Football is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in the world, bringing millions of people together every week to cheer on their favorite teams. However, behind the glamour and excitement of the beautiful game lies a series of shocking facts that many fans may not be aware of.
1. Football is the deadliest sport in the world
According to a study by the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, football is the deadliest sport in the world. In the United States, for example, an average of 12 high school and college football players die every year due to injuries sustained during the game.
2. The World Cup trophy has been stolen twice
The FIFA World Cup trophy is one of the most coveted prizes in sports, but it has still been stolen twice. In 1966, the cup was stolen while on display in London, only to be found a week later by a dog named Pickles. In 1983, it was stolen again in Rio de Janeiro and was never recovered.
3. The longest football match lasted over 90 hours
The longest football match ever played lasted for an incredible 90 hours and five minutes. It was a game between two teams from the UK, and it raised over £35,000 for charity.
4. Footballs used to be made out of animal bladders
As hard as it is to believe, footballs used to be made out of animal bladders. The bladder would be inflated and then covered in leather or animal skin. Today’s footballs are made out of synthetic materials like polyurethane.
5. The record for the fastest goal in football history is 1.8 seconds
The record for the fastest goal in football history was scored by Nawaf Al Abed of Saudi Arabia, who found the back of the net just 1.8 seconds after the kick-off. The goal was scored in a match against Palestine in 2017.
6. The most expensive transfer fee for a footballer is over €220 million
The world’s most expensive transfer fee for a footballer was paid by Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for Brazilian star Neymar Jr. The fee was a whopping €222 million.
7. Football referees used to wear top hats
Back in the 19th century, football referees used to wear top hats instead of the standard black-and-white striped shirt. This was to help them stand out on the pitch and ensure that players could see them and their decisions.
8. Over 1 billion people watch the Champions League final every year
The UEFA Champions League is one of the most popular and prestigious club football competitions in the world, and the final attracts a massive global audience. In 2020, over 1 billion people tuned in to watch Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
In conclusion, football may be a beautiful game, but it also has its fair share of surprising and shocking facts. From deadly injuries to stolen trophies, animal bladders to top hats, the history of football is a fascinating and at times bizarre one. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these facts are sure to leave you amazed and maybe even a little bit shocked.
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