World Football Day 2022: when, history and traditions

World Football Day is a holiday for those for whom this sport is not just a game, but a lifestyle. According to FIFA statistics, in 2001 this industry consisted of more than 1.5 million teams and 300,000 professional clubs on the planet. And now, there must be even more of those for whom football is their whole life. In addition to players and ordinary fans of chasing the ball, fans and sports doctors are also involved in this area.

When this holiday is celebrated, how did football appear and why is it so popular? Put the ball aside and tell the details in the material .

When is World Football Day celebrated?

“Football” holiday, according to the UN decree, is celebrated on December 10th. On this day, matches of various levels are held – both amateur and professional, and festive events are also organized.

Traditions on Football Day

The holiday is not a day off and is not official, but nevertheless it is celebrated all over the world. Football Day has the following traditions:

• well-known teams hold charity matches;
• friendly matches are organized (they are also held by children’s and women’s teams);
• football-related matches and programs are broadcast on television;
• actions and flash mobs are held at thematic sites of the international, all-Russian and regional levels.

The history of football

Historians’ opinions about the origin of football vary. Many believe that the game was not harmless before, and its predecessor was the wild entertainment of the Saxons in England in the 8th century: after the battle on the field, they kicked the severed heads of enemies.

Ancient Greece had its own “battle for the ball”, during which, presumably, martial arts were also used. A similar ball game was played in ancient Rome.

The game got its name in the same England. The transformed game was also quite cruel. It was held right on the streets of cities, and up to several hundred players took part in it. Football in the country began to take an organized form in the 19th century, and rules appeared there in 1863. At the end of the 19th century, football began to rapidly gain popularity. He conquered Europe, Asia, Africa and even North America. In 1904, the International Football Federation, now known as FIFA, was created.

History of football in Russia

The first officially recorded football match took place in Russia on October 24, 1897. This day is considered the birthday of football in our country. And later, in January 1912, the All-Russian Football Union was founded, in the same year it was admitted to FIFA.

During the early years of Soviet rule, football was run by city leagues. In 1034, the Football Section of the USSR appeared.

After the Great Patriotic War, in 1046, the USSR Football Section was admitted to FIFA, and to UEFA in 1954. Later, the Section was transformed into the Football Federation of the USSR.

Soviet and Russian football has a rich history. In 1956 and 1988, our football players climbed to the highest step of the Olympic podium, and also repeatedly received Olympic medals. In 1966, our team became the bronze medalist of the world championship, and in 1960 we won the European Cup. In 1964, our team received the title of vice-champion of the continent. We distinguished ourselves in the same way in 1972 and 1988. And in 2008 our team became the bronze medalist of the European Championship.

Among the successes of our football players are victories in UEFA club tournaments, European youth, youth and women’s championships, FIFA World Cup gold and Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cups, awards in the continental and world futsal championships, prizes in World Universiades, Paralympic and Special Games .

Football Popularity Phenomenon

Many attribute the phenomenon of football’s popularity to the fact that it brings people together. According to some fans, there is no more popular spectacle that attracts so many mass spectators. The German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk argued that football gives us back the ability to use our hunting instincts. Dutch football player and coach Johan Cruyff noted that football is extremely accessible.

In turn, the historian Christiane Eisenberg gave three versions of the reason for the popularity of football from a sociological point of view. According to her, firstly, football turned out to be a fairly safe entertainment, compared to other sports games. Secondly, in football, players have different roles, so this game has a place for artistry, calculation, and spontaneity. Thirdly, football players have the opportunity to show different things – both individuality and the spirit of solidarity.

But it should not be ruled out that football is associated with business and advertising – this sport brings huge profits.

Interesting facts about football

• according to some estimates, football is played by 120 million people around the world;
• On March 23, 1891, for the first time, a net was used on a football goal during a match between the teams of the North and South of England;
• On May 31, 1942, a football match was held in the besieged Leningrad at the Dynamo stadium;
• the first World Cup was held on July 13, 1930 in Uruguay;
• Russia for the first time in its history became the host country of the world football championship in the summer of 2018;
• football players have many signs: for example, it is important to get up from the bench only with the left foot. And it is advised to put on shields and boots first on the right foot. Some also believe that before the competition you can not cut your hair and shave. Many carry out after the victory the ceremony of “washing” with champagne;
• in matches under the auspices of FIFA, a size 5 ball is used. It has a circumference of 68–70 cm, and its weight is no more than 450 grams;
• Moscow’s Luzhniki is considered the largest football stadium in Russia.

Which countries celebrate Football Day

Football Day is considered an international holiday. It is celebrated in Russia and in a dozen other countries.

Similar holidays

• World Children’s Football Day – June 19;
• American Football Day – November 5th.