Arguably, soccer is one of the popular sports that is played and watched in the world. As a matter of fact, soccer was popular in North America for the last thirty years, but it has currently been the most favorite sport in the entire world. Soccer has considerable influence to its fans and players. Millions of people in Europe and all over the world gather to watch skilled athletes from diverse backgrounds compete in the game of soccer. In the contemporary society, soccer has become an admired sport in the international arena, a trend that has made it been included in educational programs and integration into the entire education system. In the local arena, communities compete with each other in a game of soccer for various reasons. The history of soccer can be dated back to the ancient Greece and Rome.
Conversely, the evolution of soccer has taken many steps to be the game it is watched today. Millions of players in the globe play soccer, while millions of others enjoy watching the game. Soccer as a sport dates back to the ancient Egyptians, whereby the Egyptians played a game that involved kicking of the ball. In history, there are games that related to soccer since it involved kicking, such games was played in China in the 400 BC. In the year 200 AD Romans and Greeks played a game that involved two teams competing together by advancing the ball across the line (Helmer 3). In addition, Romans also played a game that involved passing of a ball, which kicking was never part of it. In about 1100, the evolution of soccer began in London, whereby children could play a form of a game that resembles soccer in the streets. Other information on the evolution of soccer is that people from Kyoto in Japan were kicking a ball, which formed part of their popular sport. Little information is known on the past evolution of soccer, but the little information available can clearly indicate the evolution of soccer (Gifford 2).
Undeniably, the evolution of soccer can be divided into two. The first evolution is believed to have taken place in Egypt, Greek, Roman Empire, as well as Kyoto in Japan. On the other hand, another form of evolution of soccer is the modern soccer. Scholars assert that modern soccer began in England in the year 1800s. The people of England could play a game that resembles soccer in one way or another. During this new era of soccer, many rules and regulations were formed and interpreted in different ways. The version of current soccer started in the 19th century in England. Soccer started in England as a game which involved handing and kicking, but after sometime the game was separated to involve two games that could independently be kicked and handed. In the year 1848, school representatives held a meeting in Cambridge at Trinity College and formulated the ever first modern rules of soccer.
In the year 1863, England advanced to another level by forming Football Association (FA), which included all soccer clubs in England. In the late 1800s, soccer and its rules began to spread all over the world. For example, some of the soccer associations that were formed included, United States Federation in 1913, as well as the Canadian Soccer Association, which was established in the year 1912. Other soccer associations formed to take place in various countries such as Switzerland, Chile, Denmark, Belgium, as well as the Netherlands. Since then, soccer has found its way to other countries in the world. In 1913, the entire world began to take an interest in soccer; this is also the year that the every first world cup was played. The event took place in Montevideo in Uruguay. Since the year 1913, World Cup has become a routine, whereby it is played over four years (Gifford 5).
During the WW II, the World Cup was suspended; this was between the years 1929-1945. The evolution of soccer marked a modern begging through the formation of FIFA (Federation International de Football Association), which took place in 1904. Since then, FIFA has become the international body that governs soccer. Today, FIFA has more than 140 member nations, as well as millions of players. FIFA set the rules and ensures that all member countries adhere to it. Currently, soccer is a game played by twenty two plays, in that each team has eleven players. The entire game has a referee to administer the match by ensuring players follow the rules of the game. In addition, FIFA has standardized rules, regulations and the field ensure that all nations play under the same conditions.
Soccer has the power and the ability to be a focus for many passionate fans in the globe. In addition, soccer plays tremendous role in society today; for example, it is a tool of entertainment, peace, socialization, and income generating (Helmer 15). In other countries, soccer has become part of national identity since everyone in the nation associates themselves with soccer. Since the start of soccer there are many important players that have made a game of soccer popular and attractive. FIFA has created various awards to appreciate this sort of players who in one way or another carry markets the brand of soccer. Some of the awards include player of the year, Player all-time ranking and young player of the year. Most of the players focus on becoming one of the winners in the competitive game of soccer.
Currently, there are many important players who dominate the world of fame in soccer. One of the most important players currently include Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo. This player has consistently dominated in the award winning campaign making them the most important players currently. Lione Messi is one of the known players today. He has won many trophies in Barcelona, and also plays for the Argentina national team. The ability of Messi to mix and mesmerize the defenders has made him score many goals. Despite the fact that he is still playing he is among the list of the most important and best soccer players. Ronaldo is also one of the important players in the world today. Playing for Real Madrid and Portugal has made him among important players. He is famous for his free kicks and stopovers.
As a matter of fact, there are many imperative players, who deposited the passage of time have remained legends in soccer. Other notable players include Zinedine Zidane, Diego Maradona, Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Johann Cruyff, Gerd Muller, Carlos Alberto Torres, Michael Platini, Alfredo di Stefano, Raul Gonzalez, Luis Figo, Alvaro Recoba, Zico,David Beckham, Thiery Henry, Ronaldhino, as well as Roberto Carlos. Undeniably, the world has seen many important players since the start of soccer and competitive game of play. Most of these players are important based on their skill of play, which include free kick, long-range shots, play-makers, finishers, passers, defenders, and goalkeeping (Gifford 20). Perhaps, this sort of skill and expertise has made most of this important players win awards.
In the world of soccer, there are teams that are very great. These teams could be the club or national. In the 21st century, club football has become the most followed soccer. Greatest teams have dominated their leagues for many years and whole the world. Basically, the greatest club football takes place in Europe. One the other hand, most greatest national teams come from European nations. Naming the greatest teams in soccer is very difficult, making it a matter of individual subjective opinion. One of the greatest teams in team in Italy is Juventus. The team was founded in the year 1897. In the history of Italian football, Juventus is the most successful team that is also important globally. Its successfulness comes as a result of winning fifty there titles on international and national stage. Some of the greatest players to be remembered in the team include Alessandro Del Piero and Michel Platini. In addition, some of the greatest teams include Brazil, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Inter Milan, as well as Spain.
In conclusion, occur continues to be one of the famous sport in the world. In fact, soccer continues to attract fans and business people due to its increasing interest. FIFA continues to manage soccer in the world meaning rules and ensuring that all rules are followed. The continuing trend shows that soccer will one day be the most played and watched the game in the planet. In the long run, soccer will always be a uniting factor on various issues.
Work Cited
Gifford, Clive. Soccer. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2010. Print.
Helmer, Diana S. History of Soccer. S.l.: Rosen Pub Groups, n.d.. Print.
