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The sport of soccer dates back over 2,000 years. FIFA's "History of Football" chronicles documents that an early form of the game was played in China in the second and third centuries BC.

Further evidence of similar games has been found throughout history all across the world. However, it wasn't until 1848 that the official "Cambridge Rules" were established.
How soccer has changed in its contemporary form is and continues to be, a far more fascinating story.
How did soccer evolve over time?
Soccer has changed in countless ways over the years; from how the game is played on the field, how it's handled off the field, to how fans have become intertwined with their teams and their players.
There are three key factors that are at the core of all major developments within the game:

A once simple game, soccer has transcended into a global phenomenon that involves much more than 11 v 11 on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Why's this come to be? How has soccer changed since its inception all those years ago? Let's take a look.
A timeline of the history of soccer | Image courtesy of liveaboutdotcom.

How have soccer rules changed over time?

Soccer rules have changed significantly over time. Here are the major changes you might not have heard about:

Goal kicks were introduced in 1869.

Crossbars were only added to goalposts in 1875!

Penalty kicks were first introduced in 1891.

The modern offside rule was implemented in 1990.

The pass back rule, that goalies are not permitted to touch the ball with their hands following a deliberate pass to them, was introduced in 1992.

Goal-line technology was introduced in 2013.

VAR was debuted in 2017.

As with all industries, soccer has experienced much change due to technology: both in-game and externally.

How has TV affected soccer?
When soccer was first being played, there were no TVs. The first-ever televised soccer game was broadcast by the BBC on September 16th, 1937.
Over 80 years later, it's the most viewed sport on the planet. Over 3.5 billion people watched the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

That's almost half the population of Earth! Sports broadcasters are now airing more games than ever before.

For the 2019 - 2022 cycle, the Premier League sold its broadcasting rights for a record $11.7 billion.

The broadcasting structure for Major League Soccer differs from the European game. The programming focus is more localized and varies from franchise to franchise.

MLS Broadcasting Rights

However, the MLS is reported to be gathering all local and national media resources to make a push for a large broadcasting deal in 2022.

The goal is to maximize exposure to the league as a whole, drawing in eyes from every corner of the US market.
As MLS vice-president of Media, Seth Bacon told Sports Business Journal:

" We're constantly thinking about our media rights strategy, and media rights and content are the most significant assets that we and any other league have ".

The TV is opening up more and more people to the game every day.
Social Media has fundamentally changed the relationship between fans and players. It provides a direct communication link unlike any technology in history.
A shift in social trends toward mobile devices has forced teams, broadcasters, and players to turn their focus to social media and all things mobile.

Social media has become the first point of communication and the most important and influential marketing tool available to soccer franchises.

Not only does social media allow soccer organizations to share content with their followers, but it also encourages engagement with fans and helps build valuable relationships.

Each platform serves a different purpose and has changed the sport in a different manner.

Instagram and The Influence on Soccer
Instagram has become a modern player's voice. It's the most personable social media platform available and gives followers access to their on-field heroes.
Fans see Instagram, more than any other social platform as the ideal way to interact with players and teams.

Nielsen Sports reported that Manchester United achieved almost 27,000 interactions (comments, likes, shares, etc.) per 1,000 Instagram fans, compared to 4,229 interactions per 1,000 Facebook fans.

It's no surprise that Instagram is the fastest-growing social media platform out there for soccer brands and organizations.

3 out of the top 10 most-followed Instagram accounts are soccer players, with one of those players being the most followed Instagram account. Can you guess who they're?
22.06.2018. Saint Petersburg, Russian NEYMAR in action during the Fifa World Cup Russia 2018, Group E, football game between BRAZIL V COSTARICA in Saint Petersburg Stadium.

Most Followed Soccer Players on Instagram

10. Neymar

9. Messi

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

An individual player's sponsorship deals are heavily reliant on their social media presence. A player's value to a sponsor has got as much to do with their off-field game as their on-field one.

In the modern era, it's very rare to come across a soccer player with no social media, particularly Instagram.

Players are expected to plug in their sponsors and reflect on every single game with regularity.

Instagram and soccer players now go hand-in-hand. This gives players a lot of power over their teams.
Kyiv, Ukraine - October 14, 2019 Cristiano Ronaldo, captain and forward of Portugal national team during the pre game training at the Olympic Stadium

A player's image rights and social media presence have a strong influence on big-money transfers.

There has been a clear shift in the balance of power between franchises and players.

Why Do Soccer Teams and Players use Twitter?
If Instagram is the leading voice for players, Twitter is most definitely the fans' voice. It provides the landscape for fan opinion and discussion and is home to millions of debates and arguments about soccer.
Twitter has not only changed the game for fans but it's also become one of the major news sources in soccer.

Transfer news and rumors are a constant on Twitter, with many accounts dedicated solely to bringing you the 'inside scoop' on off-season trades. Journalists regularly break exclusive stories on Twitter.

Teams use it to release starting XI's ahead of every game.

Sports broadcasters have bought the rights to upload game highlights as they happen on social platforms.

Twitter has become the go-to source for live sports content. If a broadcaster isn't posting a highlight they may #LiveTweet the event, constantly keeping their followers updated.

Tuning into the news or sports telecasts for soccer updates is a thing of the past. Fans now need updates immediately.

Do Soccer Players and Teams use Facebook
Facebook is the number 1 social media channel in the world and, in turn, is the biggest channel for soccer teams and players.
Although the platform retains a lot of importance and value, statistics are showing that its growth has plateaued and it's no longer the favored place for the consumption of soccer content.

Facebook has changed the game in the sense that it was the first major social media platform for soccer content.

However, the accessibility provided by the likes of Instagram and Twitter makes them the future players in the social media market.
Table outlining the social media numbers and growth % of the EPL's biggest 3 teams | Info. courtesy of . The commercial value of social media is paramount in today's game. Strategies are essential to ensure that a player or franchise is getting the necessary exposure.
Is soccer growing in popularity?

It opens up a lot of opportunities but also creates a vulnerability and provides a platform for negativity.
Many are subject to scathing criticism and often harmful abuse on social media. For its many positive effects on the sport, social media has a downside.
There is no hiding place for soccer players today.

Although it does not have a direct influence on what happens on the field, social media has a firm stronghold on almost all things off the field. It controls how the sport is consumed as a whole.

It generates millions of dollars but is it beginning to negatively affect the purity of the game?
A Video-Assisted-Referee is an external official who reviews decisions made by the in-game referee through the use of video. V.A.R and the in-game referee communicate live via headset.
Assistant referee - Soccer

V.A.R
the World Cup Final in 2018, and the Uefa Champions League Final in 2019. V.A.R also contributed to the change of the handball rule earlier this year.
Since its introduction to a worldwide audience in 2018, there has been no escaping V.A.R. It's had a say in the two biggest cup finals in world soccer since then:

Despite having a huge impact on the sport, V.A.R hasn't had a very warm welcome to the game. Judgments made by V.A.R are still regularly disputed by players, coaches, pundits, and fans.

Decisions in games are not necessarily black and white and will always draw debate.

How Has VAR Technology Changed Soccer?

Closely examining in-game events magnifies this and puts referee calls under intense scrutiny. For many, V.A.R has brought about too much negative change and hasn't improved the game.

It slows the game down and dampens the atmosphere. Some also believe that it's exposed issues with the rules themselves.

The counter-argument acknowledges that in spite of its teething problems, V.A.R is a step in the right direction regarding the use of technology in sport.

It'll further develop and help eliminate human error (for the most part), making for a more even playing field. Get used to it folks, V.A.R has changed the game and it's here to stay!
Sports science plays a major role in 21st-century soccer. Player diets, gym work, out-straining sessions, and recovery activities are carefully measured and analyzed.
Sports Science and the Advancement in Soccer
These upper body compression vests contain state-of-the-art athletic instruments used to gather data on every movement that a player makes.
At the highest level, much of team analysis is data-driven. Wearable technology is used to track player work-rate, distance covered and types of movements carried out in games and training.

This data can then be used to analyze players' output and performance. It can also be used as a guide for recovery to ensure that injury preventative measures are being taken.

A huge emphasis is now placed on recovery in the modern game.
Players undergo individual and group recovery sessions designed specifically to counteract the physical punishment that their bodies endure.
Recover & Physio Changes in the Game of Soccer

These recovery methods are taken by all professional players;

Sleep plays a massive part in the recovery process. Many professionals will have their sleep monitored by coaches and will be directed to designated 'sleeping zones' on the training grounds for any added rest that's needed.

The influence of sports science has resulted in players being the fittest that they've ever been.

Even compared to 20 years ago, the modern pro's work rate and fitness level are far superior.
Throughout the history of soccer, we've witnessed eras of dominance by different teams and playing styles. Tactics, formations, and playing styles are perhaps the aspects of soccer that have changed most over time.
History and Changes in Soccer Tactics and Style of Play

1870 - 1930 Soccer Tactics

In the early days (the 1870s), when the rules of the game differed to today, teams set out in wildly attacking formations.

It would be a regular occurrence for teams to play in a 2-2-6 or 1-2-7 shape! Passing was not the main feature of the game.

Teams would march forward in a swan-like formation. Players would dribble at the opposition with their teammates in support, collecting loose balls. This trend continued throughout the next number of decades.

The 1950s Soccer Style

The 1950s saw the Hungarian national team make some of the most influential tactical developments in world football at the time.
They then pushed on 2 other defenders into attacking full-back positions (much like we see in today's game).
In a historic game vs England, Hungary played a deep-lying midfield player, who partnered up with a central defender

Although they still deployed 4 strikers, they were constantly on the move in search of space to create meaningful attacks.
England vs Hungary, 3-6, 1953.
This led to a lot of goals. Hungary went on to beat England 6-3 at Wembley that day, in front of 100,000 fans.

The 1960s and Four in Defense

Brazil, between 1958 and 1970, was the first team to successfully operate with a 4 man backline. They played with 2 central defenders and 2 attacking full-backs, a tactic that's remained a staple in the game ever since.

This gave them a solid defensive foundation and allowed for the likes of Pele to reak havoc on their opposition.

The 1970s and Total Soccer

The antidote to this Brazilian dominance was forged in the Netherlands. In the 1970s, " Total Football " was birthed, led by Dutch talisman, Johan Cruyff.

This style of play has been the most significant and influential tactical evolution in the history of soccer.
To the untrained eye, it often looked like players were wandering about the field as they pleased.
Rinus Michel's genius system involved constant movement and interchanging of positions by all outfield players. It was the first glimpse the world got of fluid soccer.

But, in reality, they were operating in a precise footballing system and philosophy. This style created the framework for Pep Guardiola's masterful Barcelona, Bayern, and Manchester City teams of the modern era.

The 1980s Strong Defense Tactics

The famous " Catenaccio" (door bolt), was a heavily defensive tactic first adopted in Italy in the 1960s. However, it was used most successfully in the '80s as a counterploy to the aforementioned Dutch philosophy.

Although this formation had flaws, particularly when the team was in possession, the style of play laid the foundations for many great Italian teams.

Since then, we've seen several decades of Italian powerhouses enduring tremendous success in Europe. It was this type of tactical formation that led to Italy's World Cup triumph in 1982.

The 2010s and the Tiki Taka

The next period of dominance by one particular style arrived around 2008, with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

This approach naturally bled into the Spanish national team, leading to a World Cup win in 2010 and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Like the "Total Football" approach, the " Tiki Taka " style of play, adopted by Barcelona and the Spanish national team of this era, involved fluid football.

Large amounts of possession and intense high pressing off the ball were core features of the game plan.

Pep Guardiola Changes to The Modern Game

Despite Guardiola's departure from Barca in 2012, they've continued to be a dominant force in world football.

8 La Liga titles

6 Copa Del Reys

6 Spanish Super Cups in 11 seasons.

They've also lifted the Uefa Champions League trophy 3 times in that period.

Pep Guardiola - Lifted by Barcelona player in 2012

Since 2008, they've been almost untouchable domestically, picking up

The success of both these teams has impacted soccer on a global scale. Teams all across the world are implementing Barcelona training methods at the grassroots level.

We now see low-tier teams adopting a possession and pressing approach. Long balls are becoming a rarity in modern soccer.

The Future Styles and Tactics in Soccer
Liverpool is an obvious example of this.
What tactical trend is in the pipeline for future generations? Sportswriter, Jonathan Wilson believes that the cyclical nature of the game is already being demonstrated in the form of fast-paced counter-attacking teams.

Although Klopp's side shares certain qualities with a Pep Guardiola type team, their doggedness, ruggedness, and directness set them apart somewhat.

If Wilson is correct, we may be in for an exciting new wave of high octane soccer over the coming seasons!
We've come a long way since the 1-2-7 formations of teams in the 1800s. The modern game is now acutely tactical and played under scientific guidance by the fittest of athletes.
The Future of Soccer Money an Styles

Not only this, but the beautiful game is also now observed and followed on a huge array of platforms. There are more eyes on the sport than ever before.

This benefits players and teams on a monetary level but it also creates added pressure. There is no escaping the bright lights! Technology continues to shape the world that we live in.

What does the future hold for soccer in this regard? I guess we'll have to wait and see. For more useful guides, see the articles below or visit our home page.

How have soccer balls changed?

Soccer ballshave slowly developed over time from pig bladders and skulls to aerodynamic high-performing balls of today. The modern ball is a standardized size 5.

How have cleats changed?

Cleats were originally very heavy and leatherbound. The cleat progressed to a less heavy shoe, resilient to wear and tear but less prone to absorbing moisture. Over time, cleats further developed in this manner. The modern cleat is extremely lightweight and is designed for control, comfort and speed.

How have uniforms changed?

Uniforms have changed significantly over the years also. 'Jerseys' from the olden days were heavy material that offered little ventilation and was prone to soaking in a huge amount of moisture.

Although fashion and style have influenced how uniforms looked over the years, the modern-day soccer jersey contains technology that absorbs sweat and moisture, regulates temperature, and helps maximize performance.

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How Soccer Has Changed: Revolution Or Evolution Soccer Blade

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The sport of soccer dates back over 2,000 years. FIFA's "History of Football" chronicles documents that an early form of the game was played in China in the second and third centuries BC. Further evidence of similar games has been found throughout history all across the world.

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I've always wondered who invented soccer, and how soccer really took off as the hit sports game it has become. After hours of research, my itch for soccer facts has been scratched. Here's everything I've learned.
The first version of modern soccer was officially invented in England in the mid 19th century and was called football. However, there are records of an old Chinese game called Tsu-Chu (meaning "Kicking the ball") played as far back as 206 B.C. thought to be played as a training exercise for soldiers.
Although the game was called 'Kicking the ball' I'll let you decide for yourself if we can call it traditional soccer or not. The way soccer has evolved into what it is today is also very fascinating.

First Known Game Of Kicking A Ball

During the Han Dynasty (from 206 B.C to 220 A.D) a game called Tsu-Chu or Cuju was played as a military exercise. The game may have spread and been enjoyed by local citizens as well. FIFA has recognized the evidence that this is the first known form of Soccer.

Cuju is also played in other countries such as Vietnam, Korea, and Japan and is the oldest known game to resemble modern day soccer. You can't use your hands, and you have to kick a ball into an opening leading to a net. There were various forms of the game, some meant to be played at noble birthdays and feasts, and another played by commoners.

2 teams of 12 to 16 players would compete in a typical Cuju match, where women could also play.

The ball used to play Cuju was commonly made of leather and filled with feathers. Much heavier than a modern day soccer ball, and harder to kick long distances. The shoes they wore would typically have protrusions out the bottoms of them, much like modern day cleats.
Here's a cool video that might give you a better idea of what the game looks like, and some more in depth information on the game.
How Soccer Was Invented
Modern day soccer was invented in 19th century England, mostly played by private school teams and soccer clubs. The game originated from a 9th century medieval period game called 'folk football' played in England that would involve teams of players competing to get a pigs bladder from one landmark to another.
Typically, these teams would be members of the town competing to get the pigs bladder to their opponents area or goal, most often on either side of the town. The game was brutal, with no rules other than don't murder.

The violent game of folk football was banned throughout some periods of England history, and eventually faded all together when rules were established and field constraints were put into place. Bringing rise to modern day soccer.

Modern day soccer gets its roots from a violent game called 'folk football' which put large mobs of people against one another to score goals stretching across a town.

By the 19th century, rules were established and soccer was played by private schools when teams were formed for schools to compete with each other. At this point, hands were allowed during game-play and players could wrestle or grapple each other to the ground. But, the modern rules of soccer started to be set in place and soccer leagues became popular.
Here's a short video explaining just how crazy folk football was.
Passing Changed The Game

Before the emergence of soccer clubs and officially drafted soccer rules, the players would rarely pass the ball to each other. The game would consist of one player making their way down the field while the rest of the team followed in hopes of picking up a lost or loose ball. There was very little organization or teamwork involved.

Passing and teamwork caused a major disruption in the way soccer was played, and therefore, required a set standard of rules that we play modern day soccer by today.

Once players started passing to each other and working as a team, the game of soccer became more strategic. Plays could then be thought up, and teams could practice their plan of attack during practices before a big match. Coaches were looked at with more importance, and the rules of the game needed to be set in place and refereed.

Soccer Clubs Emerged

As soccer clubs began forming, the rules of the game started to change. Certain schools or teams would play under a set of rules and modern day soccer started to take shape.

One of the oldest soccer clubs in England, and the world, was the Sheffield Football Club. These new clubs would focus on teamwork and cooperation to out-flank and defeat their opponents. The Sheffield Club instated rules involving corner kicks, hand-balls, and free kicks. These rules became the standard later on when England created professional football leagues.

Soccer clubs are still a big part of soccer in England today, and are responsible for shaping the modern day game of soccer we know and love today.
Here's a quick video walking through the history of various London football clubs.
Official Rules And Leagues Are Formed

In the 1860's the Football Association(FA) was formed. This is where the word soccer comes from, 'socc' shortened from association, and 'er' was a popular slang suffix at the time. The FA brought together the different rules used throughout England by various clubs and schools to create one set of soccer regulations.

Over time, more and more soccer clubs and leagues in England joined the FA and followed the regulation game-play rules. Soccer grew in popularity and the clubs started to charge for attendance to watch the matches in the 1870's. As spectators and revenue grew, the soccer players wanted to be paid, and soccer then became a profession.

By 1900, the rest of Europe had taken interest in the favorite sport of England, and leagues began popping up all over the world. The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) was founded in 1904 Paris. In 1930, the first ever FIFA World Cup was held and soccer has been a world-wide beloved sport ever since.
Here's an informative video about the history of FIFA.
Soccer Today

Today, soccer is played all around the world, with world wide youth and women's tournaments growing in popularity as well as the World Cup. In 1995, the MLS (Major League Soccer) was formed in the US. Due to a ruling by FIFA that the United States Soccer Federation create a Division 1 professional soccer league after winning the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

In almost every country you visit today, they have heard of soccer. Soccer has become an honored and cherished past time for many families across the globe. With new leagues and matches being set up and played all the time, it looks like soccer is here to stay.
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How Soccer Started: The History Of Soccer | Backyard Sidekick

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I've always wondered who invented soccer, and how soccer really took off as the hit sports game it has become. After hours of research, my itch for soccer facts has been scratched. Here's everything I've learned. The first version of modern soccer was officially invented in England in the mid 19th century and was called football.

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Reviving a 3,000-year-old Ancient Ballgame