Football: History, Rules and Influential Individuals

History

Soccer or football in most of none North American countries call it is a world-famous sport that requires the use of feet to maneuver a ball across a rectangular grass field and score in the opposing teams net. However, the invention of the game has been linked to many ancient sports of the same game mechanics but the closest to the modern sport comes from China during the Han Dynasty (206 AD to 220 AD) called Tsu’ Chu except for the fact that the net was 30 feet from the ground made from bamboo and a hand woven net, Tsu’ Chu was a to prepare them from any attacks from opposing empires like the Xiongnu Dynasty who were a group of nomads that inhabited modern northern China.

The training exercise composed of a small leather ball and 30 feet high posts made of bamboo chutes and a hand-woven net, the use of hands was restricted which helped the soldiers be more swift and agile.

Modern Football

After the introduction of Tsu’ Chu to the world, It spread like wildfire being played by many modern countries until it has evolved to the sport we know of today as football. But through the unfathomable number of generations that have played the widely popular sport, there is no doubt that many rules/regulations have been changed, removed, tweaked or even added just to make the game even more entertaining or better for the millions of envious fans around the world, some examples of these are:

• Goal kicks first made its debut in 1869.
• In 1872, corner kicks were first added.
• Penalty kicks were added in 1891.

Other Than that, Most Of The Common Rules Of The Sport Are

• Any attempts to intentionally kick, trip, strike or push an opposing player can lead to the player who commits the foul is to be sent out of the game or be given a warning.
• The intentional handling of a ball can lead to a turnover of the ball to the opposing team.
• Any attempt to hinder an opposing player’s movement even if done unintentionally unless from a 3 feet radius can lead to a free kick for the opposing team.

Equipment

Proper team jersey or shirt with sleeves that follow the proper team color.

Identical shorts that matches the proper team jersey and color.

Stockings that should also be the same color as team color.

Influential Individuals

Pelé:

Edson Nascimento or otherwise known around the world as “Pelé” has got to be one of the most influential soccer players in the entire world not only for the amazing skills that helped him win 3 world cup championships but also in his contribution in spreading the game of soccer into more countries than before. Growing up in the streets of Três Corações Brazil, Pelé’s father was a failed soccer player who taught Pelé everything he knew about the sport which helped him to play in their local soccer team coached by a former national player who later helped Pelé play for the Brazilian national team and win 3 World Cup championships. Pelé remains to be one of the few players to win a world cup more than once, having the most career goals in football, being the youngest scorer in the world cup at age 17, and many more. There is no doubt Pelé is one of the greatest players to play the game.

Zinedine Zidane:

Zinedine Zidane was a French professional soccer player who helped his team win a World Cup title in the 1998 World Cup against Brazil. Zidane helped influence the sport by spreading it to many more countries and helping children and fanatics alike to reach for the stars and follow their dreams of becoming a professional soccer player.

Diego Maradona:

Diego Maradona was a former Argentinian player who led his team to the 1986 world cup against West Germany which they won with 2 goals. Diego Maradona became one of the most influential football players not only because of his amazing skills in the sport but also because of the impact he had in it like giving Argentina its 2nd World Cup and giving inspiration and hope to many of aspiring soccer players.