Who invented football? Know everything about the history of beautiful sport

From the invention of football to its evolution.

Who invented football? Know everything about the history of beautiful sport

Football is a widely played sport with 250 million players in 200 countries. Simply put, it’s a game played on a rectangular field with goals at opposite ends. The goal is to move the ball from the middle to the opponent’s half and score. Unlike other games, football uniquely uses the feet to carry and score goals.

But, it was not always like this. In this article, fans and enthusiasts can learn about the invention of football and the history of the game.

Story of football’s invention

While modern football is often associated with England, its roots trace back to ancient China in the 2nd Century BC during the Han Dynasty. The Chinese version, called “Cuju,” involved kicking the ball into the net without using hands.

Football Invention
Football in the 19th century. (Image via History UK)

In Greece, a game similar to football called ‘Episkyros’ existed, translating to “Common Ball.” Unlike the Chinese version, the Greek game allowed the use of hands, making it more intense and resembling the ancient Roman game “Harpastum,” meaning carried away.

How and when was the beautiful game invented?

Originally, rugby was a rough sport causing numerous injuries. However, Walter Camp, dubbed the “Father of American Football,” revolutionized the game’s professionalism. A Yale graduate, he played a crucial role in establishing rules for Intercollegiate Association Football in the late 19th century. Camp introduced the 11-player limit and the current scoreboard rule.

Some argue that Ebenezer Morley, known as the father of the Football Association, is the true inventor of modern-day football. As the founder of Barnes Football Club, he chaired a historic 1863 meeting that reshaped the game.

Football, a widely accessible sport globally, is played in streets, indoor, and outdoor stadiums. Unbiased to wealth, it values talent and skills, contributing to its global success.

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