The History of World Soccer

Soccer started in Great Britain in the mid 19th century and spread around the world within 50 years. Before World War II, soccer gained popularity as local club teams developed fans and World Cup competitions made nations take notice. As postwar growth boomed, increasingly beloved World Cups and regional club competitions--powered by modern clubs and increased media exposure--has cemented soccer as the world's sport.

  1. Origins

    • The game invented in Great Britain first resembled rugby, but rules were changed as football associations formed in England, Scotland and Wales by the 1870s. The sport spread around the world along with British influence. Countries forming their own football associations by the turn of the century included Holland, Denmark, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Germany and Uruguay. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the international soccer federation, was founded in Paris in 1904.

    Steady Prewar Growth

    • By the time the first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930, the number of national associations had reached 41 and would grow to 51 by the start of World War II. In the 1930's the modern rules we know today had became association laws. Around the world, passion for the game was gaining ground on the local level as more big clubs in cities and towns brought traditions to followers who passed the passion down through the years.

    Postwar Boom

    • After World War II, the growth of soccer worldwide mirrored a return to normalcy and prosperity. The first postwar World Cup took place in Brazil in 1950. By the 1960's and 1970's the world soccer powers we know today--including Germany, England, Holland, Brazil, and Argentina--began to dominate world competitions. Alongside the World Cup, regional competitions such as the European Championships and the Copa América in South America gave national team followers more chances to cheer their countries' best players.

    World Soccer Everywhere

    • With fan bases solidly established, the spread of radio and TV meant followers of clubs could follow their teams anytime, anywhere. By the 1980's, TV revenues and rights were becoming a huge business for clubs, broadcasting networks, and advertisers. Soccer gear and replica jerseys helped fuel the game as new contenders such as the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Ghana and Nigeria brought more fans to the game.

    Clubs Join the World Game

    • Big regional club competitions, such as the Champions League in Europe and South America's Copa Liberatadores, gave the top clubs a shot at greater glory. By the 1990's, clubs that had dominated in their home leagues and regional competitions began to find an audience--and profits--worldwide. According to Forbes, the wealthiest 25 teams in the world were worth about $597 million each in 2009, a growth of 8 percent compared to the year before. The top five were Manchester United, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, all clubs with traditions stretching back to the earliest days of world soccer.