Football is a heartbeat for cities, a reason for weekend gatherings, and the spark for countless childhood dreams.
With billions watching, playing, and following the sport, football is easily the most loved game on the planet. Yet, even the most ardent fans might be unaware of some of its most fascinating stories.
Before listing down the interesting facts, if you are looking for youth football classes in Bristol, check out our father-son led football academy!
Let’s delve into 12 surprising facts that might just change the way you view the beautiful game.
#1 Barcelona has always lost to Dundee United
They have come face to face only 4 times and Dundee United have won every time. A 100%-win record against the European giants!
#2 The Most Viewed Sport in the World!
The 2018 World Cup final match between France and Croatia had 1.12 billion viewers. The entire tournament had grabbed 3.572 billion viewers worldwide.
#3 Some charity matches last for days!
Charity football marathons can go on for days, with players taking turns in shifts to keep the game going and raise money for good causes.
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#4 31-0 is the biggest win in international football
In April 2001, Australia beat American Samoa 31-0 in a qualifier for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Australia’s Archie Thompson scored a record-breaking 13 goals!
#5 The Oldest Football Club in the World is Sheffield FC
Founded in October 1857, Sheffield FC is recognised by both FIFA and FA, marking the oldest football club in the world.
#6 Jose Mourinho went 9 years unbeaten at home!
From 2002 to 2011, Jose Mourinho did not lose a single home league game as a manager, across Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. That is a run of 150 matches!
#7 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta recognised Women’s Football
1996 marked the inaugural appearance of women’s football in Olympics. United States hosted the event and the tournament featured 8 national teams. The hosts bagged the gold medal, silver was won by China and bronze by Norway. Brazil ended in the 4th place.
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#8 Many of the world’s footballs are made in Pakistan
The city of Sialkot in Pakistan is famous for making footballs, including balls used at the World Cup. Tens of thousands of people work in the industry.
#9 Robert Earnshaw Scored a Hat-Trick in Every League
Throughout history, he is the only player to have scored a hat-trick in the Premier League, the League Cup, FA Cup, all three divisions of the English Football League – Championship, League One, League Two and for his country, Wales at an international level.
#10 A Father and Son Played in the Same International Match
In 1996, 17-year-old Eidur Gudjohnsen came on as a substitute for his father, Arnor Gudjohnsen, who was 34, in a match for Iceland. They played in the same game, but never on the pitch at the same time!
#11 The World Cup has been Stolen – Twice!
In 1966, the first theft occurred before the tournament in England and was later recovered by a dog named Pickles! The second theft happened in 1983 in Rio de Janeiro and till date, the trophy has never been recovered!
#12 India Qualified for the 1950 FIFA World Cup
India had qualified for the world cup in Brazil but the All India Football Federation prioritised Olympics as it was considered to be more prestigious. Other reasons cited were insufficient practice time and disagreements over team selection.
There’s more to football than goals and glory. It’s full of stories that don’t make the headlines but stay with you once you hear them.
Which one surprised you the most? Tell us on our Facebook page, or share a fact we might have missed.
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