soccer moves can be seen in the carving of the Ancient Greeks which shows that kicking balls had been around for millennia. However, it wasn't until 1863 that proper rules were established for soccer. The popularity of the sport increased as the English began colonization. Now the sport is hugely popular around the world.

2. FIFA

FIFA, Federation Internationale de Football Association, is the organization that governs play and sets the rules of football and was founded in Paris in May 1904. There are 6 continental confederations who have vested power from FIFA over their own area- the Union of European Football Associations, the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, the Asian Football Confederation, the Confederacion Sudamericana de Futbol, the Oceania Football Confederation and the Confederation of African Football.

It might surprise you to know that FIFA recognizes more member states than the United Nations. There are 209 recognized national associations with each having a men's team.

3. US Open Cup

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest soccer championship in the US. It first started in 1914 and was known at that time as the National Challenge Cup.

4. Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer (MLS) is the US soccer league comprising of 24 teams and constitutes one of the major professional sports leagues in America. LA Galaxy is one of the most successful teams in the league having won five MLS Cups. The club also has the record for the longest MLS winning streak. During the 1997-98 season, they won 15 consecutive games to set a new record.

5. Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan is regarded as one of the greatest US soccer players. He played most of his career for the Los Angeles Galaxy and played a crucial role for the club during 4 of their Major League Soccer Cup wins. His 144 goals tally is a record for most goals in the MLS.

6. Pele

Pele is regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time. He was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999. He scored an incredible 1281 goals in 1363 games that include 650 goals in 694 League matches. He played for the Brazil national team.