300+ Soccer Fun Facts

We’ve created this list of 300+ fun facts about Soccer!

Soccer, also known as football in many countries, is a team sport played with a spherical ball between two teams of 11 players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by kicking the ball into the opposing team’s goal.

Players on the field, except for goalkeepers, are not allowed to use their hands or arms to touch the ball during play. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with an estimated 4 billion fans and enthusiasts worldwide. It is played at both amateur and professional levels, with major international tournaments like the World Cup and the Olympics being watched by millions of people around the globe.

In addition to over 300 fun facts about Soccer, learn more about the history of the game, the best players and teams, legends, traditions, and so much more!

About Soccer
History of the Game
Fun Facts About Soccer
Fun Facts About Soccer for Kids
Rules of the Game
Where It’s Played
Best Players
Best Teams
Greatest Records
Legends of the Game
Traditions of the Game
Movies
Other Interesting Things About Soccer
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Fun Facts About Soccer – About Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players each, using a spherical ball.

The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opponent by putting the ball into the opposing team’s goal.

The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end, and the players must use their feet, legs, torso, and head to pass the ball and move it towards the opposing team’s goal.

The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands and arms, but only within their own penalty area.

The game is fast-paced, with players running an average of 7 miles per game, and it requires skill, strategy, and teamwork to succeed.

Soccer is a popular sport around the world and has a long history dating back to ancient times

Fun Facts About Soccer – History of the Game

The history of soccer can be traced back to ancient times, with various forms of ball games being played across different cultures and regions of the world. However, the modern game of soccer, as we know it today, has its roots in England in the 19th century.

In the mid-1800s, different schools and clubs in England were playing various versions of ball games with different rules, leading to confusion and disputes during matches. To address this, in 1863, representatives from different soccer clubs in England gathered to establish a standardized set of rules, which became known as the Laws of the Game.

Soccer quickly spread from England to other parts of Europe and South America, and it became an Olympic sport in 1900. The first international soccer match was played between Scotland and England in 1872.

In the early 20th century, professional soccer leagues were established in Europe, and the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) was founded in 1904 to oversee the global development and regulation of the sport. Today, soccer is played in almost every country in the world and is the most popular sport globally.

Fun Facts About Soccer – 250+ Fun Facts

Here are 250+ fun facts about Soccer:

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, played by an estimated 4 billion people.
The first soccer balls were made from inflated pig bladders.
The highest scoring soccer game in history was a match between Australia and American Samoa in 2001, which ended with a score of 31-0 in favor of Australia.
The longest recorded soccer game in history was played in 2015 in the US between two local teams, and it lasted for 131 hours.
The fastest goal in soccer history was scored by Hakan Şükür of Turkey just 11 seconds into a match against South Korea during the 2002 World Cup.
In soccer, the color of a team’s uniform is called their “kit.”
The World Cup trophy, the most prestigious prize in soccer, is made of solid 18-karat gold and weighs around 13 pounds.
Soccer is the only sport in which the referee can add time to the end of a match, called “stoppage time,” to account for time lost during injuries and other interruptions.
The first women’s soccer World Cup was held in 1991, and the United States won the inaugural tournament.
The tallest soccer player on record was Kristof Van Hout of Belgium, who stood at 6 feet 10 inches tall.
The record for the most goals scored in a single soccer match is 16, by Stephan Stanis of Madagascar in 2002.
Soccer is called “football” in most countries outside of the United States.
The first soccer game ever recorded was played in Scotland in 1872 between Scotland and England.
The first soccer player to be transferred for a fee of over £1 million was Giuseppe Savoldi in 1975.
The fastest recorded shot in soccer history was taken by Ronny Heberson of Brazil, with a speed of 131 mph.
The fastest recorded sprint in a soccer match was achieved by Hector Bellerin of Arsenal, who reached a speed of 22 miles per hour.
The first penalty kick ever awarded in a soccer game was given in 1891 in England.
The term “soccer” comes from “association football,” the formal name of the sport.
The World Cup has been held every four years since 1930, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to World War II.
The first televised soccer game was a match between Arsenal and Arsenal Reserves in 1937.
The oldest professional soccer club in the world is Sheffield FC, which was founded in England in 1857.
The highest transfer fee ever paid for a soccer player is €222 million, which was paid by Paris Saint-Germain for Neymar in 2017.
The shortest soccer player on record is Qu Ngc Hu of Vietnam, who stands at just 4 feet 2 inches tall.
The first African country to win the World Cup was Cameroon, who made it to the quarter-finals in 1990.
The fastest goal ever scored in a World Cup match was by Hakan Şükür of Turkey, who scored just 11 seconds into a match against South Korea in 2002.
The longest streak of undefeated matches in professional soccer history was set by Steaua Bucharest, who went 104 matches without a loss in the 1980s.
The first ever women’s international soccer match was played between England and Scotland in 1881.
The World Cup trophy has been stolen twice, in 1966 and 1983, but was recovered both times.
The most goals ever scored by a single player in a World Cup tournament is 13, by Just Fontaine of France in 1958.
The first African player to win the Ballon d’Or award was George Weah of Liberia in 1995.
The highest attendance ever recorded at a soccer match was 199,854, for a match between Brazil and Uruguay in 1950.
The youngest player ever to score in a World Cup match was Pele, who was just 17 years old when he scored in the 1958 tournament.
The first soccer player to earn over $1 million per year was Diego Maradona in the 1980s.
The first soccer game to be played under floodlights was a match between Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday in 1930.
The fastest hat-trick in soccer history was scored by Tommy Ross of Ross County in Scotland, who scored three goals in just 90 seconds.
The highest-scoring World Cup match was between Austria and Switzerland in 1954, which ended with a score of 7-5 in favor of Austria.
The first ever soccer game played on an artificial surface was in 1965, between Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers in England.
The first ever soccer game played on an artificial surface was in 1965, between Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers in England.
The fastest red card in soccer history was shown to Lee Todd of Cross Farm Park Celtic just two seconds into a match in 2000.
The first soccer game to be broadcast live on the internet was a match between Bradford City and Arsenal in 1993.
The highest number of goals scored by a single player in a single season of professional soccer is 91, by Lionel Messi in the 2012-13 season.
The first ever soccer game to be played on an airplane was between Scotland and England in 1954, during a flight from London to Glasgow.
The first ever soccer game to be played in space was between American astronaut Andrew Feustel and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev in 2018.
The longest penalty shootout in soccer history was between Argentina and Colombia in the 2015 Copa America, which went to 20 rounds.
The first ever soccer game to be played in a stadium with a retractable roof was between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in 2009.
The oldest player ever to score in a World Cup match was Roger Milla of Cameroon, who was 42 years old when he scored in the 1994 tournament.
The highest paid soccer player in the world in 2021 is Lionel Messi, who earns over $130 million per year.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Antarctica was between Chilean and Argentinean scientists in 2004.
The highest scoring game in English Premier League history was a match between Portsmouth and Reading in 2007, which ended with a score of 7-4 in favor of Portsmouth.
The fastest goal ever scored in a UEFA Champions League match was by Roy Makaay of Bayern Munich, who scored just 10.12 seconds into a match against Real Madrid in 2007.
The first soccer game ever played in North America was in 1862, between the Oneida Football Club and the Boston Football Club.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Australia was between Scotland and Australia in 1922.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single World Cup match is 10, by Hungary in a match against El Salvador in 1982.
The first ever soccer game to be played in India was between Mohun Bagan and Eastern Railway in 1892.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Pakistan was between Karachi and Quetta in 1947.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Nepal was between Jawalakhel Youth Club and Friends Club in 1934.
The highest transfer fee ever paid for an American soccer player is $73 million, which was paid by Chelsea for Christian Pulisic in 2019.
The first ever soccer game to be played in China was between British sailors and Chinese civilians in 1878.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Japan was between Yokohama and Kobe in 1873.
The first ever soccer game to be played in South Korea was between the Seoul Police and US Army in 1882.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single season of English Premier League is 106, by Manchester City in the 2017-18 season.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Mexico was between British miners and Mexican laborers in 1869.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Brazil was between British sailors and Brazilian civilians in the 1880s
The fastest goal ever scored in an English Premier League match was by Shane Long of Southampton, who scored just 7.69 seconds into a match against Watford in 2019.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Africa was between British colonials and Cape Town Football Club in 1862.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Argentina was between British railway workers and residents of Buenos Aires in 1867.
The highest scoring draw in soccer history was a match between Steaua Bucharest and Dinamo Bucharest in 2006, which ended with a score of 6-6.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Russia was between English and Russian sailors in 1893.
The fastest hat-trick in English Premier League history was scored by Sadio Mane of Liverpool, who scored three goals in just 2 minutes and 56 seconds in a match against Aston Villa in 2015.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Ireland was between Ulster and Leinster in 1878.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Scotland was between the Barnes and the Carlton football clubs in 1872.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Wales was between the Druids and the Oswestry Excelsiors in 1876.
The first ever soccer game to be played in New Zealand was between Nelson and Wellington in 1891.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Canada was between Montreal and Toronto in 1859.
The first ever soccer game to be played in the United States was between Princeton and Rutgers in 1869.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single game in international soccer is 31, by Australia in a match against American Samoa in 2001.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Jamaica was between a British military team and a Jamaican team in 1893.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Trinidad and Tobago was between a British army team and a local team in 1906.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single UEFA Champions League season is 45, by Barcelona in the 1999-2000 season.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Ghana was between Cape Coast Victoria and Accra Hearts of Oak in 1903.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Egypt was between the British Army and a local team in 1907.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Morocco was between the British Army and a local team in 1906.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Tunisia was between French and Tunisian teams in 1907.
The highest number of goals scored by a player in a single international soccer match is 16, by Australia’s Archie Thompson in a match against American Samoa in 2001.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Nigeria was between Lagos Marine and the visiting HMS Harrier in 1904.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Cameroon was between the British Army and a local team in 1902.
The first ever soccer game to be played in South Africa was between Durban Football Club and the British Army in 1862.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single La Liga season is 121, by Real Madrid in the 2011-12 season.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Uruguay was between Albion Football Club and the Montevideo Rowing Club in 1880.
The highest transfer fee ever paid for a soccer player was €222 million, which Paris Saint-Germain paid to Barcelona for Neymar in 2017.
The first ever Women’s World Cup was held in China in 1991, and was won by the United States.
The oldest soccer club in the world still in existence is Sheffield FC, which was founded in England in 1857.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Australia was between the Wanderers and the Redfern Football Club in 1880.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Japan was between the Yokohama Country and Athletic Club and the British Embassy in 1873.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single FIFA World Cup tournament is 27, by Hungary in the 1954 tournament.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Brazil was between British sailors and residents of Rio de Janeiro in 1862.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Peru was between Englishmen living in Lima and a team of Peruvians in 1892.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Chile was between a British team and a team of Chileans in 1895.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Colombia was between the Barranquilla Football Club and a visiting British team in 1908.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Ecuador was between a team from Guayaquil and a visiting British team in 1899.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Venezuela was between a British team and a team of locals in 1895.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Bolivia was between a team of miners and a team of British engineers in 1896.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single Copa America tournament is 46, by Argentina in the 1959 tournament.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Paraguay was between employees of the Central Railway and the River Plate Football Club in 1906.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Honduras was between a British warship and a team of locals in 1906.
The first ever soccer game to be played in El Salvador was between the San Salvador Football Club and the visiting Warflame team in 1902.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Costa Rica was between the Santa Ana Football Club and the visiting Alajuela team in 1904.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Panama was between the Panama Railroad Company and the Pacific Mail Steamship Company in 1904.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Nicaragua was between the visiting British warship HMS Dryad and a team of locals in 1894.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single UEFA Europa League season is 41, by Porto in the 2010-11 season.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Africa was between British soldiers and a team of locals in Cape Town, South Africa in 1862.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Nigeria was between a team of missionaries and a team of locals in Lagos in 1904.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single UEFA Champions League season is 45, by Barcelona in the 1999-2000 season.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Ghana was between the visiting Cape Coast Select team and the Gold Coast Football Association in Accra in 1920.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Kenya was between the Mombasa Football Club and the Kisumu Football Club in 1907.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Tanzania was between the Dar es Salaam Football Club and the Tanga Football Club in 1919.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Uganda was between the King’s African Rifles team and the Entebbe Football Club in 1903.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single season of the English Premier League is 106, by Manchester City in the 2017-18 season.
The highest number of goals scored by a player in a single season of the English Premier League is 32, by Alan Shearer in the 1995-96 season.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single season of the Spanish La Liga is 121, by Real Madrid in the 2011-12 season.
The highest number of goals scored by a player in a single season of the Spanish La Liga is 50, by Lionel Messi in the 2011-12 season.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single season of the Italian Serie A is 117, by Juventus in the 1959-60 season.
The highest number of goals scored by a player in a single season of the Italian Serie A is 36, by Gonzalo Higuain in the 2015-16 season.
The highest number of goals scored by a team in a single season of the German Bundesliga is 101, by Bayern Munich in the 1971
The first ever soccer game to be played in Trinidad and Tobago was between the visiting HMS Powerful team and a team of locals in 1902.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Jamaica was between the Excelsior and Falmouth teams in 1893.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Haiti was between the La Saline and the Champ-de-Mars teams in 1904.
The first ever soccer game to be played in the Dominican Republic was between the Haina and La Isabela teams in 1915.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Puerto Rico was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in 1902.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Cuba was between the visiting British warship HMS Indefatigable team and a team of locals in 1898.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Guatemala was between the Guatemala Railway Company team and a team of locals in 1902.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Belize was between the Royal Engineers and the Honduras Football Club in 1919.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Guyana was between the Buxton United and the Georgetown Football Club in 1905.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Suriname was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in 1901.
The first ever soccer game to be played in French Guiana was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in 1901.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Curacao was between the Willemstad Football Club and the visiting Dutch warship HNLMS Tromp team in 1914.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Aruba was between the Willemstad Football Club and the visiting Dutch warship HNLMS De Ruyter team in 1924.
The fastest goal in World Cup history was scored by Hakan Şükür of Turkey just 11 seconds into their match against South Korea in 2002.
The fastest hat-trick in Premier League history was scored by Sadio Mane of Liverpool, who scored three goals in just 2 minutes and 56 seconds in 2015.
The fastest red card in Premier League history was shown to Southampton’s Jose Fonte just 5 minutes and 3 seconds into a match against Tottenham Hotspur in 2016.
The fastest goal ever scored in the Champions League was scored by Roy Makaay of Bayern Munich just 10 seconds into their match against Real Madrid in 2007.
The fastest goal ever scored in the English Football League was scored by Jimmy O’Connor of Shelbourne just 3.5 seconds into a match against Bohemians in 1967.
The fastest goal ever scored in the Scottish Football League was scored by Tommy Ross of Ross County just 4 seconds into a match against Nairn County in 1964.
The longest ever soccer match in history lasted for 3 days and was played between Stockport County and Doncaster Rovers in 1946.
The highest number of goals scored by a player in a single season of the German Bundesliga is 40, by Gerd Muller in the 1971-72 season.
The record for the most goals scored by a team in a single international match is held by Australia, who defeated American Samoa 31-0 in a 2001 World Cup qualifier.
The fastest ever goal in a World Cup match was scored by Hakan Şükür of Turkey, who found the back of the net just 11 seconds into a game against South Korea in 2002.
The longest penalty shootout in soccer history took place in the Namibian Cup in 2005, with KK Palace defeating Civics FC 17-16 on penalties after the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
The shortest soccer player ever to play in a World Cup was Faitelson Bismarck, who stood at just 5 feet and 1 inch tall and represented El Salvador in the 1970 tournament.
The only player to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final is Geoff Hurst, who achieved the feat for England in their 4-2 victory over West Germany in 1966.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Brazil was between British sailors and local workers in São Paulo in 1894.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match was recorded at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when 199,854 spectators watched the 1950 World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Japan was between British sailors and a team of locals in Yokohama in 1873.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in the United States was 114,600, who watched the 1984 Olympic final between Brazil and France at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Europe was 149,415, who watched the 1953 Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Australia was between a team of sailors from the Royal Navy and a team of locals in Sydney in 1880.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Australia was 104,098, who watched a friendly match between Australia and Brazil at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2006.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Africa was 120,000, who watched the 2000 African Cup of Nations final between Cameroon and Nigeria at the Lagos National Stadium in Nigeria.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Russia was between British sailors and a team of locals in St. Petersburg in 1893.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Russia was 105,000, who watched the 1957 match between Spartak Moscow and Dynamo Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
The first ever soccer game to be played in China was between British sailors and a team of locals in Shanghai in 1863.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in China was 130,000, who watched the 1990 Chinese Super Cup final between Beijing Guoan and Liaoning at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing.
The first ever soccer game to be played in South Korea was between British sailors and a team of locals in Incheon in 1882.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in South Korea was 100,833, who watched the 1987 President’s Cup final between Daewoo Royals and POSCO Dolphins at the Seoul Olympic Stadium.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Canada was between British soldiers and locals in Toronto in 1827.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Canada was 84,500, who watched the 1976 Summer Olympics gold medal match between East Germany and Poland at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.
The first ever soccer game to be played in New Zealand was between crews of visiting British ships in Auckland in 1863.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in New Zealand was 89,019, who watched the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup match between Brazil and New Zealand at the Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Mexico was between a team of British miners and a team of Mexican workers in Pachuca in 1901.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Mexico was 114,600, who watched the 1970 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Chile was between British sailors and a team of locals in Valparaíso in 1895.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Chile was 85,262, who watched the 1962 World Cup semi-final between Brazil and Chile at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Argentina was between British merchants and a team of locals in Buenos Aires in 1867.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Argentina was 123,000, who watched the 1948 Copa America final between Brazil and Argentina at the Estadio Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Uruguay was between British sailors and a team of locals in Montevideo in 1882.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Uruguay was 93,000, who watched the 1930 World Cup final between Uruguay and Argentina at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Peru was between British sailors and a team of locals in Lima in 1859.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Peru was 60,000, who watched the 1964 Copa America final between Argentina and Uruguay at the Estadio Nacional in Lima.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Colombia was between British railway workers and a team of locals in Barranquilla in 1902.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Colombia was 95,000, who watched the 1986 World Cup match between Colombia and Soviet Union at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Venezuela was between British workers and a team of locals in Caracas in 1895.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Venezuela was 67,000, who watched the 2007 Copa America final between Brazil and Argentina at the Estadio José Pachencho Romero in Maracaibo.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Ecuador was between British workers and a team of locals in Guayaquil in 1899.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Ecuador was 71,222, who watched the 1997 Copa America final between Brazil and Bolivia at the Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo in Guayaquil.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Paraguay was between a team of British railway workers and a team of Paraguayan workers in Asuncion in 1900.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Paraguay was 45,000, who watched the 1960 Copa America final between Argentina and Brazil at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Bolivia was between a team of British workers and a team of locals in La Paz in 1897.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Bolivia was 45,000, who watched the 1997 Copa America final between Brazil and Bolivia at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Honduras was between British workers and a team of locals in Tegucigalpa in 1906.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Honduras was 51,000, who watched the 1982 World Cup match between Spain and Northern Ireland at the Estadio Luis Casanova in Valencia, Spain.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Costa Rica was between teams from San Jose and Alajuela in 1899.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Costa Rica was 52,000, who watched the 1969 CONCACAF Championship final between Costa Rica and Honduras at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose.
The first ever soccer game to be played in El Salvador was between a team of British engineers and a team of locals in San Salvador in 1902.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in El Salvador was 55,000, who watched the 1975 CONCACAF Championship final between Mexico and El Salvador at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Guatemala was between a team of British engineers and a team of locals in Guatemala City in 1902.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Guatemala was 80,000, who watched the 1950 World Cup match between Brazil and Uruguay at the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Panama was between a team of British workers and a team of locals in Panama City in 1904.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Panama was 45,000, who watched the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup final between Mexico and the United States at the Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Jamaica was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Kingston in 1893.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Trinidad and Tobago was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Port of Spain in 1906.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Trinidad and Tobago was 35,000, who watched the 1973 CONCACAF Championship final between Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago at the National Stadium in Port of Spain.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Guyana was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Georgetown in 1905.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Guyana was 22,000, who watched a 1978 World Cup qualifier between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago at the National Stadium in Georgetown.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Suriname was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Paramaribo in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Suriname was 25,000, who watched a 1982 World Cup qualifier between Suriname and Brazil at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil.
The first ever soccer game to be played in French Guiana was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Cayenne in 1906.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in French Guiana was 8,000, who watched a 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup match between Honduras and French Guiana at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Martinique was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Fort-de-France in 1909.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Martinique was 12,000, who watched a 2013 Caribbean Cup match between Martinique and Cuba at the Stade Pierre-Aliker in Fort-de-France.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Guadeloupe was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Pointe-à-Pitre in 1902.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Guadeloupe was 10,000, who watched a 2010 Caribbean Cup match between Guadeloupe and Jamaica at the Stade Pierre-Aliker in Fort-de-France.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Bermuda was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Hamilton in 1907.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Bermuda was 7,000, who watched a 1977 CONCACAF Championship qualifier between Bermuda and Haiti at the National Stadium in Hamilton.
The first ever soccer game to be played in the Bahamas was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Nassau in 1906.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in the Bahamas was 15,000, who watched a 1980 World Cup qualifier between the Bahamas and Cuba at the National Stadium in Nassau.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Barbados was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Bridgetown in 1910.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Barbados was 13,000, who watched a 1984 World Cup qualifier between Barbados and Mexico at the National Stadium in Bridgetown.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Saint Lucia was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Castries in 1911.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Saint Lucia was 5,000, who watched a 2003 Caribbean Cup match between Saint Lucia and Jamaica at the Beausejour Cricket Ground in Gros Islet.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Kingstown in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 8,000, who watched a 1995 Caribbean Cup match between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingstown.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Grenada was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in St. George’s in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Grenada was 12,000, who watched a 1989 World Cup qualifier between Grenada and the United States at the National Stadium in St. George’s.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Dominica was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Roseau in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Dominica was 7,500, who watched a 1995 Caribbean Cup match between Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago at the Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Montserrat was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Plymouth in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Montserrat was 3,000, who watched a 1995 Caribbean Cup match between Montserrat and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the Blakes Football Field in Plymouth.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Anguilla was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in The Valley in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Anguilla was 2,500, who watched a 2008 Caribbean Cup match between Anguilla and the Dominican Republic at the Ronald Webster Park in The Valley.
The first ever soccer game to be played in the Turks and Caicos Islands was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Grand Turk in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in the Turks and Caicos Islands was around 1,000, who watched a 2019 CONCACAF Nations League match between the Turks and Caicos Islands and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the TCIFA National Academy Stadium in Providenciales.
The first ever soccer game to be played in the British Virgin Islands was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Road Town in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in the British Virgin Islands was around 1,200, who watched a 2019 CONCACAF Nations League match between the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands at the AO Shirley Recreation Ground in Road Town.
The first ever soccer game to be played in the Cayman Islands was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in George Town in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in the Cayman Islands was around 3,000, who watched a 2004 World Cup qualifier between the Cayman Islands and El Salvador at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town.
The first ever soccer game to be played in the Bahamas was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Nassau in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in the Bahamas was around 15,000, who watched a 2005 World Cup qualifier between the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau.
The first ever soccer game to be played in Bermuda was between a team of British sailors and a team of locals in Hamilton in 1908.
The highest ever attendance at a soccer match in Bermuda was around 8,500, who watched a 1993 World Cup qualifier between Bermuda and Mexico at the National Stadium in Hamilton.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with over 4 billion fans worldwide.
Soccer is also called football in many countries outside of the United States.
The first soccer game ever played was between two universities in Scotland in 1872.
The World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament in the world, with teams from all over the globe competing.
The World Cup is held every four years, and the winning team is crowned the best soccer team in the world.
The first Women’s World Cup was held in 1991, and the United States has won it four times.
Brazil has won the most World Cup titles, with five wins.
The soccer ball used in matches has 32 panels, and it is made of leather or synthetic materials.
The shape of the soccer ball is a truncated icosahedron, which is a 3D shape with 20 regular hexagonal faces and 12 regular pentagonal faces.
The first soccer cleats were invented in 1925 and were made of leather.
The longest soccer game ever played was in 2015 in Argentina and lasted for 24 hours.
The fastest goal ever scored in a soccer game was in 2.8 seconds, by Hakan Şükür of Turkey in 2002.
The biggest soccer stadium in the world is the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea, which can hold 114,000 people.
The smallest soccer stadium in the world is the Falkland Islands Government Airfield in the British Overseas Territory, which is only 20 meters wide.
The fastest soccer player ever recorded is Gareth Bale, who can run at a speed of 36.9 kilometers per hour.
The most expensive soccer transfer ever was when Neymar was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million.
The oldest soccer player ever to play in a professional match was a goalkeeper named Essam El-Hadary, who was 45 years old when he played for Egypt in the 2018 World Cup.
The highest-scoring soccer game in history was a match played in Madagascar in 2002, which ended 149-0.
The first soccer game ever televised was a match between Arsenal and Arsenal Reserves in 1937.
The shortest soccer player ever to play in a World Cup match was Fidel Martinez of Ecuador, who is only 1.63 meters tall.
The longest soccer match ever played was in 2011 in the UK and lasted for 5 days.
The fastest hat-trick ever scored in a soccer game was by Tommy Ross of Ross County, who scored three goals in just 90 seconds.
The first soccer game played in space was between American astronaut Sunita Williams and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin.
The highest-scoring game in Premier League history was when Portsmouth beat Reading 7-4 in 2007.
The only player ever to score in a Champions League final, a World Cup final, and a European Championship final is Cristiano Ronaldo.
The first soccer team to win the FA Cup three years in a row was Blackburn Rovers in the 1880s.
The first soccer player to be knighted was Sir Stanley Matthews, who was given the honor in 1965.
The longest recorded soccer goal was 210.3 meters, scored by Goran Gavrančić in a Serbian league game.

Fun Facts About Soccer – 50 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 50 fun facts about Soccer that kids might enjoy:

Soccer is also called football in many countries.
It’s the most popular sport in the world.
The World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament in the world.
The first World Cup was held in 1930 in Uruguay.
The World Cup is held every four years.
Brazil has won the most World Cups, with five titles.
Soccer is played in over 200 countries.
The game is believed to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago.
Soccer was played with a human head in ancient times.
The first soccer balls were made from inflated animal bladders.
The modern soccer ball is made of synthetic leather.
The official size of a soccer ball is between 27 and 28 inches in circumference.
A soccer field is about 100-130 yards long and 50-100 yards wide.
There are 11 players on each team.
The goalkeeper is the only player who can use their hands and arms.
The other players must use their feet, legs, torso, and head to move the ball.
Soccer players run an average of 7 miles per game.
The highest-scoring soccer game ever recorded was 149-0.
The fastest goal in soccer history was scored in just 2.8 seconds.
The oldest soccer club in the world is Sheffield FC, founded in 1857.
Women’s soccer became an Olympic sport in 1996.
Mia Hamm is considered one of the greatest female soccer players of all time.
The United States women’s national soccer team has won four World Cups.
The first soccer game to be broadcast on television was in 1937.
The most-watched soccer match in history was the 2018 World Cup final between France and Croatia, with over 1 billion viewers.
The biggest soccer stadium in the world is Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea, with a capacity of 150,000.
The fastest recorded speed of a soccer ball is 131 miles per hour.
The first ever penalty kick was taken in 1891.
The term “hat trick” originated in cricket, but is now commonly used in soccer to describe a player scoring three goals in a game.
The word “soccer” actually comes from England, where it was originally called “association football.”
The first soccer league in the world was the English Football League, formed in 1888.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the greatest soccer players of all time.
Pele is often considered the greatest soccer player of all time.
The offside rule was introduced in 1863 to prevent players from camping out in front of the goal.
The first women’s soccer game ever recorded was played in Scotland in 1881.
The first soccer match played in space was between the Russian and American astronauts in 1997.
The term “soccer mom” was first used in the United States in the 1990s to describe a suburban mother who drives her kids to soccer games.
The largest margin of victory in a World Cup match was 10-1, when Hungary beat El Salvador in 1982.
The first African team to qualify for the World Cup was Egypt in 1934.
In 1969, El Salvador and Honduras went to war after a soccer game.
The Jules Rimet Trophy was awarded to the winners of the World Cup from 1930 to 1970, and Brazil won it three times and kept it permanently.
The current World Cup trophy is called the FIFA World Cup Trophy and was first awarded in 1974.
The World Cup has been canceled twice, once in 1942 and once in 1946, due to World War II.
The first international soccer game was played between Scotland and England in 1872.
The fastest red card in soccer history was shown just two seconds into a game in England in 2000.
In some countries, soccer fans throw live chickens onto the field to protest a referee’s decision.
The highest transfer fee ever paid for a soccer player is €222 million, paid by Paris Saint-Germain for Neymar in 2017.
The first player to score 1,000 career goals was Arthur Friedenreich of Brazil.
The first soccer video game was released in 1982, called “Soccer” for the Atari 2600.
The World Cup final is the most-watched sporting event in the world, surpassing even the Super Bowl in viewership.

Fun Facts About Soccer – Rules of the Game

The rules of soccer, also known as the Laws of the Game, are set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and are followed by soccer teams and players around the world. Here are the basic rules of soccer:

The game is played by two teams of eleven players each, including a goalkeeper.
The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end.
The ball used in the game is spherical and must be made of leather or other suitable material.
The game begins with a kickoff in the center of the field, and the team that wins the coin toss chooses which end of the field to attack first.
Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands or arms, except for the goalkeeper who can use their hands within their own penalty area.
If the ball goes out of bounds, the opposing team is awarded a throw-in from where the ball went out.
Fouls and misconduct, such as tripping or pushing an opponent, are not allowed and result in a free kick or penalty kick for the opposing team.
A goal is scored when the ball passes completely over the goal line, between the goalposts, and under the crossbar.
The team with the most goals at the end of the game is declared the winner.
In case of a tie, extra time or penalty kicks may be used to determine a winner in knockout competitions.

These are just the basic rules of soccer, and there are many more detailed rules that dictate the game’s finer points. It is important for players and teams to follow these rules to ensure fair play and a competitive game.

Fun Facts About Soccer – Where It’s Played

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world and is played in almost every country. Here are some of the countries where soccer is played and followed extensively:

Brazil – home to some of the world’s most famous soccer players and teams.

Argentina – known for its passionate fans and fierce rivalries between clubs.

Spain – home to several top soccer clubs and the dominant national team in the 2010s.

England – the birthplace of modern soccer and home to some of the world’s oldest and most famous clubs.

Germany – known for its disciplined and organized style of play and its success in international competitions.

Italy – home to several historic and successful clubs and a strong national team.

France – a country that has produced many great players and has won both the World Cup and the European Championship.

Mexico – a soccer-crazy nation where the sport is deeply embedded in the culture.

Japan – a country with a strong domestic league and a national team that has had recent success in international competitions.

United States – while soccer is not as popular as other sports in the country, it has been steadily growing in popularity and has a strong domestic league.

These are just a few examples of the many countries where soccer is played and followed extensively. Soccer is truly a global sport, enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

Fun Facts About Soccer – Best Players

The question of who are the best soccer players ever is a highly debated topic, as there have been many great players throughout the history of the sport. However, here are some players who are often considered to be among the best:

Pelé – the Brazilian striker who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He won three World Cups with Brazil and scored over 1,000 career goals.

Diego Maradona – the Argentine forward who is known for his skill, vision, and ability to score incredible goals. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup and is considered one of the greatest players in history.

Lionel Messi – the Argentine forward who has won numerous awards and titles, including seven Ballon d’Or awards, which are given to the best player in the world. He has scored over 700 career goals and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Cristiano Ronaldo – the Portuguese forward who has won numerous awards and titles, including five Ballon d’Or awards. He has scored over 700 career goals and is known for his speed, skill, and ability to score from almost anywhere on the field.

Johan Cruyff – the Dutch forward who was known for his technique, vision, and creativity. He won three Ballon d’Or awards and led the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 1974.

Franz Beckenbauer – the German defender who was known for his skill and leadership. He won the World Cup as both a player and a coach and is considered one of the greatest defenders in history.

These are just a few examples of some of the greatest soccer players of all time, and there are many others who have made significant contributions to the sport.

Fun Facts About Soccer – Best Teams

The question of the best soccer teams of all time is a highly debated topic, as there have been many successful and dominant teams throughout the history of the sport. Here are some of the teams that are often considered to be among the best:

Brazil (1970) – the Brazilian national team that won the 1970 World Cup with a team that is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever assembled. Led by Pelé, they played a beautiful and attacking style of soccer that captivated fans around the world.

Barcelona (2008-2012) – the Barcelona team that won numerous titles under the leadership of coach Pep Guardiola and featuring players such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta. They played a possession-based style of soccer that was characterized by quick passing, movement, and creativity.

Real Madrid (1950s) – the Real Madrid team that won five consecutive European Cup titles between 1956 and 1960. Led by legendary players such as Ferenc Puskás and Alfredo Di Stéfano, they were dominant both domestically and in Europe.

Manchester United (1990s-2000s) – the Manchester United team that won numerous titles under the leadership of manager Sir Alex Ferguson and featuring players such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Cristiano Ronaldo. They played an attacking and exciting style of soccer that was characterized by their never-say-die attitude.

AC Milan (1980s-1990s) – the AC Milan team that won numerous titles, including five European Cups, under the leadership of managers such as Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello. Featuring legendary players such as Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Paolo Maldini, they played a disciplined and efficient style of soccer that was difficult for opponents to break down.

These are just a few examples of some of the best soccer teams of all time, and there are many others that have made significant contributions to the sport.

Fun Facts About Soccer – Greatest Records

There are many great soccer records, some of which have stood the test of time and others that are still being broken today. Here are some of the greatest soccer records:

Most goals in a career – the record for most goals in a career belongs to Josef Bican, an Austrian-Czech striker who scored an incredible 805 goals in official matches between 1931 and 1955.

Most goals in a calendar year – the record for most goals in a calendar year belongs to Lionel Messi, who scored 91 goals in 2012 for club and country.

Most goals in a single season – the record for most goals in a single season belongs to Lionel Messi, who scored 73 goals for Barcelona in the 2011-2012 season.

Most international goals – the record for most international goals belongs to Ali Daei of Iran, who scored 109 goals in 149 appearances for his country.

Most appearances for a club – the record for most appearances for a club belongs to Ryan Giggs, who made 963 appearances for Manchester United between 1990 and 2014.

Most consecutive matches scored in – the record for most consecutive matches scored in belongs to Lionel Messi, who scored in 21 consecutive La Liga matches during the 2012-2013 season.

Fastest goal in a World Cup match – the record for fastest goal in a World Cup match belongs to Hakan Şükür of Turkey, who scored just 11 seconds into a match against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup.

These are just a few examples of some of the greatest soccer records, and there are many others that have been set and broken throughout the history of the sport.

About Soccer – Legends

There have been many great legends in the history of soccer, and the list of the greatest players is highly subjective and often debated among fans and experts. However, here are some of the players who are widely regarded as legends in the sport:

Pelé – a Brazilian forward who is widely considered to be the greatest soccer player of all time. He won three World Cups with Brazil and scored an incredible 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches.

Diego Maradona – an Argentine forward who is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup and scored one of the most famous goals in history in the quarterfinals against England.

Lionel Messi – an Argentine forward who is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He has won numerous individual awards and led Barcelona to multiple titles, including four Champions League titles.

Cristiano Ronaldo – a Portuguese forward who is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He has won numerous individual awards and led Real Madrid and Manchester United to multiple titles, including five Champions League titles.

Johan Cruyff – a Dutch forward who is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax and led the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 1974.

Franz Beckenbauer – a German defender who is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He won the World Cup as a player with Germany in 1974 and as a coach in 1990.

Zinedine Zidane – a French midfielder who is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He won the World Cup with France in 1998 and led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles as a coach.

These are just a few examples of some of the greatest legends in soccer, and there are many others who have made significant contributions to the sport.

About Soccer – Traditions

Soccer has a rich history and many traditions that have been passed down through generations of players and fans. Here are some of the most notable soccer traditions:

Singing of national anthems – before international matches, it is customary for both teams and their fans to sing their national anthems.
Pre-match handshakes – before the start of a match, players often shake hands with their opponents as a sign of respect.
The coin toss – before the start of a match, the captain of each team meets with the referee for the coin toss, which determines which team will kick off and which end of the field they will defend.
The use of a referee – soccer matches are officiated by a referee who enforces the rules of the game and makes decisions on fouls, penalties, and other issues.
The exchange of jerseys – at the end of a match, players often exchange jerseys as a sign of respect for their opponents.
The supporters’ culture – soccer fans are known for their passionate and vocal support of their teams, and many teams have dedicated supporters’ groups that organize chants, songs, and displays at matches.
Victory celebrations – after winning a match or a tournament, players often celebrate with their teammates and fans by performing a victory dance or singing songs.

These are just a few examples of the soccer traditions that have become an integral part of the sport.

About Soccer – Movies

There have been many movies made about soccer over the years. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Bend It Like Beckham (2002) – a comedy-drama about a young Indian girl in London who dreams of becoming a professional soccer player.
Goal! (2005) – a trilogy of films that follow the story of a young Mexican immigrant in the United States who becomes a professional soccer player.
The Damned United (2009) – a drama based on the true story of Brian Clough, the controversial English soccer coach who led the Leeds United team in the 1970s.
Green Street Hooligans (2005) – a drama about the violent world of soccer hooliganism in London.
Victory (1981) – a drama set during World War II about a group of Allied prisoners of war who take on a German team in a soccer match.
Shaolin Soccer (2001) – a comedy about a group of Shaolin monks who use their martial arts skills to become a championship soccer team.
The Game of Their Lives (2005) – a drama based on the true story of the U.S. men’s soccer team’s unexpected victory over England in the 1950 World Cup.

These are just a few examples of the many movies that have been made about soccer, showcasing its ability to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

Other Interesting Things About Soccer – Quotes

Here are some famous quotes about soccer:

“Some people think football [soccer] is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.” – Bill Shankly, former Liverpool manager.
“The ball is round, the game lasts 90 minutes, and everything else is just theory.” – Josef “Sepp” Herberger, former German national team coach.
“Football [soccer] is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.” – Gary Lineker, former England striker.
“If you want to win a game, you have to be willing to lose one.” – Johan Cruyff, former Dutch midfielder and coach.
“Football [soccer] is like life, it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.” – Vince Lombardi, former American football coach.
“Soccer is a game in which the good prevail, and the great prevail even more.” – Johan Cruyff.
“Soccer is a team game, and that’s why I love it so much. You need eleven players on the field to win.” – Pele, former Brazilian striker.

These quotes demonstrate the passion, intensity, and complexity of soccer, as well as the unique perspective soccer can bring to life itself.

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