Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, enjoyed by people of all ages, races, genders, and cultures. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, where a game called cuju was played. In soccer, scoring just one goal more than the opponent is enough to win a match. The tallest soccer player ever was Kristof Van Hout, while Neymar Jr. is the most expensive soccer player ever sold. Playing soccer can boost mental health by promoting the release of endorphins and increasing social connections. The oldest soccer club in the world is Sheffield FC, and the fastest goal in soccer history was scored by Ricardo Oliveira. The FIFA World Cup trophy, worth an estimated $20 million, is the most valuable sports trophy in the world.
1. Most Popular Sport in the World
Football, or soccer as it is known in some parts of the world, is the most popular sport in the world. It is played and loved by millions of people of different ages, races, genders, and cultures worldwide.
2. Originated in China
The earliest form of soccer can be traced back to ancient China, where a game called cuju was played during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Cuju involved kicking a leather ball filled with feathers through a small opening in a silk net strung between two bamboo poles.
3. Only One Score Needed to Win
In soccer, it is not necessary to score many goals to win a match. As long as a team scores one more goal than their opponent, they win the game.
4. The Tallest Soccer Player Ever
The tallest soccer player ever was Kristof Van Hout, who stands at a towering height of 6 feet and 10 inches. Van Hout played as a goalkeeper for several teams in the Belgian football league.
5. The Most Expensive Soccer Player
The most expensive soccer player ever sold is Neymar Jr. The Brazilian forward was sold from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a staggering fee of €222 million.
6. Soccer Can Improve Mental Health
Playing soccer can be beneficial to mental health as it promotes the release of endorphins, which help to improve mood and reduce stress. Additionally, participating in team sports like soccer can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and increase social connections.
7. The Oldest Soccer Club
The oldest soccer club in the world is Sheffield FC, which was founded in Sheffield, England in 1857. The club still exists today and continues to play at the amateur level.
8. The Fastest Goal in Soccer History
The fastest goal in soccer history was scored by striker Ricardo Oliveira, who found the back of the net in just 2.8 seconds while playing for Sao Paulo FC in 2006.
9. The Soccer Ball Wasn’t Always Round
Soccer balls used to be made from animal bladders, and were oval-shaped. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the ball became round, with a rubber bladder and leather covering.
10. World Cup Trophy is the Most Valuable Sports Trophy
The FIFA World Cup trophy, awarded to the winning team of the World Cup tournament held every four years, is the most valuable sports trophy in the world. The trophy is made of solid 18-carat gold and is worth an estimated $20 million.