Football is by far the most popular sport in the world. No matter if you’re a dedicated fan, you must know a thing or two about the game. Nevertheless, even the biggest football enthusiasts can’t know all the football trivia.
In this article, we decided to share some of the most surprising facts about this beautiful sport that you will surely find interesting. Read on!
Football Originates from China
While many think that the game of football originated in England, the truth is that the evidence of a similar game existing dates back to the 5th century B.C. China.
The Largest Football Stadium is in North Korea
North Korea is not exactly known for playing football, but it does have the largest football stadium in the world. The Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang has a capacity of 150,000.
The First Professional Club Was Founded in 1857
Only in the 20th century did professional football reach the entire world. However, England had pro clubs even in the mid-19th century, the first one being Sheffield United that exists even today.
The Ball Size Has Been the Same for 120 Years
The official size of the football is 70 centimetres in circumference. That size hasn’t changed for over a century.
The Fastest Goal Ever Was Scored In 2 Seconds
A Saudi Arabian player Nawaf Al-Abed scored what is believed to be the fastest goal in football history in November of 2009. He managed to score the goal right after the opening whistle, and it took two seconds for the ball to travel from the centre to the back of the net.
The Longest Goal Ever Was Scored From 92 Metres
Stoke City’s goalkeeper Asmir Begovic managed to score a goal from roughly 92 metres in November of 2013. Thanks to this incredible goal, he is now in the book of Guinness World Records.
The Most Expensive Football Contract Is Worth $600 Million
Neymar’s contract with the Paris Saint Germain is worth the total cash of over $600 million and includes his stay with the team until 2022.
Football Was Once Illegal In England
Believe it or not, football was illegal in England in the 14th century. The ban was introduced by King Edward II because the game was believed to be too violent, as it was played by angry mobs who kicked the ball between villages. People who were seen playing football were imprisoned.
The Biggest Football Win Was 149-0
The biggest win in a game of football was recorded in Madagascar in 2002, as the country’s champions Adema beat Stade Olympique L’Emyrne by 149 goals to none.
Only 8 Independent Countries Aren’t FIFA Members
These include Monaco, Vatican, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, and Tuvalu.
