From the dazzling skills of Eusébio to the modern-day brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese soccer players have consistently been at the forefront of global soccer.

In this article, I want to pay homage to the finest talents who have graced the Portuguese jersey, exploring their remarkable contributions, individual accolades, and enduring impact on the beautiful game.

Join me on a journey through time as we celebrate the best Portuguese soccer players of all time, a distinguished group of athletes who have carried the nation’s hopes and dreams to the pinnacle of the soccer world.

Eusébio: The Black Pearl’s Extraordinary Legacy

Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, affectionately known as the “Black Pearl,” remains an enduring symbol of Portugal’s soccer heritage.

His extraordinary legacy transcends borders, with his remarkable goal-scoring prowess and electrifying performances on the pitch etched into the annals of soccer history.

Eusébio’s career reached its zenith during the 1960s when he led the Portuguese national team to unprecedented success, including a third-place finish in the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

His incredible ability to find the back of the net earned him the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.

Eusébio’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming an international icon inspires aspiring soccer players worldwide, and he remains one of Portugal’s most cherished and celebrated soccer players.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Modern-Day Phenomenon

In the annals of soccer history, few names resonate as loudly as Cristiano Ronaldo. And I’m sure you would agree that no list of Portuguese players would be complete without the name Cristiano Ronaldo!

He is Portugal’s greatest soccer export and one of the sport’s greatest legends.

Ronaldo’s meteoric rise from a young talent at Sporting CP to becoming a global icon with clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus is the stuff of legends. His awards, including multiple Ballon d’Or titles, attest to his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

However, his unwavering commitment to the Portuguese national team sets him apart.

Ronaldo holds numerous records for the national team, including being its all-time top scorer.

His leadership, work ethic, and ability to perform on the biggest stages make him a source of immense pride for Portugal and a role model for countless young players aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Luís Figo: The Artistry of a Midfield Maestro

Luís Figo, often described as a soccer artist, graced the pitch with a unique blend of skill, flair, and vision.

As a midfielder, Figo’s ability to glide past defenders and deliver pinpoint passes set him apart as one of Portugal’s greatest soccer exports.

He enjoyed a stellar club career at renowned clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, winning numerous domestic and international titles. 

Figo’s achievements include:

• Winning La Liga in 1999, 1999, 2001, and 2002
• Winning Seria A in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009
• Winning the Champion’s League in 2002
• and winning the Ballon d’Or in 2000 

Figo’s contributions extended beyond his club success, as he was a cornerstone of the Portuguese national team during his career.

His leadership on the field and his role in orchestrating the midfield made him an essential figure for Portugal.

The artistry and elegance that Figo brought to the game continue to inspire young players to this day, showcasing that soccer is not just about goals but also about the beauty of skillful play.

Rui Costa: The Maestro of Portuguese Midfield

Rui Costa, another distinguished Portuguese midfielder, earned a reputation as a maestro in the heart of the pitch.

His playmaking abilities and vision made him an integral part of both the Portuguese national team and the clubs he represented, including Fiorentina and A.C. Milan.

Rui Costa’s ability to control the tempo of a match and create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates was second to none.

He was instrumental in Portugal’s successes in international competitions, contributing to the nation’s prominence in European and World Cup tournaments.

Rui Costa’s legacy as a midfield genius endures, inspiring budding midfielders who aspire to leave their mark on the game through their creativity and precision on the ball.

Fernando Peyroteo: Portugal’s Forgotten Goal-Scoring Maestro

Fernando Peyroteo, often overshadowed by more recent stars, deserves a special place in Portugal’s soccer history.

In an era when goal-scoring records were set with astonishing frequency, Peyroteo stands out as one of the most prolific goal-scorers of all time. His goal-scoring exploits with Sporting CP were nothing short of legendary, with an astonishing average of more than one goal per game.

His ability to consistently find the back of the net earned him a place in the pantheon of goal-scoring greats.

Although he may not be as widely recognized today, Peyroteo’s legacy remains a testament to the art of goal-scoring and the impact one player can have on a club and a nation.

Portugal’s Golden Generation: Icons of the 1960s

The 1960s witnessed a golden era for Portuguese soccer, characterized by the rise of a group of exceptionally talented players who left an indelible mark on the national team.

Icons like Eusébio, José Augusto, and António Simões formed the core of this legendary generation, taking Portugal to unprecedented heights.

This era saw Portugal claim its first major international honor, the 1966 UEFA European Championship, where it finished as runner-up.

The impact of this golden generation on Portuguese soccer cannot be overstated, as they laid the foundation for future successes and solidified Portugal’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in international competitions.

Their legacy is an enduring source of pride and inspiration for Portuguese soccer enthusiasts.

Deco: The Portuguese-Brazilian Magician

Deco, born Anderson Luís de Souza, was a player who seamlessly blended the soccer cultures of Portugal and Brazil.

He became a central figure in Portugal’s midfield with his Brazilian flair and Portuguese nationality. Deco’s ability to control the game’s flow, distribute pinpoint passes, and score crucial goals made him indispensable to the Portuguese national team and the clubs he played for, including FC Porto and Barcelona.

His success extended to winning domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Champions League. Deco’s unique style of play and contributions to Portugal’s midfield continue to serve as an example of his soccer talents’ global influence and adaptability.

If this is the first time you’ve watched it, then you will probably be wondering, what’s the halftime show going to be like? Or is there even one?

There is no halftime show in the World Cup for the following reasons:

• The World Cup has a unique audience
• Soccer works better with shorter interruptions
• It is planned much further in advance

The World Cup is an event everyone looks forward to, and watching it will be an experience you will never forget.

Read on to find out why the world cup doesn’t have a halftime show and if a halftime show makes this experience better or worse.

Why Does the World Cup Not Include a Halftime Show?

So if halftime shows are so great, why does the World Cup not use them, considering it’s pretty much the most viewed sporting event on the planet?

Well, the answer is that it is already the greatest sporting event on the planet without one.  

The World Cup doesn’t need a halftime show because the game itself is the main draw for people.

Some people only watch the Super Bowl for commercials or just because they get invited to parties. 

The World Cup, on the other hand, is an event that everybody watches for the game itself, and therefore the game deserves to be uninterrupted and played in its full glory. 

90 minutes of nonstop thrills and excitement that would only be compromised if it was interrupted halfway through for a musical performance.

Let’s look at this in a little more detail.

3 Reasons the World Cup Does Not Have a Halftime Show

The World Cup does not have a conventional halftime show in the same way that we expect in American football games.

It’s also different in that soccer doesn’t always restrict players’ participation by age. You can learn more about that in my article – Why there is no age limit at the FIFA World Cup.

There are a lot of reasons for this that I’ll explain to you now.

1. Football Is Different From Soccer

The first reason is that football is just a different sport than soccer. Although there are similarities, soccer emphasizes uninterrupted play because games have a different momentum to them.

Football games are more “stop-start” and can last much longer than a soccer game.

Implementing a halftime show in soccer would be difficult when the sport requires momentum to increase the level of excitement in the play.

2. The International Audience Prefers a Short Halftime Break

The reality is that halftime shows are mostly an American concept. Football uses them extensively during games, most famously at the Super Bowl.

On the other hand, soccer is more international; therefore, concepts like a halftime show don’t apply in the same way and are not expected by the fans.

This desire is why soccer sticks to a short halftime break.

As I mentioned in my article all about halftime in soccer, halftime in the world cup lasts for 15 minutes in both men’s and women’s competitions.

3. It Would Be Too Complicated to Organize

The World Cup is held every four years.

This can make scheduling someone to play a halftime show a bit of a hassle since the games are planned so far in advance.

Who knows if a band performing today will even still be together in four years?

It’s also unrealistic to assume they will have their time scheduled years in advance.

The World Cup is a much different beast from sports games around the world, even America’s biggest tournament, the Super Bowl.

Fans from around the world wait with eager anticipation every four years for the World Cup, and it is the most viewed occasion on television, with an estimated 3.5 billion people watching the final.

This surpasses even the likes of the Olympics.

If you’re interested in why soccer is so much more popular internationally than it is in the States, check out my article – Why soccer isn’t popular in the US.

What Are the Advantages of Having a Halftime Show?

The World Cup has halftime breaks but no halftime shows.

But some people have raised the question of whether it would be better if soccer did have a halftime show.

Would the event benefit from having a halftime show?

The Audience and Players Can Have a Break

Halftime is a great way for both players and audiences to rest while the game is getting heated.

This allows people to rehydrate, grab some food, and use the facilities.

It also allows the players to take care of injuries, discuss their strategies, and prepare for the rest of the game. 

You Get More Bang for Your Buck

The halftime show performance can also give spectators more value for their tickets.

Because you are getting to watch an amazing game and a full-fledged concert, you are essentially getting a two-for-one deal. 

Tickets are not cheap, and just seeing an international artist by themself would cost you a pretty penny.

With the halftime show, you’re not only getting a full performance, but you’re also getting the entire game on top of that.

So halftime shows are a great value to incentivize people to come and watch the games live.

Makes More Memories

A halftime show would also add to the atmosphere, making games feel more like an event and a celebration.

For important games like the Super Bowl and various other finals, you want to feel like it is a memory that will last a lifetime.

Halftime shows, with their unique performances, will help you immortalize that moment forever.

Is the World Cup Better Without a Halftime Show?

Something that makes soccer enjoyable is the fact that it is an incredibly intense and fast-paced game.

A goal could happen within seconds, and it needs undivided attention.

Compare this to football games which are slower-paced and often emphasize more breaks in the action. 

Think of it like this.

A movie in many foreign markets has an intermission where they pick a specific point halfway through and take a 10-minute break so that viewers can go to the bathroom and get food.

Intermissions are typically factored into the movie itself, and many directors will even film scenes that are our designated stopping and starting points. 

This cannot be applied to soccer because nobody knows when a game will have a decent stopping point.

Soccer is a sport that is on 100% energy all the time. 

So that would be like if a movie would stop for an extended break halfway through without any regard for the movie itself, like a character in the middle of a sentence getting cut off and not being able to continue until all momentum has been lost.

Conclusion

So that is why a halftime show for a soccer game would not be a good idea.

Especially for something considered the world’s biggest game, like the World Cup. 

Thankfully football continues to give us amazing and timeless halftime shows, while soccer gives us the edge-of-our-seat thrills completely uninterrupted.

At the end of the day, what matters most is what is best for the game in order to make the World Cup the greatest possible experience it can be.

One of those small things we rarely think about is how comfortable players feel during the game. and a player’s comfort always starts with the shoes they wear.

For this reason, manufacturers do their best to provide athletes with footwear that will enable them to produce optimal performances.

Of course, when it comes to both baseball and soccer, they have their particular requirements and features, including specifically designed footwear. 

Below, I’ll compare baseball and soccer cleats to see how they differ and answer the important question of whether you can use them interchangeably.

This is often an issue for athletes who play both sports, especially young ones and their parents. 

Using just one pair of cleats for both sports would undoubtedly be very helpful and much easier on the budget. 

Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Baseball?

A player can wear soccer cleats for baseball. The design and materials that make up a soccer cleat are similar enough to a baseball cleat to be effective at an amateur level. However, to perform effectively at a higher level, a player should wear baseball cleats.

Nothing can replace proper baseball cleats when playing baseball at a high level and against quality competition. 

Wearing anything else would likely put you at a serious disadvantage against other players on the field and hinder your ability to perform. 

However, in kids’ leagues, or if you’re participating in amateur competitions or playing just for fun, you can definitely get by wearing soccer cleats for baseball. 

So, soccer cleats can be used for baseball, but only as a temporary solution.

When Not to Wear Soccer Cleats for Baseball

Slight differences between soccer and baseball cleats may not matter much when playing for fun. Still, they become much more significant once the game gets more serious. 

Baseball and soccer feature different movement patterns and put most of the strain on different parts of the body. 

So, once you get to high school baseball or higher up the ladder, you should definitely use cleats specifically designed for this sport.

At the speed and intensity baseball is played at higher levels of the game, the difference in design means that soccer cleats just can’t provide enough traction, comfort, and ankle support. 

Using them in highly competitive games may impact performance and significantly increase injury risks.

Can You Wear Baseball Cleats for Soccer?

While you can use soccer cleats for baseball under certain circumstances, trying the opposite, using baseball cleats for soccer, won’t work. 

A soccer player cannot use baseball cleats to play soccer. Baseball cleats have an extra toe stud that is not present on soccer cleats. This extra stud is too dangerous to use in a soccer game, and therefore the rules of soccer ban the use of baseball cleats.

As you can see, the first and the most obvious reason you cannot wear baseball cleats for soccer is simple.

Soccer rules don’t allow it. 

Before a player steps to the pitch, either as a member of the starting eleven or if they come on during the game as a substitute, the referee will check the cleat pattern on their shoes. 

This is done mainly out of concern for players’ safety.

So, let’s suppose for a moment that a soccer player is wearing baseball cleats. In that case, the referee will instruct them to change the cleats or prohibit them from entering the game. 

The main reason for this is that baseball cleats have an extra toe stud. 

If you’ve ever seen a soccer tackle at full speed, you know how serious an injury that front stud could cause, especially if it’s a baseball cleat with metal spikes.

For information about using soccer cleats for other sports, check out one of my previous articles:

• Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Football?
• Why Soccer Cleats Are GREAT for Flag Football
• Why Soccer Cleats Can Be PERFECT for Lacrosse

Why Are Baseball Cleats and Soccer Cleats Different?

Before we move on to a more in-depth comparison of the difference between baseball and soccer cleats, I should first explain why these two types of cleats differ in the first place. 

The differences between the two sports dictate the differences between the cleats that make them suitable only for the sport they were initially designed for.

Significance of the Playing Surface

Soccer is, of course, played on a grass surface or, in rare cases, on artificial turf. 

Grass covers 100% of the pitch, and, during the game, players don’t come in contact with any other type of surface. 

On the other hand, the baseball field is also covered in grass, but only partially.

Basepaths, warning track, and pitching mound are covered with dirt. 

Also, outside of pro baseball, plenty of ballparks feature a dirt infield. 

Each surface requires specifically designed cleats to provide the best grip, stability, and traction.

Type of Movement

During their games, baseball and soccer players move differently. Soccer involves constant movement, and players can sometimes run up to 10 miles during a single game. 

However, a lot of this activity is just walking or light jogging, with only occasional sprints. 

In baseball, the pattern of movement is somewhat different. 

Baseball players usually move in short bursts, instantly starting full sprints and stopping at full speed, along with sudden changes in direction.

Also, soccer features much more close contact and sliding into the feet of the opponent.

This is a significant factor to consider when designing cleats, especially when it comes to the material of which the studs are made.

The Difference Between Baseball Cleats and Soccer Cleats

When comparing baseball cleats vs. soccer cleats, you’ll notice that they look somewhat similar.

This is because the basic design and most of the materials each cleat is made of hardly differ. 

However, on closer inspection, you’ll notice several subtle differences that make both baseball and soccer cleats unique pieces of footwear designed to optimize athletes’ performance in their respective sports.

No design feature of these cleats is there by accident. 

Each of them, even the smallest ones, plays a particular role in making the player that wears them play better and be more comfortable and safe during the game. 

Let’s look into these small details that separate these two types of cleats, explain their purpose, and how they suit the specific requirements of each sport.

1. Their Size and Weight

In general, baseball cleats are bulkier, heavier (8-13 ounces), and more robust than soccer cleats (5-11 ounces). 

This mostly has to do with the way players move in each sport. 

Soccer players run almost constantly during games and need excellent footwork to dribble past their opponents. So, the lighter the shoe, the better. 

Manufacturers use as little material as possible to make soccer cleats slimmer and lighter. 

Cleats made for soccer have minimal or no midsole at all, are almost always cut at the ankle, and never feature metal studs.

On the other hand, baseball players are often stationary, with only occasional short sprints during certain plays. 

The emphasis is on the traction, ability to dig into the surface, and proper ankle support. 

So, the baseball cleats are made with stiffer and more rigid materials, have a thick midsole, and feature metal studs, at least in the pros.

2. The Materials They’re Made Of

Baseball Cleats Material

Baseball cleats are primarily made of genuine or synthetic leather. 

Pros and players at the higher levels of the game almost exclusively use cleats made of genuine leather as it fulfills all the requirements of a professional ball player. 

It’s very durable and highly breathable.

However, genuine leather baseball cleats are also relatively expensive. 

Synthetic leather is more affordable but also less durable. 

Both materials are reasonably thick, tough, and flexible, which is vital because baseball players often make quick and sudden turns.

So the material must be capable of stretching and bending without tearing while providing decent support.

Soccer Cleats Material

The materials used for soccer cleats are a bit more diverse.

They can also be made of genuine leather (calfskin or kangaroo leather), but those are not very popular nowadays. 

More common are synthetic or knitted shoes.

When choosing material for soccer cleats, the emphasis is on the touch or feel they provide in contact with the ball. 

The responsiveness in the striking area of the cleat helps soccer players control the ball better and shoot or pass with more accuracy. 

Another thing soccer cleats manufacturers pay attention to when selecting materials is to make them as light as possible.

3. The Overall Design of the Cleats

The Upper Section

Soccer players use the upper part of their cleats to control and strike the ball, while in baseball, it primarily provides support for the foot. 

These different primary purposes dictate the differences in the upper design. 

The upper of a soccer cleat is more supple, flexible, and lightweight as it improves the touch and feel of the ball. 

At the front of the upper is the so-called strike zone, which is basically a rounded one-piece toe cap.

The soccer cleat upper commonly has no ventilation holes and features minimal stitching.

The upper of a baseball cleat is stiffer and bulkier, providing better support and protection.

In addition, the front of the cleat usually has a rubber toe guard to make the cleat more durable. 

Unlike a soccer cleat, the upper of a baseball shoe comes with heavy-duty stitching and plenty of ventilation.

The Midsole

Soccer cleats commonly feature a very thin midsole or even no midsole at all, similar to track shoes. 

The lack of midsole makes the whole cleat lighter and makes the players feel closer to the field. 

This helps soccer players add to their speed and agility while almost nonstop running for 90 minutes and improves their balance by lowering the whole shoe.

Unlike soccer cleats, baseball cleats feature a thickly cushioned midsole comparable to running shoes. 

A comfortable and well-padded midsole is important as baseball players spend a lot of the duration of the game just standing and waiting for a play to get them into action. 

In addition, once they get into the action, it provides extra stability. It anchors the lower body, which is particularly useful when batting or pitching.

The Heel

Similar to the midsole, the heel on the baseball cleats is well-cushioned, providing firm grounding for players and helping them feel comfortable for more than three hours of a baseball game.

Furthermore, a padded heel plays a role in protecting players from injuries during sudden changes of direction.

The heel of soccer cleats is not as thickly padded as the heel on baseball cleats but is rather stiff and in the form of a heel cap. 

The firm shape of the part of the soccer cleat helps fasten down the heel and keep the player’s foot in place during sudden changes in direction or quick turns.

Cut and Ankle Support

One of the primary concerns when designing baseball cleats is ankle support. 

Baseball players’ ankles are exposed to a lot of strain during the game due to side-to-side movement, sprints, or sudden turns, so it’s essential to provide some protection.

Baseball cleats can feature three different cuts, low-top, mid-top, and high-top, offering various levels of ankle support. 

High-top provides the most protection, but these cleats are not that widespread. They’re rather heavy, bulky, and not very comfortable. 

Players usually wear them when coming back from ankle injuries.

However, low-top and mid-top cleats are much more popular as they provide more flexibility and freedom of movement.

Soccer cleats are almost exclusively low-top.

Soccer players love them because they improve their agility, mobility, and speed. Plus, due to the less material used, they’re very light.

4. The Different Types of Spikes

Spikes on soccer cleats are almost always made of plastic or rubber and commonly molded to the outsole. 

They’re usually round and blunt, which, combined with the material they’re made of, contributes to decreasing the injury risks. 

Soccer cleat spikes can vary in length depending on the type and condition of the playing surface and the player’s position.

Baseball cleats future spikes that are longer and more pointy, just like the real spike.

There are metal cleats and molded cleats, depending on the type of spikes. 

Metal cleats feature metal studs attached to the outsole. They provide the best possible traction and allow players to dig into grass or dirt firmly. 

However, they also carry the most injury risk, which is why they’re banned in most leagues.

Molded cleats have plastic or rubber spikes permanently molded to the shoe’s sole.

They provide less traction and stability but are cheaper and more durable than metal ones.

Toe Spike

One of the most significant distinctions between baseball and soccer cleats is the spike pattern featured on each shoe. 

The main difference is that the baseball cleats have an extra spike on the toe. Its role is to help players quickly dig into the dirt and gain more acceleration. 

That extra burst can often make a difference between successful or unsuccessful play, especially for baserunners.

Soccer cleats don’t feature a toe spike for obvious safety reasons.

Soccer features much more contact, and a toe spike would be too much of an injury risk when tackling or accidentally (or intentionally) kicking the other player. 

The toe spike is why baseball cleats are not allowed on the soccer field.

In most cases, soccer cleats have two front spikes, spread apart and positioned further back, behind the toe.

Spike Pattern

Baseball and soccer cleats also have differently positioned spikes.

Baseball cleats usually have more evenly distributed spikes around the toe, mid-section, and heel, ensuring more surface grip and better traction.

Spikes on soccer cleats are positioned all over the sole.

This ensures that there isn’t too much traction, which isn’t necessarily a good thing in soccer, unlike in baseball. 

Too much traction can slow the player down, and in soccer, players need agility and speed to make sudden movements and turns. 

Also, with all the running soccer players do during the game, excessive traction would expose the legs, especially the knees, to too much stress and likely lead to an injury.

Different Types of Baseball and Soccer Cleats

As I already mentioned, baseball cleats are not all the same, and neither are the ones used for soccer. 

Baseball and soccer cleats are available in several different types depending on the player’s age, level of competition, and playing surface.

Types of Baseball Cleats

• Metal Cleats feature metal spikes attached to the sole and provide better grip and traction for more speed and maneuverability. Due to the injury risks involved, they’re banned in youth leagues.
• Molded Cleats have plastic or rubber spikes molded to the shoe’s sole. They provide less traction but are suitable for various surfaces and are more durable than metal cleats.
• Turf Cleats have small rubber studs and are mainly intended for use on artificial surfaces. They’re particularly useful for training purposes.

Types of Soccer Cleats

• Firm-Ground Cleats provide the best grip on hard and firm surfaces. They can feature two different types of studs: one molded and conical, while the other is bladed, L-shaped, and flat.
• Soft-Ground Cleats work best on wet and muddy surfaces. The studs are tipped with metal and designed to dig into the mud.
• Artificial-Ground Cleats are designed for use on artificial surfaces, such as AstroTurf. They’re pretty similar to baseball turf cleats, only with fewer and larger studs.
• Indoor Cleats don’t have spikes of any kind and are designed for playing on wood or parquet.

Find out more in my article all about the different types of soccer cleats.

Conclusion

Baseball and soccer cleats are different for a reason.

Cleat designers and manufacturers work very hard to develop footwear that will help athletes be at their best and stay safe and injury-free. 

As baseball and soccer differ in many aspects, features that can be advantageous in one sport may hinder the performance in the other. 

That’s why it’s always best to use cleats specifically designed for each sport.

Surely, if you’re playing for fun or just starting to learn the fundamentals of baseball, you can get by with a pair of soccer cleats. 

However, you will miss out on all the benefits specifically designed baseball cleats provide by using them at a higher level of the game. 

Plus, you should always avoid using baseball cleats on the soccer field, as they pose an injury risk and may get you kicked out of the game.

For more info about cleats, check out one of my previous articles below:

• How Soccer Cleats Should Fit: A Guide
• How to Care For Your Soccer Cleats: Tips to Make Them Last
• How to Choose the Perfect Soccer Cleats (in 4 Simple Steps)

The offside rule was introduced in December 1863 when the Football Association created the first official soccer rules. The offside rule was invented to discourage players from hanging at their opponent’s goal for goal opportunities. Since then, the rule has evolved and developed significantly.

In this article, I’ll show you the history of the offside rule and how it has developed and changed over the years.

Additionally, I explore why the governing body introduced the rule and what would happen if there was no offside rule in soccer. 

When the Offside Rule was Introduced in Soccer

Ever since people started playing variations of the game we now know as soccer, hanging around the opponent’s goal to wait for lazy opportunities to score has been discouraged.

Before the rules of soccer became official in 1863, trying to discourage players from standing in an offside position seemed like an uphill task.

The way soccer teams played the game at this time varied from team to team and from region to region. The rule in a game one day may look different from how it looked in a game played the following day.

In December 1863 the offside rule was introduced as part of the newly agreed rules of soccer. The first game using the offside rule took place on December 19, 1863 between Morley’s Barnes team and Richmond.

Since, at this point in soccer’s history, many people have already noticed faults with this obvious flaw, the introduction of the offside rule at this time was unanimously welcomed.

While the offside rule became official back in 1863, thanks to ongoing slight and significant changes in the rules over time, the rule at the time was vastly different from what we know now.

To help you understand how the offside rule has changed throughout its history, let’s briefly look at the major changes to the offside rule over the years.

I’ll also show you why they were introduced and how they impacted the game of soccer.

If you want to remind yourself of the offside rule, before this, check out my easy to understand guide to the offside rule.

The 1863 Offside Rule Change

Although some sports used a version of the offside rule way back in the seventeenth century, the first recorded use of offside in soccer was during the 1800s.

As hinted above, there wasn’t a universal offside rule until the initial appearance of the Football Association Laws of the Game in 1863. Even when the rule made its first official appearance, it still wasn’t widely accepted by institutions pushing their versions of soccer.

The 1863 version of the offside rule was far stricter than the one in practice today. 

The rules regarded a player as being in an offside position anytime they were in front of the ball when another player on their team played it. A player could only receive a pass if they were level or behind, the player making the pass when they kicked the ball.

The only exception to this rule was when a player took a goal kick.

The 1866 Offside Rule Change

In February 1866, the Football Association revised the game’s laws for the first time. One of the changes was to soften the offside rule, so it was less strict.

In this variation of the offside rule, a player would only be offside if there were less than three players from the opposing team in front of them when a player has kicked the ball.

One of these three players included the opposition goalkeeper.

The 1925 Offside Rule Change

While the 1863 offside rule did solve the problem of hanging around for goal opportunities, it posed another problem; players weren’t scoring as often as the fans and governing bodies wanted.

After playing with the initial offside rule for decades, the offside rule was modified in 1925 to make scoring easier.

The 1925 offside rule is very similar to what is still in use today; the rules only required two players in front of you to be onside.

*Note that the version of the 1925 offside rule required players to be in front of you and not level with you, as that still constitutes an offside.

After soccer implemented this change, it took 65 years before the rule was adapted again.

The 1990 Offside Rule Change

The primary rationale behind the 1990 offside rule change was the same as all previous changes; the need for more goals.

The 1990 offside rule only required two opposing players to be level with you to be onside. While previous iterations required the players to be in front of you, now you could be onside by staying level with the opposing player.

This offside rule is still in use in soccer today. While the sport may see another significant change to the rule soon, it still appears to work perfectly, with the sport seeing no shortage of goals either.

The 2005 Offside Rule Change

The change in 2005 was an attempt to clarify what part of a player’s body the referee should consider when deciding if a player is offside or not.

The International Football Association Board said that the referee should only consider the “part of the player’s head, body or feet closest to the defending team’s goal-line” when enforcing the offside rule.

The IFAB also laid out that a player’s hands and arms should be excluded from the referee’s decision because these body parts don’t give a player an advantage.

This image below helps you work out if a player is offside under the current rules.

Why Was the Offside Rule Introduced in Soccer?

The offside rule is beneficial to the game of soccer. The only person who may disagree is a striker caught offside while trying to score their first goal of the season!

In that situation, the striker may ask why the offside rule is even necessary for soccer?

The main reason why the offside rule was introduced in soccer was to prevent goal-hanging. Goal-hanging gives a team an unfair advantage, and the offside rule minimizes this unbalanced situation.

Goal-hanging is a trick attackers use to score cheap goals by “hanging” at the opposing team’s goal in wait for goalscoring opportunities. It has been a significant problem in soccer, even before the sport became official.

Since goalies are at a disadvantage when facing a quality striker head-on, it’s clear that goal-hanging is cheating.

It’s important to note that the offside rule didn’t see instant universal adoption back in its first iteration.

But over time, as FIFA became the governing body of world soccer and became more inclusive, more people started to become members of the organization, requiring them to obey the rules of the game.

The offside rule has been pretty successful.

While it has been refined a few times because it can make it harder to score goals, it has proved to do more good than harm to the sport.

What Would Happen If There Was No Offside Rule?

Ever since the offside rule made its initial appearance, there have been a set of people against its existence. This group of offside critics believes that the rule stands in the way of a more entertaining game.

But how would soccer look if FIFA decides to scrap the offside rule?

Firstly, it would detract from the tactics that make the game exciting. The offside rule forces players and teams to be tactical, organize themselves, and rely on their core skills.

Without this rule, players will have too much space, and the tactical brilliance required to create scoring opportunities will disappear.

In today’s game, defenders must press and drop together at the right time, and forwards must time their runs to penetrate the defense.

The absence of an offside rule may not spell doom for the game automatically. Maybe defenders can actually up their game to put up with strikers that practice game-hanging.

However, since the offside rule has worked well until now, there isn’t any rationale behind removing it.

If you want to understand some more of the specifics of offsides in soccer I recommend you check out one of my related article below.

• Can a Player Be Offside From a Throw In?
• Can a Player Be Offside From a Goal Kick?
• Can a Player Be Offside From a Corner Kick?

Comparing different sports is a fascinating thing to do. Many sports have a lot of differences but also many similarities. In this post, I will show you the differences and similarities between soccer and football. I’ll also give you an in-depth exploration of how this affects both sports.

The 12 differences between soccer and football:

1. When each sport was invented
2. The shape of the ball
3. The aim of the game
4. How players score points
5. The length of the game
6. Time periods
7. The field of play
8. Number of game officials
9. Permitted number of substitutions
10. Respective governing bodies
11. And the personal protection required
12. The popularity of the two sports

Now, just quickly before we start and for the sake of clarity, when I mention “football” in this article, I’m talking about the sport known as “football” in North America, or as “American Football” outside of North America. Not the sport called football in the rest of the world. We’ll call that sport – soccer!

If you want to know why soccer is called soccer in America but not the rest of the world, check out this article I recently wrote.

Otherwise, let’s see why these differences are so significant.

Soccer Vs Football – An Overview

To start, I’ve put together a table outlining the main differences between soccer and football.

This table should give you a clear overview of how these two sports compare. But, now let’s look at each of those areas in more detail.

In each category, we’ll look at soccer first and then football.

1. Soccer Was Invented Before Football

When Soccer was Invented

Soccer has a long history of development over many centuries, but what is generally acknowledged as the first official rules for soccer in the modern era were drawn up in England in 1863. This is the moment that soccer, as we know it, was invented.

Before this, soccer was played with different rules depending on where it was being played. The introduction of these rules helped to codify the game and provide a basis on which the modern game is now based.

Check out my article – How Soccer was Invented, for a more in-depth look at this topic.

When Football was Invented

Football shares a common history with soccer and developed from the early versions of this game that was played and evolved throughout the 19th century.

However, the most significant divergence happened in 1920 when the American Professional Football Association was formed, and football was officially invented.

Two years later, it changed its name to the National Football League (NFL), which it is still known as to this day.

The formation of the NFL began the modern era of American Football as we know it today. It laid out the difference between football and soccer and grew rapidly, spreading in popularity across the United States.

2. A Soccer Ball Is a Different From a Football

Shape and Weight of a Soccer Ball

In soccer, the game is played with a spherical ball.

The requirements for a soccer ball are that it must:

• have of a circumference of between 28 ins (70 cm) and 27 ins (68 cm)
• be between 16 oz (450 g) and 14 oz ( 410 g) in weight at the start of the match 
• and have a pressure equal to 0.6–1.1 atmosphere (600 –1,100 g/cm2) at sea level (8.5lbs/sq in–15.6 lbs/sq in)

Although when soccer was first being played, it was common for players to use animal bladders for a ball, in the modern era, balls are made from synthetic materials specifically designed to give the best performance possible when the ball is kicked.

(If you’re interested in what pieces of equipment other than the ball are used in soccer, check out this other post I wrote here – The 15 Pieces of Equipment Used in Every Soccer Game)

Shape and Weight of a Football

Interestingly the first balls used in football were also spherical. However, the oval-shaped ball that is used now wasn’t introduced until 1935.

Often referred to as a “prolate spheroid” or oval-shaped ball, the change in shape was due to the development of the gameplay and the rules. Spherical balls were much harder to handle and throw than oval balls.

At lower levels of the game, the ball will often be made of plastic or rubber, but at the top levels, the ball is always made of leather and designed to provide maximum grip when catching or throwing the ball.

The required measurements of a football are:

• The short axis to between 21-1/4 and 21-1/2 in.
• The long axis of 28 to 28-1/2 in
• The length to be between 11 and 11-1/4 in
• and the amount of air that it could hold is set at 12.5 to 13.5 psi.

3. The Aim of Soccer Is Goals, the Aim of Football Is Points

The Aim of Soccer

The aim of the game in soccer is to score more goals than the opposition.

The final score is decided when the allotted time for the game is up, and neither team is permitted to score any more goals. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.

It is possible that at full time the game is tied. What happens in this scenario depends on the competition the game is being played in.

In some instances, the game will be declared a tie, and that will be it. In other competitions, an extra 30 minutes of extra time and possibly a penalty shootout will be played to determine a winner.

The Aim of Football

The aim of the game in football is to score more points than the other team.

When the game ends, whichever team has the most points is the winner.

If a game is a tie at the end of normal time, then a 15 minute sudden death period will be played to determine a winner.

4. There Is Only One Way to Score a Point in Soccer

Scoring Points in Soccer

To get points in soccer, you need to score a goal.

This is done by getting the ball over the opposition’s goal line. The ball must cross the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. This is what is meant by scoring a goal.

The players can use any part of their body except the hands and arms to get the ball into the opposition’s goal as long as they are not breaking any other rules at the time of the attempt.

Each time the ball enters the other team’s goal and a goal is awarded by the referee, this is counted as 1 point, or goal, for the team.

Scoring Points in Football

In football, there is a range of ways to score points.

• Touchdown = six points A touchdown is when the ball is caught, carried or picked up within the opposition’s end zone. The offensive team is then awarded 6 points.
• Field goal = three points A field goal is awarded when the ball is kicked between the posts at either end of the football field.
• Safety = two points If a member of the attacking team is tackled with the ball in their own end zone then two points will be given to the defensive team.
• Extra point = one or two points One point is awarded when the ball is kicked between the posts directly after a touchdown. Two points will be awarded if the ball is taken back into the end zone.

5. There Is More Playing Time in Soccer Than Football

Length of a Soccer Game

In soccer, the standard length of a game is 90 minutes. This is the total amount of playing time.

When there is a stoppage in play, the clock stops and is not started again until the referee has signaled for the game to continue.

This is also why you will sometimes see more than 90 minutes on the game timer.

The timer you and I see just keeps on running without stopping. It is the referee who decides how long the game has been stopped for, and they will add this time on at the end of the game at their discretion.

In certain competitions, if the score is a tie at the end of the 90 minutes, then an extra 30 minutes is added on to be played with the intention of there being a clear winner at the end of this time.

If at the end of the extra 30 minutes the score is still a tie, then a penalty shootout will take place to determine the winner.

To find out more about how a soccer game ends, check out my post – How does a Soccer Game End?

Length of a Football Game

In football, the gameplay lasts for 60 minutes.

But due to all the stoppages, the total time from when the game starts to when it finishes can be upwards of 3 hours.

The game’s length can be so long because the game stops for the players to reset their positions after every play.

Each team is also allowed 3 time-outs per half to regroup and discuss tactics. This adds to the length of the game.

6. Football Has Shorter Time Periods Than Soccer

Time Periods in Soccer

Soccer is split into two halves of 45 minutes per half.

There is a 15-minute break between the halves for the players to rest, rehydrate, and discuss team tactics. This is known as half-time.

If extra time is played, then this will consist of two 15 minute halves with a 1-minute break between the halves.

Time Periods in Football

In football, there are four 15 minute periods of play, and the players take a 12-minute break between the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

As mentioned above, if the scores are tied at the end of normal time, then an extra 15 minute period will also be played to decide on a winner.

7. A Soccer Field Is Bigger Than a Football Field

Soccer Field Size

There are specific criteria that a soccer field has to comply with. This includes the width and length of the field.

The official dimensions for the field are –

• Length: Between 100 – 130 yards (90 – 120 m)
• Width: 50 – 100 yards (45 -90 m)

This is only different in an international game where the requirements are for the field to be –

• Length: Between 110 – 120 yards (100 – 110 m)
• Width: 70 – 80 yards (64 -75 m)

The soccer field also consists of a series of other markings, including –

• 2 penalty areas
• 2 goal areas
• a halfway line
• a center circle
• 4 corner arcs
• a penalty spot
• and a center spot

For more info on the dimensions, markings, and measurements of a soccer field, check out this post I wrote recently – A Complete Guide to a Soccer Field: Size and Dimensions

Football Field Size

A football field is a rectangle measuring –

• 100 yards (91.44 m) in length
• and 160 feet (48.8 m) (53 ¹⁄₃ yards) wide

At both ends of the field, there are “end zones.” These are 10 yards (9 m) long and cover the width of the field.

When both the field length and the end zones are added together, they bring the field length to a total of 120 yards (110 m).

The field is also clearly marked at each 10-yard interval to show the distance from the center of the field to the end. There are also “hash marks” that mark off 1-yard increments along the field.

Check out my article – Soccer Field Vs Football Field – For a more in-depth comparison between a soccer and football field.

8. There Are More Game Officials in Football

Game Officials in Soccer

There are at least 3 officials present at every soccer game.

At the top level of soccer, there will always be 4 officials.

The referee is the official in overall charge of the game.

They will be on the field of play with the players following the game closely, always present to make decisions when needed. They always have the final say on any decision that is made.

There are two assistant referees who stay on the touchlines.

One assistant referee operates on either side of the field and they follow the play as the ball travels up and down the field.

As is clear from their title, their job is to assist the referee in making decisions especially when it comes to the ball going out of play or recognizing if a player is offside or not.

The fourth official stays a short distance from the touchlines between the two teams’ technical areas. Their job is also to assist the referee.

A fourth official’s main roles are managing the team’s substitutions, indicating how much extra time will be played at the end of a half, and maintaining the peace between the two team’s players, and coaching staff within the technical areas.

If you’ve ever wondered why soccer players argue with referees, then follow the link to find out why.

Game Officials in Football

In football, there are 7, sometimes 8, officials.

They are all responsible to ensure the rules of the game are followed and will indicate any time the rules are broken.

The list of officials in football are –

• The Referee 
• The umpire 
• The back judge 
• The head linesman/down judge
• The side judge 
• The line judge 
• The field judge 
• The center judge (used only at the top level of college football)

Each of these officials has a different but equally important role to play during the game.

9. Football Permits More Substitutions Than Soccer

Substitutions in Soccer

Soccer allows 3 substitutions per team per game.

The substitutions are permitted to be made at any point during a stoppage in play during the game. However, the timing is dependent on the referee’s discretion, as they will indicate for the substitute to come on when they are ready.

There has recently been a development where a 4th substitution can be made in the extra time period of a game. This rule only applies to certain competitions and is not in universal effect at this stage.

Check out the post I wrote – Why does Soccer Limit Subs? – to find out more about substitutions in soccer.

Substitutions in Football

Substitutions can occur at any time between plays during a football game.

As long as the ball is not in play, and only the maximum permitted number of players are on the field at the start of the play, then there is no limit on how many substitutions can be made throughout the game.

In fact, it can sometimes seem as if the players are constantly coming on and off the field.

This ability to be able to able to make substitutions so often can allow a team to be very specific about which players they have on the field for each play. This allows for a lot of players to be specialists in their area and come on and off at specific times.

A team can have up to 45 players in a team to choose from as well. This encourages a lot of substitutions to be made.

10. Soccer and Football Have Different Governing Bodies

Governing Body for Soccer

The governing body of soccer worldwide is the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

Founded in 1904, FIFA not only governs soccer but futsal, beach soccer, and e-football. The national associations of over 200 nations are members of FIFA.

Members of FIFA also have to be signed up to one of the 6 regional confederations as well.

These confederations are –

• Confederation of African Football (CAF)
• Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
• Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)
• Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
• Oceania Football Confederation (OFC)
• South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL)

Governing Body for Football

The NFL provides governance for itself. There is no other governing body over it, and it makes its own decisions and rules.

The owners of the 32 teams vote for a commissioner who oversees the management of discipline, conduct, and disputes.

Internationally the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is the international governing body for American football. It is a non-profit organization and is responsible for “all regulatory, competition, performance and development aspects of the game on a global level.”

11. Football Players Wear More Protective Equipment Than Soccer Players

Protective Equipment in Soccer

The protection worn in soccer is fairly minimal.

Soccer is a contact sport but not at the same level that football is. Because of this, soccer players only really wear one piece of protective equipment – shin guards.

Shin guards protect the player’s shins from being kicked by another player. A person’s shins are very sensitive when they come in contact with another object, and this can cause a lot of pain.

The shin guards are worn underneath a pair of long socks and are used to protect the shins from any damage.

Occasionally you will see a player, most likely a goalkeeper wearing headgear. This is done to protect the head from any potential injury.

Most famously, this was the case with goalkeeper Petr Cech who wore one after sustaining a serious head injury in 2006 after a serious collision with another player’s knee.

Protective Equipment in Football

There are four main pieces of protective equipment used in football.

They are:

• Helmet
• Shoulder/Chest pad protector
• upper leg padding
• and mouthguard

The helmet, made of hard plastic with thick padding inside, is designed to protect the whole head from any serious injury. It also consists of a metal face mask to protect the player’s mouth, nose, and eyes.

The shoulder/chest pad protector is worn to limit the impact of tackles on the player’s body. They are designed to absorb the shock of a tackle and protect the player from excessive injury.

The upper leg padding performs a similar job to the shoulder protectors. They absorb the impact of the tackle and therefore protect the player.

The mouthguard is worn to protect the player’s teeth from damage. Football is a high-impact sport, and mouthguards are worn to reduce the chances of a player damaging their teeth.

12. Soccer Is More Popular Than Football Globally

Soccer is by far the most popular sport worldwide.

An estimated 3.5 billion people follow or play the game around the world. This popularity has traditionally been driven by Europe and South America but is growing in other places too.

Although not the most popular sport in the US its popularity is growing rapidly. Game attendance, TV viewership, and popularity in polls are all on an upward trajectory, with no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

But football is far more popular in the United States and is often considered the most popular sport in the country.

With a fan base estimated to be 410 million strong this is unlikely to change anytime soon as it’s such a cornerstone of American culture.

Whether soccer or football is harder is ultimately a matter of personal opinion (although you can find out my opinion here!). Although there are similarities, they are still very different games requiring different skills and abilities.

For another comparison of sports, check out my article – Is Soccer harder than Basketball?

Or check out the next post – 30 Inspirational Soccer Quotes for Girls – with Images

In all that time, there has been a lot of interesting and surprising facts that have appeared.

I’ve been involved in soccer for over 20 years and have probably heard thousands of facts and statistics in that time. But for this list, I’ve picked my top 101 soccer facts for you.

I wanted to share this list of facts and information with you because it is fascinating to see all these details laid out, but also when I look for facts myself, I’ve noticed that there are a lot of “facts” out there that are simply not true!

I’ve done my best to fact-check this list to make sure you’re getting an accurate, interesting, and often surprising list of true facts.

I’ve also put a link to more information next to some of them if you’re interested.

So, let’s get into it! Here are 101 soccer facts:

Soccer Facts: 1-10

1. Soccer is the most popular game in the world. Over 265 million people regularly play the game.

2. The first soccer game shown on TV was between Arsenal and Arsenal Reserves at Highbury Stadium, London in 1937.

3. The FA Cup is the world’s oldest soccer competition. Still played in England every year, this competition began all the way back in 1872.

4. Women started playing soccer around the same time as men did in England in the 1800s. And the women’s game was popular up until the 1930s. However, women’s soccer declined in popularity after the governing body in England banned women from playing.

5. Around 3.5 billion people consider themselves soccer fans.

7. Referees were not included in soccer games until 1891. Up until this point, the team captains would resolve any dispute during a game.

8. A soccer field is also known as a pitch. This name derives from the fact that the first soccer games were often played on cricket pitches. (Find out why here)

9. The oldest professional soccer club in the world still in existence today is Sheffield FC. Founded in 1857, they have played in multiple different tiers in England.

10. The country of Greenland has never had a FIFA-recognized team because Greenland is an autonomous part of Denmark and not an independent nation. It is therefore not allowed to participate according to FIFA statutes.

Soccer Facts: 11-20

11. The first FIFA World Cup tournament was hosted by the South American country Uruguay.

12. Neymar Jr’s move from FC Barcelona to Paris St. Germain for a sum of $263 million is the most expensive transfer in soccer history.

13. The Football Association in England wrote the first official rules of the game in 1863. Representatives from eleven different clubs around the nation gathered to agree on a set of common rules that would be accepted across the entire country.

14. The word soccer was first used in England. The word soccer derives from a shortened version of the word “Association” which was part of the name of the governing body for soccer in England in the 1800s.

15. The highest scoring soccer match in history was AS Adema 149–0 SO l’Emyrne. On October 31, 2002, these two teams played each other in Antananarivo, Madagascar. SO l’Emyrne scored 149 own goals as a protest against a previous referee’s decision. (Find out more here)

17. The winners of the last women’s FIFA World Cup were awarded $4 million in prize money.

18. The fastest red card in World Cup history came after 56 seconds during a Scotland v Uruguay game in 1986. Uruguay player Batista was sent off for a poorly timed tackle on Scottish player Gordon Strachan within the first minute of the game.

19. The fastest red card in soccer history was shown to Lee Todd who was sent off after being on the soccer field for just two seconds in October 2000. Cross Farm Park Celtic striker, Lee Todd was dismissed for use of “foul language”.

20. The most own goals scored in a single soccer game was 149 by Madagascar’s Stade Olympique de L’Emyrne in October 2002 as a protest against the referee’s decision.

Soccer Facts: 21-30

21. The word soccer is used in the US to differentiate this sport from the more popular game of football. (Find out more here)

22. Soccer is played in over 200 countries around the world.

23. Only 9 countries in the world use the word “soccer” rather than “football” as the primary term for the game.

25. The first soccer game in the USA was played between Princeton and Rutgers Universities on November 6, 1876, in New Brunswick, N.J. Rutgers University beat Princeton 6-4.

26. Goalies did not wear different colored shirts from the other players on the field until 1913. (Find out more here)

27. With a capacity of 114,000, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is the biggest soccer stadium in the world.

28. A European team has reached the final of the FIFA World Cup in every tournament except for the finals in 1930 and 1950.

29. At 40 years old, Dino Zoff became the oldest player to win the FIFA World Cup when Italy beat West Germany 3-1 at the 1982 World Cup finals.

30. In 2018, Essam El-Hadary became the oldest player to ever compete in a FIFA World Cup. He appeared for Egypt at the age of 45.

Soccer Facts: 31-40

31. The largest soccer tournament to ever take place was the Bangkok League Seven-a-Side Competition in 1999. At least 5,098 teams took part in the tournament and more than 35,000 players participated.

32. Stephan Stanis has the record for the most goals scored in a single game of soccer. In 1942 he scored 16 goals in one game for his team Racing Club de Lens.

33. Dutch soccer club – Nooit Opgeven Altijd Doorzetten Aangenaam Door Vermaak En Nuttig Door Ontspanning Combinatie Breda – holds the record for the soccer team with the most letters in their name. Most people refer to them by the shorter name: NAC Breda.

34. Throughout a game soccer players run an average of 5 miles. Goalies run less than other players and midfielders often run the most. The maximum distance a soccer player runs in a game is 8.5 miles. (Find out more here)

36. Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player to have scored a goal in every minute of a soccer game. Throughout his career, he has registered a goal in every minute from 1 through 90.

37. Brazilian goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni holds the record for scoring more goals throughout his career than any other goalie to play the game. While playing for Sao Paulo FC he registered a total of 131 goals.

38. The rules of soccer consist of 17 individual laws that cover everything from the weight of the ball to who can take a goal kick.

39. The fastest hat-trick in a soccer game was scored by Sadio Mane in 2015. He scored 3 goals in 2 minutes 56 seconds while appearing for Southampton against Aston Villa in the English Premier League.

40. Wales soccer player, Mark Hughes once played two competitive games in one day. On November 11, 1987, he appeared for Wales against Czechoslovakia in Prague before appearing as a substitute for Bayern against Borussia Mönchengladbach later in the day.

Soccer Facts: 41-50

41. A goalkeeper can only hold a soccer ball for a maximum of 6 seconds at a time. (Find out more here)

42. Kazuyoshi Miura from Japan is the oldest professional soccer player to play the game. At 53 years old he plays for Yokohama FC in the Japanese League and has been playing since he was only 15 years old.

43. The result of the 1968 European Championship Semi-final between Italy and the Soviet Union was decided by a coin toss. At this point in soccer history, penalty shootouts had not been introduced and a tied game was often decided by a toss of a coin.

44. The US men’s soccer team won both bronze and silver medals at the 1904 Olympics. Although FIFA doesn’t;t recognize these results the International Olympic Committee does.

46. USA goalkeeper Jimmy Douglas was the first player to keep a clean sheet in a World Cup game. In a game against Belgium in 1930 the US won 3-0.

47. A soccer game lasts for a total of 90 minutes. The game is split into two 45 minutes periods with a 15-minute break between them.

48. A soccer player can score a goal from the first kick of the game. The kick-off is a direct kick which means the ball can be kicked straight into the opposition’s goal. (Find out more here)

49. A goalkeeper can score a goal for their team. Goalies rarely score in soccer and when they do it is often from a free-kick, penalty kick, or corner. (Find out more here)

50. The USA beat England 1-0 in 1950 and the US player that scored wasn’t even a US Citizen. Joe Gaetjens who worked in New York City as a dishwasher was from Haiti and never received US citizenship.

Soccer Facts: 51-60

51. Most soccer balls are made from layers of synthetic leather on the outside and bladders inside the ball are made from latex or butyl.

52. The maximum number of players permitted to appear on a soccer team at one time is 11. (Find out why here)

53. A soccer field is rectangular in shape and must be between 100 and 130 yards long and 50 to 100 yards wide. (Find out more here)

55. Most participants in men’s Olympic soccer are limited to being 23 years old or younger. Only 3 players in each team can be over the age of 23. (Find out why here)

56. The most fans to ever attend one soccer game was 199,854 people who watched Brazil play Uruguay in 1950 in Rio de Janeiro.

57. Norway is the only international team to have never lost against Brazil. They have won twice and drawn two times.

58. There are over 5000 teams in the English soccer system. Each team can move up or down the leagues depending on how they perform each season. The Premier League is the top division.

59. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be the first world cup to be played in a Northern Hemisphere winter.

60. The United States Women’s Soccer Team has won the women’s World Cup four times since it began in 1991.

Soccer Facts: 61-70

61. American Charles Goodyear created the first modern soccer ball in 1855. (Find out more here)

62. László Kubala is the only soccer player to have played for three different countries. During his career, he played for Argentina, Spain, and Columbia.

63. The longest penalty shootout on record consisted of 48 penalty kicks and took place at the end of a game between KK Palace and Civics in the Namibian Cup.

64. The earliest versions of soccer can be traced back almost 3,000 years to a game known as Cuju in China. (Find out more here)

66. The MLS is the only professional soccer league in the world that enforces a salary cap. Every other professional league is free to compensate their players however they like. (Find out why here)

67. Soccer and football share a common history. In the 1800s when soccer first appeared in the US some people didn’t like the way the game was developing and started playing “Gridiron Football” instead. (Find out more here)

68. If a player scores three goals in a single game they can take the match ball home with them as a memento of their achievement.

69. Soccer doesn’t use timeouts. The only stoppages in a game are for a halftime break, when the referee stops the game for an infraction of the rules, or when the ball goes out of play. (Find out why here)

70. Unlike hockey, you can’t pull the goalie in soccer. The rules state that there must always be a goalie on the field for each team. (Find out why here)

Soccer Facts: 71-80

71. The record for scoring the fastest goal in soccer belongs to Nawaf Al-Abed who scored after just 2.4 seconds.

72. Archie Thompson has the record for the most goals scored in a single game when he scored 13 goals for Australia when they beat American Samoa 31-0.

73. Andrew Watson was the first black professional soccer player. He played regularly in the 1880s including three times at international level for Scotland.

74. Historically soccer players were given a cap each time they played in an international soccer game. This was to commemorate their appearance and is why international appearances by soccer players are still referred to as caps. (Find out more here)

75. British referee came up with the idea of using red and yellow cards in soccer while sitting at a stoplight. He figured that yellow was a warning and the meaning of red was to play no more.

76. In soccer, if a player is shown a red card by a referee they must leave the field of play immediately and can no longer contribute to the game in any way.

78. According to Forbes, soccer clubs are some of the most valuable sports franchises in the world.

79. The longest goal ever scored traveled 97.5 yards before ending in the goal net. Asmir Begovich scored this goal for Stoke City against Southampton in the English Premier League in 2013.

80. On September 25, 2011, Jone Samuelsen scored the longest-headed goal ever. He headed the ball a total of 190 ft 8.58 in (58.13 m) while playing for ODD Grenland vs Tromsø Idrettslag in Norway.

Soccer Facts: 81-90

81. In 2011 in Argentina, referee Damian Rubino gave out 36 red cards in a single game between Claypole and Victoriano Arenas. The referee sent off all 22 players and every substitute and some technical staff after a mass brawl broke out.

82. Lionel Messi holds the record for the most goals scored in a calendar year after scoring 91 goals throughout 2012.

83. The fastest shot ever recorded was Sporting Lisbon defender Ronny’s kick against Associacao Naval de Maio. His shot was recorded as traveling at 211km/hr (137mph).

85. Soccer balls are traditionally black and white so they are easy to see on a black and white TV. When this type of ball was introduced in the 1970 many people were watching soccer on black and white TVs. (Find out more here)

86. Soccer players wear long socks throughout a game to cover their shin guards. Shin guards are mandatory for players but so is keeping them covered at all times. (Find out why here)

87. More than 10,000 spectators watched the first-ever women’s soccer game when it was played on March 23, 1895, at Crouch End Athletic Ground, London, England. In this game, a team called North beat a team called South 7-1.

88. Soccer jersey numbers were first introduced in 1928 when the English team’s Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday wore them on the back of their jerseys during a competitive game against each other.

89. Substitutions were not permitted during a soccer game until 1965. And at that point, only one substitution was allowed for each team. (Find out more here)

90. Former USA goalkeeper Tim Howard holds the record for the most saves in a single World Cup game. In 2014 he made 16 saves as the USA lost a game to Belgium 2-1 after extra time.

Soccer Facts: 91-101

91. France, Uruguay, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Germany, Spain, and England are the only eight countries to have won the World Cup.

92. Every nation that has won the FIFA World Cup and every runner-up is located in Europe or South America. 

93. The size and weight of a soccer ball are the same in every professional soccer game. The ball must have a circumference of between 27 ins (68 cm) and 28 ins (70 cm) and weigh between 410 g (14 oz) and 450 g (16 oz).

94. There are 11 main positions in soccer: goalkeeper, center-back, sweeper, fullback, wingback, center-midfielder, defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger, forward, and striker. (Find out more here)

95. Canadian forward Christine Sinclair is the all-time leading goalscorer in women’s international soccer. At the time of writing, she had scored an incredible 188 international goals.

96. The majority of countries around the world call the game football or a variation of that word, such as Fútbol.

98. The largest floating soccer stadium in the world can be found in Singapore. With a capacity of 27,000, the stadium was officially opened in April 2007.

99. The first soccer player to be transferred between teams was Jack Southworth in 1893 who was sold from Blackburn Rovers to Everton for $500.

100. Brazilian Pelé is the only soccer player to have won the World Cup three times.

101. Penalty shoot-outs weren’t introduced into soccer until 1970.

As soccer great Pelé once said, soccer is a “beautiful game”.

If you want some more interesting soccer information, check out one of my following articles:

• 4 Reasons Soccer is Harder than Football
• Why Soccer Fields Are Not All the Same Size
• or 3 Reasons Soccer is the Easiest Sport to Play

I’ve been watching Premier League soccer for over 20 years, and today I’m going to explain what you need to know about this process.

Relegation in the Premier League is a system of transferring the three lowest placed teams at the end of the season down to the division below. Relegation means these three teams start the following season competing in the “Championship” division of English soccer.

Once you understand this concept, it’s easier to understand what this means and how it may impact your favorite Premier League team.

How Does Relegation Work in the English Premier League?

Before we look at the impact on a relegated team and why the Premier League uses a system of relegation, let’s first look at the details of how it works. 

How Premier League relegation works:

• The lowest three positions in the Premier League are designated as the “Relegation Zone.”
• The teams that finish the season in one of the bottom 3 positions drop to the lower Championship Division, where they will compete in the following season.
• If teams finish equal on points, their final position is determined by a goal difference. Goal difference is the number of goals a team has scored minus the number of goals scored against them.

Relegation works by moving down (or relegating) the teams that finish near the bottom of the Premier League table to the lower-level “Championship” division. 

A total of three teams are relegated from the English Premier League at the end of each season.

This is a bad thing because this can cause the team to lose money and risk losing their best players to those teams still in the Premier League. 

I covered this topic in more detail in my recent article – Relegation in Soccer: What it means and how it works – but basically: If a team is relegated, they must compete in a lower division until they are promoted up to the higher division again.

The only way to achieve this is by winning their division or winning the division playoffs. 

It’s often harder for newer teams to work their way up than for more established teams to experience relegation.

With the fear of relegation, teams fight hard until their last match of the season to avoid relegation. 

While you cannot be promoted from the Premier League (as it is the highest division in the country), you can be promoted from one of the lower divisions.

Promotion is a goal for teams who want to be among the best.

While it may be a controversial topic in sport, relegation adds an exciting factor by making teams work hard until the end to avoid relegation. 

What Happens When a Premier League Team Gets Relegated?

Relegation is a negative experience for teams, which is why they work as hard as possible to avoid relegation.

The Premier League is an elite league, which is why teams fight hard to remain in this division. 

Not only does relegation in English soccer mean that a team drops to a lower division, but there are other downsides to being relegated. 

• Losing out on financial sponsors
• Risk of losing players
• Finding harder to attrack new players

One major problem with relegation is that teams can lose out on some very lucrative deals, significantly impacting them financially.

For example, they may lose sponsorship deals and television deals, which can add up to a lot of money lost.

Another problem is that teams risk losing players due to relegation.

Players may want to leave to go to another team in the Premier League, a situation that especially happens to more renowned teams when they are relegated.

Players want to go to teams that will win trophies, and these other teams will quickly pick up good players from relegated teams since they can often get them for a discount.

Lastly, it’s hard for teams to attract better players after relegation.

Players favor teams in the premier league, which is why it’s hard to attract players after relegation.

There’s also the fact that relegated teams often have financial problems due to relegation, which makes it harder to compete with the salaries of other teams for top players.

How Often Does Relegation Happen in the Premier League?

Relegation in the Premier League happens every year at the end of the season. As soon as the last game of the season is complete, the league finalizes the position of the teams. The teams with the least number of points are relegated.

The Premier League is one of the top soccer leagues in the world, so making it to that league is the ultimate goal for many teams. 

Because three teams get relegated to the lower divisions at the end of the season, this also gives three teams from the division below the opportunity to get promoted up. 

How Much Money Do You Get If You Get Relegated from the Premier League?

Because the Premier League generates so much money, there is a high financial cost to being relegated from this division.

Soccer clubs that play in the Premier League can earn a significant income just by being associated with the elite league. This is because they get all sorts of deals like sponsorship and television deals from being part of this group of teams. 

Clubs also get increased attendance at their games, which earns even more money. Additionally, those teams that compete in the Premier League end up with a base amount of money at the end of the year.

However, when a Premier League team is relegated to the Championship division, they get what’s known as “parachute payments” from the Premier League. 

The point of parachute payments is to help teams cope with any loss of income that they suffer from due to being relegated from the Premier League.

This is particularly important because many of the players that remain at the club will still be under contract with Premier League wages. 

Recent changes to the parachute payments mean that these payments a distributed to relegated clubs over three years, rather than a 4-year distribution.

The relegated clubs receive 55% of the equal share of the Premier League broadcast revenue paid to current Premier League clubs in the first year of their relegation.

The following year this goes down to 45%, and then 20% in the third year. This revenue can vary, depending on different factors. 

Should a team get promoted again to the Premier League during these three years of parachute payments, these payments stop once they rejoin the league and teams receive their entire Premier League benefits. 

Conclusion

Relegation is a significant downside for teams for various reasons, as you can see from this article.

The goal for teams from England and Wales is to remain as one of the top teams and remain in the Premier League. Otherwise, the teams lose money and potentially their best players. 

Check out my post on why soccer uses a running clock or the offside rule in soccer, for more helpful soccer info!

Pelé wore the soccer jersey number 10 throughout his career. After being assigned the number 10 for the 1958 FIFA World Cup, Pelé continued to wear this number on his jersey for both his club team Santos and his international team Brazil until he retired from playing soccer in 1977.

Surprisingly, Pelé didn’t choose the number 10. Instead, it metaphorically fell into his lap.

But there’s no doubt that the prestige we now associate with this number began the day Pelé put on the jersey.

How Pelé Came to Wear the Number 10

Pelé himself has stated that it was by accident that he started wearing the number 10 shirt.

When he first joined up with the Brazil team for the 1958 FIFA World Cup, the Brazilian Federation submitted the squads player list to FIFA without any numbers allocated to the players.

But to appear in a game, all players needed a number. So, the tournament officials randomly assigned the numbers, and Pelé ended up with the number 10.

Despite the fact that he was only 17 years old and new to the squad, what would become one of the most iconic numbers in modern-day soccer landed on his shoulders.

Pelé told SporTV News:

“The No.10 jersey was given to me at a World Cup match in 1958,” he said. “Nobody thought that it was important to wear the No.10 and even though I was not the oldest player in the squad, it coincidentally dropped to me to wear at the World Cup”.

History of Pele Wearing the Number 10 Jersey

At the point Pelé began wearing the number 10 in 1958, he was still a young man.

He had been highly impressive in his first years playing for Brazilian soccer club Santos after making his debut as a 15-year-old in September 1956 and earned his first cap for the Brazil national team in July 1957. Although he scored his first goal for Brazil in that game, Brazil lost 2-1 to Argentina.

When the 1958 FIFA World Cup came around, Pelé was still young but ready to make an impact.

He embraced the responsibility of wearing the number 10 and ended the tournament as a World Cup winner and the top scorer.

After this, Pelé refused to wear any other number than the number 10.

He wore the number 10 jersey from the first game of the next season for his club Santos and for every game he played for them for the next 16 years.

He even wore the number 10 in the two seasons he played for the New York Cosmos between 1975-77.

The Significance of Pelé Wearing the Number 10 Jersey

In modern-day soccer, some of the best players strive to wear the number 10 jersey. This is because it carries a certain significance, and players want to proudly display the number on their back.

But this importance is a consequence of players that have gone before them, such as Pelé.

Back in 1958, jersey numbers such as the 7, 9, or 10 didn’t have the same prestige or significance that they now carry.

Back when Pelé began wearing the number 10 it was simply a consequence of a player’s position on the field rather than anything to do with the individual player.

For example, the goalie would wear the number 1 jersey, a winger would wear the number 7, and the playmaker of the team would wear the number 10, as you can see in the table below.

For more information on jersey numbers and why they’re used, check out my article – Soccer Jersey Numbers: What they mean and why they are used.

However, over time, the significance of specific numbers rose above others. One number that arguably surpassed all the others was the number 10.

And one reason this number rose to prominence is that great players such as Pelé are associated with it.

You can spend many hours arguing over who the GOAT in soccer is (and you can find out my opinion here!), but many people would put Pelé at the top of their list.

Pelé performed the role of a number 10 as no other player had before him.

The number 10 represents the team’s playmaker, the player that pulls the strings and creates goal-scoring chances for their team.

Pelé did all these things better than anyone else before or after him.

He was a master with both feet. He was phenomenal in the air, and he was a genius at improvisation on the field. All characteristics we now associate with a great number 10.

The number 10 is significant in every soccer team. Over the years, many players have built on the significance that the number 10 carries. Still, it was Pelé that created the prestige.

Because of his exploits on the field, fans all around the world wanted to be like him and began to wear jerseys with the number 10 printed on the back.

For more info on some of the greatest players ever to play soccer have a look at one of my related articles:

• Does Messi Speak English?
• What Languages Does Ronaldo Speak?
• How Many Red Cards Does Messi Have?

Soccer is the easiest sport. Because soccer is simple to learn, accessible to players of all skills and ages, and is not as physical as many other sports, it is the easiest sport for anyone to play.

The fact that soccer is the most popular sport worldwide for people of all ages and abilities may be enough to convince you.  

But to leave you in no doubt, I want to give you three more reasons that show why playing soccer is so straightforward.

1. Soccer is Easy to Learn

People often wonder what sport is the easiest to learn. 

Soccer is the easiest sport to learn. The basic elements of the game are simple to understand, and anyone can explain them even to a young child. Most people only take a few sessions to learn how to play.

Sure, it’s a little bit more complicated than just kicking a ball, but even beginners can quickly pick up the sport of soccer with enough practice.

It isn’t even just about it being the easiest game to play; it’s also one of the easiest sports to watch. 

Sports like football and baseball can often be confusing for people who aren’t familiar with the sport. So you’ll hear newcomers to these games frequently asking others to explain something to them. 

Misunderstanding the essentials of soccer isn’t an issue that people have with soccer. 

The fundamental rules of soccer are pretty basic. 

• The typical game lasts 90 minutes, 
• The objective of the game is to get as many goals as possible during this time. 
• A player isn’t allowed to use their hands. 
• The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins. 

It’s just that simple to understand.

Even younger kids can very easily understand this. 

Of course, there are more complex rules that you can learn as you spend more time observing the game.

Rules such as offsides, penalties, and yellow and red cards are worth understanding. But these things can come after you learn the basics of the sport.

Soccer is a highly competitive sport, but the role of most positions is pretty easy to understand. 

This simplicity makes it incredibly easy for the casual player to pick up and play just as they want. 

However, once you have been playing for a while, you can choose to learn more.

Even the more in-depth rules of the game are relatively easy to understand. The more you play and watch the sport, the better you will appreciate and enjoy everything involved. 

2. Soccer is Accessible to Players of All Skills or Ages

Another reason soccer is so easy is due to how inclusive it is.

Soccer is the easiest sport to play because there is very little equipment needed. It is also affordable for anyone, and most people have access to an appropriate playing area.

Soccer is the easiest sport because it’s an accessible sport. What this means is that you don’t need much to play it. You really just need a ball and markers for a goal post. 

It’s true that in any league, you need to be sure that you have the proper gear like soccer cleats, shin guards, and soccer socks.

However, it’s not a very expensive sport typically. Anyone can pick it up.

You also don’t even need a dedicated soccer field. I’ve played soccer everywhere, from my living room to a dusty piece of ground in Thailand. 

Accessibility isn’t the standard for many sports. 

Sports like hockey can be extremely expensive for parents as they support their kids playing their favorite sports.

Depending on where you live, it can be tough to find an ice rink!

Soccer is an affordable and accessible option for parents who want to keep their kids active without going broke over playing sports.

Its accessibility is one of the reasons why this is such a popular sport across the globe, even in poorer countries.

It’s not only accessible because of how inexpensive this sport can be; it’s also accessible because people of all abilities can play.

As I’ve already mentioned, it’s very easy to grasp the basic concepts of the sport, making it accessible for people of all ages and skill ranges.

You can pick it up at any point, and as long as you practice regularly, you can easily do well playing this sport. 

The accessibility of this sport is another reason why soccer is the easiest sport.

3. Soccer Is Not as Physical as Other Sports

A final thing that makes soccer an easy sport to play is because it’s just not as physical as other sports.

Sports like hockey or football tend to require you to have a lot of strength to play competitively.

This high level of physicality can make it more difficult for some people to play.

In addition, these sports are often harder on a technical level than soccer is for beginners. People should consider this when deciding whether or not soccer is the best sport for them. 

Check out my comparison of soccer and football to understand this in more detail.

With soccer, you don’t necessarily need to have the brawn that other sports require to succeed. To a certain extent, you don’t even need to have a lot of brains either. 

However, having the brains to play the sport well can be very helpful if you plan on going pro, and I would argue it may even be more critical than having brawn. 

Soccer is more straightforward because it doesn’t require the physicality that other sports do.

In fact, you may even be more successful if you just have the intelligence to play the game at a high level.

This means being able to quickly spot your teammates and creating the best play in their minds for that specific moment.

You don’t need to be an incredibly fit athlete to enjoy playing soccer or even to do decently well in it. You can just have the passion and brains to succeed. 

You only need to start considering either the strength or intelligence to play the game successfully when you have been playing the game for a while.

For example, some soccer players are muscular athletes that can deftly maneuver out on the field. Other players may not have all the muscles but are capable of intelligent play on the field. 

However, to begin playing soccer, you don’t need to worry about your level of physicality to enjoy this sport.

If you do want to improve your physicality, check out my article – How to Get in Shape for Soccer.

More Information

Whether you are looking for a hobby for yourself or trying to decide on a sport for your child to play, soccer can be an excellent option to consider. 

To see how basketball compares to soccer, have a look at this comparison I put together – Is basketball harder than soccer?

Diego Maradona is the GOAT of soccer. He dominated the game for years at the highest level of soccer, won multiple trophies, including the world cup in 1986, and was one of the most skillful players ever to play the game. He was also exceptional with the ball at his feet. 

There are multiple players you could choose between when it comes to deciding who was the best. For example, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, or even Pele would all be in the running. But let me explain to you why I believe Maradona is the GOAT and see if you agree by the end!

Let’s start by looking at the career of Maradona.

Maradona’s Early Career

A 15-year-old Maradona became the youngest player to ever play for the Argentina Primera Division. He still holds that record to this very day. 

He would play for the Argentinos Juniors team and scored his debut goal only two weeks after turning 16.

In a spell of 5 seasons, Maradona would go on to score 116 goals in 166 appearances. 

Despite his incredibly young age, he would develop season upon season.

His last two seasons were his most impressive.

In his second last year at Argentinos Junior, he scored 26 goals in 26 appearances. In his last season, he scored 43 goals in 45 appearances. 

Maradona then moved to Boca Juniors in 1981, where he scored 28 goals in 41 appearances. An outstanding record for a first season at the age of only 21. 

Maradona led the club to the league title that year. Winning this trophy was his first piece of silverware. 

If at this point you’re thinking, “this is the Argentinian league. It’s not that competitive, and, therefore, it’s easy to get those types of numbers,” you may be right.

But what Maradona, Ronaldo, and Messi all have over Pele is that they all played in Europe, where the most competitive teams in the world play.

On the other hand, Pele only stayed in the Brazilian league, which definitely wasn’t the best.

Maradona at Barcelona

Maradona made the switch to none other than FC Barcelona, where he became the most expensive transfer in the world for €3m, which was a lot of money for a soccer player back in the early 80s. 

Maradona had a great run with Barcelona, not a sensational one but still a great one. 

In 1983, in his first season with Barcelona, he scored 23 goals in 35 games and won the Copa Del Rey. 

He was also the first out of the only three Barcelona players to ever be applauded by Real Madrid during an El Clasico. The other two players to be applauded were Andres Iniesta and Ronaldinho. 

Unfortunately, that year, Maradona got sick, and that cut his season short. So, in the end, his tenure at Barcelona was relatively brief. 

In his second and last season at Barça, he would score 15 goals in 23 games. They would also go on to be the winners of the European Cup. 

Maradona won two trophies with Barcelona and scored 38 goals in 58 games, which is a successful return.

However, Barcelona essentially forced Maradona out of the club after being involved in a huge free-for-all that broke out, injuring 60 people during a game against Athletic Bilbao. 

Maradona at Napoli

After Barcelona, Maradona took his skills to the Serie A in Italy.

Here he would play for the southern Italian team Napoli and become known as “the hero of Naples”.

When most people think about Maradona, they think of his time playing for Napoli. Here is where he became a superstar.

Prior to his arrival, no southern Italian team had ever won the Scudetto. Also, in the season before Maradona came to the club, Napoli finished just one point above the relegation zone.

Napoli’s recent history at the time of Maradona’s arrival only elevates what he achieved with the club. 

Maradona’s arrival would completely transform this club’s fortunes and take Napoli to new heights and the most successful era in the club’s history.  

Maradona brought them their very first Scudetto, and he instantly became a legend in the city.

Murals and paintings were found across buildings, and the people there treated him as if he was a god. 

During Maradona’s seven seasons with the Gli Azzurri, they would win:

• 2 league titles,
• 1 Coppa Italia,
• 1 UEFA Cup,
• and 1 Italian Super Cup.

They also finished up as league runners-up twice and finished as runners-up to the Coppa Italia once as well. 

Maradona ended as the top goal scorer in the league for only one season, the 87/88 season, when he scored 15 goals in 27 matches. 

He also became Napoli’s all-time leading goal scorer with 115 goals.

Marek Hamsik broke this record in 2017. However, Hamsik played for 12 seasons and needed twice as many appearances as Maradona to reach that total. 

On the international stage, Maradona took his performances for his country, Argentina, to another level.

Maradona International Achievements

His greatest international performances came in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. 

Unlike Pele, who arguably had a much better team around him, Maradona single-handedly carried his team to the final, where they triumphed and became world champions. 

He was the best player in the entire tournament by a long shot.

He played every minute of every game and scored five goals, and provided five assists throughout the tournament. 

His most crucial goals came in the tournament’s final stages, scoring critical goals in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

He also assisted the winning goal in the World Cup final, sliding through Burruchaga in the 86th minute to win the game. 

In the following World Cup in 1990, he also led Argentina to the final. Unfortunately, they lost thanks to a late penalty scored by Brehme.

However, there was always a bit of controversy wherever he went, and there was no shortage of it in this World Cup. 

Some argue that Argentina would never have beaten England if it wasn’t for the “Hand of God” goal that he scored, which was definitely a handball. 

In the same game, it was clear that Maradona was head and shoulders above the rest of his opponents.

In this game, he scored the goal that was later voted the goal of the century, which further showcases his genius. 

Other Player’s Opinion of Maradona

According to Pele himself, Maradona was a much better player than Messi, and Pele’s opinion on this matter is worth taking into account.

Not only does Pele know what it takes to be one of the best soccer players ever to play the game, but he has also been around long enough to see, close-up, how both Maradona and Messi play.

Although other great players may have an opinion about this, few have been around long enough to see them all play.

We should definitely take Pele’s observations into account. 

Pele says that Maradona was superior for several reasons, one of them being that Messi is predominantly left-footed while Maradona was very good at using the ball with both feet.

Another reason was that Maradona was also skilled at heading the ball, something which Messi isn’t. 

What Makes Diego Maradona the GOAT of Soccer?

What made Maradona so exceptional was his dribbling, technical ability, and inventiveness.

He was one of the most skillful players ever to grace the game, and his touches and dribbles were almost non-comparable. 

As a testament to how good his dribbling was, it seemed that when he ran with the ball, it was almost as if the ball was glued to his feet.

Although he wasn’t a prolific goal scorer like Cristiano Ronaldo or Pele, he was still great.

He tested himself by moving to different leagues, embracing new experiences while also enjoying international glory. He was successful wherever he went.

These are realities that very few soccer players ever experience. 

All these reasons together are why I believe Maradona is the GOAT of soccer, and very few others have ever come close.

Find out what it takes to be a great number 10 like Maradona in my article – The Number 10 in Soccer – Why it is so significant.