Timeline of football (soccer)
Encyclopedia
This page indexes the individual year in association football pages. Each year is annotated with one or more significant events as a reference point.
Pre 1870s - 1870s - 1880s - 1890s - 1900s - 1910s - 1920s - 1930s - 1940s - 1950s - 1960s - 1970s - 1980s - 1990s - 2000s - 2010s
Pre 1870s - 1870s - 1880s - 1890s - 1900s - 1910s - 1920s - 1930s - 1940s - 1950s - 1960s - 1970s - 1980s - 1990s - 2000s - 2010s
Pre 1870s
- 1840s in football1840s in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of decades 1840s around the world.-Events:*1848 – A committee at Cambridge University attempts to create a universal set of rules for football...
— The Cambridge RulesThe Cambridge RulesThe Cambridge Rules were a code of football rules first drawn up at Cambridge University, England, in 1848, by a committee that included H. de Winton and J. C. Thring. They are also notable for allowing goal kicks, throw-ins, and forward passes and for preventing running whilst holding the ball...
are created in 1848. Official referees appear for the first time in a football match, at a match held in CheltenhamCheltenhamCheltenham , also known as Cheltenham Spa, is a large spa town and borough in Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds in the South-West region of England. It is the home of the flagship race of British steeplechase horse racing, the Gold Cup, the main event of the Cheltenham Festival held...
in 1849, two in field and one in tribune. - 1850s in football1850s in football (soccer)The following are the association football events in the decades 1850s around the world.-Events:*1857, 24 October — Sheffield F.C. is founded in Sheffield, England. The club is officially regarded by the FA and FIFA governing bodies as the world's oldest football club...
— Sheffield F.C.Sheffield F.C.Sheffield Football Club is an English football club from Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The club is most noted for the fact that they are the world's oldest club now playing Association football, founded in 1857...
, the first football club in the world, is founded in 1857; the Sheffield RulesSheffield RulesThe Sheffield Rules were a code of football devised and played in the English city of Sheffield between 1857 and 1877. They were devised by Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest for use by the newly founded Sheffield Football Club. The rules were subsequently adopted as the official rules of...
are also created. - 1860s in football1860s in football (soccer)The following are the association football related events of the decade 1860s around the world.-Events:*1860 — Lausanne Football and Cricket Club is founded, the oldest club in continental Europe to later play Association football. Other clubs founded in 1860 include Cray Wanderers, Hallam...
— British railway builders introduce football to Argentina. In 1860 the first non-British team in Europe was Lausanne Football and Cricket ClubLausanne Football and Cricket ClubThe Lausanne Football and Cricket Club was a Swiss soccer and cricket club.The club was founded in 1860 by English students, who have studied at private schools in the area of Lausanne. Due the year of the foundation this club could be the first soccer club of Continental Europe. The world-wide...
, of Switzerland. The Football AssociationThe Football AssociationThe Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
is founded in 1863 (the first football association in the world), and it ratifies the original 14 rules of the game. In 1865 Nottingham Forest F.C.Nottingham Forest F.C.Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
is founded. In 1865 Buenos Aires FC formed by British residents. The first ever football tournament, the Youdan CupYoudan CupThe Youdan Cup was an association football competition played in Sheffield, England. A local theatre owner Thomas Youdan sponsored the competition and provided the trophy...
, is played by twelve Sheffield clubs in 1867; the Cromwell CupCromwell CupThe Cromwell Cup was the second ever football competition and was held in Sheffield, England. It was held in February 1868 and named after Oliver Cromwell, manager of the local Alexandra Theatre, who donated the cup . He also played for the Garrick club. The tournament was only open to teams...
, the second oldest football tournament in the world, takes place in 1868 with Sheffield Rules; Goal kicks are introduced in 1869.
1870s
- 1870 in football1870 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1870 throughout the world.-Events:*March 5*Various Dates-Europe:...
— First "goalkeepers", and passage from "dribbling game" to "passing game" is seen in club matches in Sheffield and London; the first international match arranged by the Football Association between EnglandEngland national football teamThe England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
and ScotlandScotland national football teamThe Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
on March 5, 1870 finishes in a 8-0 win at the Kennington Oval in London. Combination GameCombination GameThe Combination Game was a style of association football based around team work and cooperation. It would gradually favour the passing of the ball between players over individual dribbling skills which had been a notable feature of early Association games. It developed from "scientific" football...
developed by Royal Engineers AFC. - 1871 in football1871 in football (soccer)-Events:*February 25*July 20*November 18-Europe:...
— Charles William AlcockC. W. AlcockCharles William Alcock was an influential English sportsman and administrator. He was a major instigator in the development of both international football and cricket, as well as being the creator of the FA Cup....
creates the Football Association Challenge CupFA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
, the oldest cup tournament alive. Additional international football matches - 1872 in football1872 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1872 throughout the world.-Events:*February 24*March 16*November 30-Europe:...
— ScotlandScotland national football teamThe Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
and EnglandEngland national football teamThe England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
draw 0–0 in the first FIFA-recognized international football matchScotland v England (1872)Scotland v England was the first ever official international football match to be played. It was contested by the national teams of Scotland and England. The match took place on 30 November 1872 at West of Scotland Cricket Club's ground at Hamilton Crescent in Partick, Scotland...
, played at the West of Scotland Cricket ClubWest of Scotland Cricket ClubThe West of Scotland Cricket Club is a large cricket club based in Glasgow, Scotland. Their ground is Hamilton Crescent located in the Partick area of Glasgow's West End...
; WanderersWanderers F.C.Wanderers Football Club is an English amateur football club, based in London, that plays in the Surrey South Eastern Combination. Founded as Forest Football Club in 1859, the club changed its name to Wanderers in 1864....
beat Royal EngineersRoyal Engineers A.F.C.The Royal Engineers Association Football Club is an association football team representing the Corps of Royal Engineers, the "Sappers", of the British Army. In the 1870s it was one of the strongest sides in English football, winning the FA Cup in 1875 and being Cup Finalists in four of the first...
in the first FA Cup final; kick corner and ball fixture is introduced by The Football Association; the first Welsh football club, Wrexham A.F.C.Wrexham A.F.C.Wrexham Football Club are a professional football team based in Wrexham, north-east Wales, who play in the English football pyramid.Founded in 1872, they are one of the oldest surviving football clubs in Britain and the oldest professional club in Wales...
, is founded. France introduced by English sailors playing in Le Havre and club formed. - 1873 in football1873 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1873 throughout the world.-Events:*March 8 – England beating Scotland 4–2 at Kennington Oval, London.*March 13 – The Scottish Football Association was founded....
— The Scottish Football AssociationScottish Football AssociationThe Scottish Football Association is the governing body of football in Scotland and has the ultimate responsibility for the control and development of football in Scotland. Members of the SFA include clubs in Scotland, affiliated national associations as well as local associations...
is founded. The offside law is changed so that an offside position is determined when the ball is played by a team-mate, rather than when it is received. Rangers F.C.Rangers F.C.Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
is founded. - 1874 in football1874 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1874 throughout the world.-Events:*February 10 - The Football Association authorized referees to send off players...
— The FA authorizes referees to send players off for certain offences, and makes a rule requiring teams to change ends at halftime. The first shin pads are introduced. Aston Villa F.C.Aston Villa F.C.Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
is founded. - 1875 in football1875 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1875 throughout the world.-Events:March: The fourth FA Cup is played at Kennington Oval being contested by Royal Engineers and Old Etonians. The result was 1-1 played on 13 March being the first ever FA Cup Final to feature a replay...
— The crossbar is introduced, replacing tape as the means of marking the top of the goalGoal (sport)Goal refers to a method of scoring in many sports. It can also refer to the physical structure or area of the playing surface where scoring occurs....
. Oxford University tour Germany and a number of German Universities take up the game (one of first countries to play under FA rules outside Britain). - 1876 in football1876 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1876 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1876:*Accrington F.C.*Falkirk F.C.*Leek Town F.C.*Middlesbrough F.C.*Partick Thistle F.C.*Port Vale F.C.*Stafford Rangers F.C....
— Carlton Cricket Club (Canada) form football section and subsequently made tours of Britain. - 1877 in football1877 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1877 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1877:*Blackpool F.C.*Buxton F.C.*Clitheroe F.C.*Crewe Alexandra F.C.*Clyde F.C.*Egham Town F.C.*St. Mirren F.C....
— The length of a match is set at 90 minutes. - 1878 in football1878 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1878 throughout the world.- Events :* October 14 - First ever floodlit football match takes place at Bramall Lane, Sheffield between teams chosen by the Sheffield Association and local clubs....
— Referees begin to use whistles. Manchester United is founded as Newton Heath L&YR F.C. The first football match to be staged under electric floodlighting takes place at Bramall LaneBramall Lane-Cricket at the Lane:Bramall Lane opened as a cricket ground in 1855, having been leased by Michael Ellison from the Duke of Norfolk at an annual rent of £70. The site was then away from the town's industrial area, and relatively free from smoke. It was built to host the matches of local cricket...
, Sheffield, between two local representative teams. - 1879 in football1879 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1879 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1879:The following are the association football events of the year 1879 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1879:...
— Kjøbenhavns BoldklubKjøbenhavns BoldklubKjøbenhavns Boldklub or KB is a Danish sports club based in Copenhagen. The club was founded April 26, 1876 on the grassy fields in outer Copenhagen which later became Fælledparken. Football and cricket has been played in KB since 1879, making KB the oldest football club on Continental Europe and...
introduces itself as the first sports clubSports clubA sports club or sport club, sometimes athletics club or sports association is a club for the purpose of playing one or more sports...
in continental EuropeContinental EuropeContinental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands....
. Sunderland A.F.C is founded.
1880s
- 1880 in football1880 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1880 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1880:*Antwerp F.C.*Clevedon Town F.C.*Dorchester Town F.C.*Hednesford Town F.C.*Manchester City F.C.*Moyola Park F.C.*Preston North End F.C....
— Clubs charge for admission Players paid lost wages and expenses (players still part-time). - 1881 in football1881 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1881 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1881:*Berwick Rangers F.C.*Colwyn Bay F.C.*East Stirlingshire F.C.*Leyton Orient F.C.*Southport F.C.*Swindon Town F.C.*Watford F.C....
— - 1882 in football1882 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1882 throughout the world.-Events:Ireland National Football Team played their first international friendly on 18 February 1882 against England losing 0-13 in Belfast...
— Queens Park Rangers FC is founded. Tottenham Hotspur F.C.Tottenham Hotspur F.C.Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
is founded. The first club in UruguayUruguayUruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
formed by English professor at Montevideo University; another club later formed by British railway engineers. Two-handed throw-in introduced. - 1883 in football1883 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1883 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1883:The following are the association football events of the year 1883 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1883:...
— Coventry City FC is founded. - 1884 in football1884 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1884 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1884:*Nantwich Town F.C*Derby County F.C.*Leicester City F.C.*Lincoln City F.C.*Prescot Cables F.C.*Stenhousemuir F.C.*Tranmere Rovers F.C....
— Played for the first time the British Home ChampionshipBritish Home ChampionshipThe British Home Championship was an annual football competition contested between the United Kingdom's four national teams, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from the 1883–84 season until the 1983–84...
, the oldest tournament for national teams: the Scotland national team emerged as winner. - 1885 in football1885 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1885 throughout the world.- Events :During the summer of 1885, there was pressure put on the Football Association to accept professionalism in English football, culminating in a special meeting on 20 July, after which it was announced...
— The Football Association legalises professionalism. The first non-European international was contested on the 28 November 1885, at Newark, New Jersey, between the USA and Canada, the Canadians winning 1-0. Arbroath beat Bon Accord 36-0 in the Scottish CupScottish CupThe Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
, a record which stands to this day. - 1886 in football1886 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1886 throughout the world.-Events:*December 11 - Dial Square FC beat Eastern Wanderers 6-0, their first match....
— The FAs of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland formed the International Football Association BoardInternational Football Association BoardThe International Football Association Board is the body that determines the Laws of the Game of association football.-Operations:...
; The Football Association introduces a 'cross tape' between goalposts as a precedent to the 'crossbar'. Arsenal FC is founded. - 1887 in football1887 in football (soccer)-Clubs founded in 1887:-Clubs founded in 1887:-Clubs founded in 1887::'::La Plata GFC:'::Odense BK:'::Athlone Town::Barnsley::Blackpool::Cheltenham Town F.C.::Lowesoft Town::Weston-super-Mare::Witton Albion::Wycombe Wanderers:'...
— The first football team in South America was founded, Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata, Argentina. British introduce football to Russia. Hamburger SVHamburger SVHamburger Sport-Verein, usually referred to as HSV in Germany and Hamburg in international parlance, is a German multi-sport club based in Hamburg, its largest branch being its football department...
is founded. - 1888 in football1888 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1888 throughout the world.-Events:*February 1 - Royal Arsenal move to Manor Ground, their first permanent stadium, playing their first match there, against Millwall Rovers....
— The Football LeagueThe Football LeagueThe Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
, the world's first national football league competition, is founded in England by Aston Villa director William McGregor. Celtic F.C.Celtic F.C.Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
is founded. - 1889 in football1889 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1889 throughout the world.-AsiaEurope:...
— The Royal Dutch Football AssociationRoyal Dutch Football AssociationThe Royal Dutch Football Association is the governing body of football in the Netherlands. It organises the main Dutch football leagues , the amateur leagues, the KNVB Cup, and the Dutch national football team. It is based in the municipality of Zeist.The KNVB came into being on 8 December 1889...
and Danish Football AssociationDanish Football AssociationThe Danish Football Association is the governing body of football in Denmark. It is the organization of the Danish football clubs and runs the professional Danish football leagues and the men's and women's national teams. It is based in the city of Brøndby and is a founding member of both FIFA...
are founded, the Danish one is the first non-British European football association. The Football AllianceFootball AllianceThe Football Alliance was an association football league in England which ran for three seasons, from 1889–90 to 1891–92.It was formed by 12 clubs as a rival to the Football League, which had begun in the 1888–89 season, also with 12 member clubs...
is formed as a rival to The Football LeagueThe Football LeagueThe Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
. The first football association not admitted to FIFA is formed: the Cornwall County Football AssociationCornwall County Football AssociationThe Cornwall County Football Association, also known as the Cornwall FA, is the governing body of football in the county of Cornwall. Formed in 1889, they are responsible for the administration, control, promotion and development of football at all levels throughout the county.-Organisation:The...
.
1890s
- 1890 in football1890 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1890 throughout the world.-Events:*The first Scottish Football League competition is inaugurated. The ten founder members are Abercorn, Cambuslang, Celtic, Cowlairs, Dumbarton, Hearts, Rangers, St Mirren, Third Lanark and Vale of Leven...
— The Scottish Football LeagueScottish Football LeagueThe Scottish Football League is a league of football teams in Scotland, comprising theScottish First Division, Scottish Second Division and Scottish Third Division. From the league's foundation in 1890 until the breakaway Scottish Premier League was formed in 1998, the Scottish Football League...
is formed. Goal nets used for the first time. - 1891 in football1891 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1891 throughout the world.-Events:*Royal Arsenal turn professional, renaming themselves Woolwich Arsenal in the process.-Clubs founded in 1891:*AIK*Belfast Celtic F.C.*C.A...
— The penalty kick is introduced. Liverpool engineer John Alexander BrodieJohn Alexander BrodieJohn Alexander Brodie was a British civil engineer.Brodie began his professional career in 1875 working in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board engineering department under Chief Engineer George Fosbery Lyster, following this he set up a private consultancy and spent some time working in Spain...
invents the football net Assistant referees are first introduced as linesmen. The first Oceanian football association is formed: the New Zealand SoccerNew Zealand SoccerNew Zealand Football is the governing body for the sport of association football in New Zealand. It was founded in 1891, and became officially affiliated with FIFA in 1948...
. The first ever championship outside Britain take place in Argentina: AAF Championship. C.A. PeñarolC.A. PeñarolClub Atlético Peñarol also known as Carboneros, Aurinegros and familiarly as Manya, is an Uruguayan sports club based in the Peñarol barrio, Montevideo, best known for its professional football team. The team plays their home matches in Estadio Centenario, the largest stadium in the country, but...
, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. - 1892 in football1892 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1892 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1892:*Bromley F.C.*Droylsden F.C.*Liverpool F.C.*Newcastle United F.C.*Club de Deportes Santiago Wanderers*Slavia Prague*Vitesse Arnhem...
— The Football League introduces a second division. Liverpool F.C.Liverpool F.C.Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
is founded. The first Asian football association is formed: the Football Association of SingaporeFootball Association of SingaporeThe Football Association of Singapore is the governing body of football in Singapore. It was founded in 1952. Prior to that, the Singapore Amateur Football Association, founded in 1892, was the governing body for football in Singapore...
. Argentina is the first country outside Britain to inaugurate national championship. - 1893 in football1893 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1893 throughout the world.-Events:*July - Woolwich Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United all admitted to the Football League...
— Argentine Football AssociationArgentine Football AssociationThe Argentine Football Association is the governing body of football in Argentina. It organises the Argentine football league and the Argentina national football team. It is based in Buenos Aires...
is founded, the first South American football association. Is founded the first Italian club football team: Genoa Cricket and Football Club. F.C. Porto, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. - 1894 in football1894 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1894 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1894:*BV Veendam*Dumbarton Harp F.C.*FC La Chaux-de-Fonds*First Vienna FC*GAIS*Hastings United F.C.*K.F.C...
— Referee in complete control of game. - 1894 in football1894 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1894 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1894:*BV Veendam*Dumbarton Harp F.C.*FC La Chaux-de-Fonds*First Vienna FC*GAIS*Hastings United F.C.*K.F.C...
— Floriana FC of Malta is founded. - 1895 in football1895 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1895 throughout the world.-Clubs founded in 1895:*Camberley Town F.C.*Dundela F.C.*FC St. Georg Hamburg*Pine Villa F.C. *R...
— The Belgian Football AssociationBelgian Football AssociationThe Royal Belgian Football Association is the governing body of football in Belgium...
is founded. Clube de Regatas do FlamengoClube de Regatas do FlamengoClube de Regatas do Flamengo , also known as Flamengo and familiarly as Mengão, is a Brazilian sports club based in the Flamengo bairro, Zona Sul, Rio de Janeiro, best known for its professional football team...
, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. - 1896 in football1896 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1896 throughout the world.-Events:*March 16 - England defeat Wales 9-1 at Cardiff-Clubs founded in 1896:*Basingstoke Town F.C.*Bracknell Town F.C.*CS Constantine*Ciclista Lima...
— Italy's first national championship is organised by the Italian Federation of Gymnastics. Played at the first Summer Olympics in Athens football as exhibition game. - 1897 in football1897 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1897 throughout the world.-National champions:*Argentina: Lomas Athletic Club*Belgium: Racing Club Bruxelles*England: Aston Villa*France: Standard AC Meudon*Ireland: Glentoran...
— The Football League introduces automatic promotion and relegation between its two divisions. Italian giants Juventus F.C.Juventus F.C.Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
, FIFA Classic Club, was founded as Sport Club Juventus. - 1898 in football1898 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1898 throughout the world.-Events:*January 1: Footballing arm of Belgian club K.A.A...
— The Italian Football Federation is formed. CR Vasco da Gama is founded. Athletic BilbaoAthletic BilbaoAthletic Club, also known as Athletic Bilbao, is an association football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Spain. The club has played in the Primera División of La Liga since its start in 1928. They have won La Liga on eight occasions...
first club formed in Spain. - 1899 in football1899 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1899 throughout the world.-Events:*Olympique de Marseille is founded, club from France city of Marseille*January 8: FC Freiburg are champions of south Germany....
— FC BarcelonaFC BarcelonaFutbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
, Club Nacional de FootballClub Nacional de FootballClub Nacional de Football is a Uruguayan sports club based in Montevideo. It is best known for its professional football team, which plays in the Uruguayan Primera División....
and AC Milan, FIFA Classic Clubs, were founded.
1900s
- 1900 in football1900 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1900 throughout the world.-National champions:*Argentina: English High School*Belgium: Racing Club de Bruxelles*England: Aston Villa*France: Le Havre*Ireland: Belfast Celtic...
— FC Bayern MunichFC Bayern MunichFC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups....
and AFC Ajax, FIFA Classic Clubs, were founded. RCD Espanyol de Barcelona is founded. Asociación Uruguaya de FútbolAsociación Uruguaya de FútbolThe Uruguayan Football Association is the governing body of football in Uruguay. It was founded in 1900 and affiliated in 1923. It is a founding member of CONMEBOL and is in charge of the Uruguay national football team and the Campeonato Uruguayo de Fútbol, including the Uruguayan Primera...
and German Football AssociationGerman Football AssociationThe German Football Association is the governing body of football in Germany. A founding member of both FIFA and UEFA, the DFB organises the German football leagues, including the national league, the Bundesliga, and the men's and women's national teams. The DFB is based in Frankfurt and is...
were founded. Borussia MönchengladbachBorussia MönchengladbachBorussia Mönchengladbach is a German association football club based in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia. The team plays in the Bundesliga and is one of the country's most well-known, well-supported, and successful teams. Borussia Mönchengladbach has over 40,000 members and is the sixth...
is founded. - 1901 in football1901 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1901 throughout the world.-Events:* May 16 – Uruguay and Argentina both play their first ever international match, when they meet in Montevideo...
— The first international match between South American national teams is played: Uruguay-Argentina 2-3. Club Atlético River PlateClub Atlético River PlateClub Atlético River Plate is an Argentine sports club based in the Nuñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently competes in Nacional B, the second tier of Argentine football....
, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. C.F. Pachuca is founded. Czechoslovak Football Association and Hungarian Football FederationHungarian Football FederationThe Hungarian Football Federation is the governing body of football in Hungary. It organizes the Hungarian league and the Hungarian national team. It is based in Budapest.György Szepesi was Chairman of the Hungarian Football Association from 1978 to 1986....
are founded. - 1902 in football1902 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1902 throughout the world.-Clubs formed in 1902:*Norwich City Football Club*Real Madrid*Fluminense Football Club-Winners club national championship:*Hungary:...
— 26 people die and over 500 are injured when a section of the terracing collapses after a Scotland-England British Home Championship match at Ibrox ParkIbrox StadiumIbrox Stadium is a football stadium located on the south side of the River Clyde, on Edmiston Drive in the Ibrox district of Glasgow. It is the home ground of Scottish Premier League club Rangers and has an all-seated capacity of 51,082...
; five Spanish clubs compete for the first Copa del ReyCopa del ReyThe Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
; the first Brazilan football league, the Campeonato PaulistaCampeonato PaulistaThe Campeonato Paulista de Futebol Profissional da Primeira Divisão - Série A1, simply known as the Campeonato Paulista, is the top-flight professional football league in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. The league is contested between 20 clubs and typically lasts from January to April...
is won by São Paulo Athletic ClubSão Paulo Athletic ClubSão Paulo Athletic Club, also known as SPAC, was a historic Brazilian football club founded on May 15, 1888 by Charles William Miller and several English immigrants, being one of the first football clubs in the country. The club's players were English employees of Companhia de Gás , London Bank and...
. Real Madrid, the FIFA 20th Century Club and FIFA Classic Club, was founded. The first North American football association (geographically South American but from ever affiliated to CONCACAF) is formed: the Guyana Football FederationGuyana Football FederationThe Guyana Football Federation is the governing body of football in Guyana. It controls the Guyana national football team.Guyana jumped 92 FIFA spots between 2005 and 2007 going unbeaten for 14 FIFA Matches....
. Olimpia AsunciónOlimpia AsunciónClub Olimpia is a Paraguayan sport club based in Asunción. It is best known for its professional football team which plays in the Paraguayan Primera División....
, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. Fluminense Football ClubFluminense Football ClubFluminense Football Club is a sports club based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Founded in the beginning of the 20th century as a single-sport institution, Fluminense is today an umbrella organization for several teams in more than 16 different sport activities. The most popular endeavor of Fluminense,...
is founded. - 1903 in football1903 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1903 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :*Hungary:**Hungarian National Championship I: Ferencvárosi TC, first-time champions*Scotland:...
— The first international match between non-British European national teams: Hungary-Bohemia 2-1. Beşiktaş JK, Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto AlegrenseGrêmio Foot-Ball Porto AlegrenseGrêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, commonly known as just Grêmio , is a Brazilian professional association football team based in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul founded by English and German immigrants on September 15, 1903. Major titles captured by Grêmio include one Intercontinental Cup, two Copa...
, Racing Club de AvellanedaRacing Club de AvellanedaRacing Club is an Argentine professional football club from Avellaneda, a suburb of Greater Buenos Aires. Founded in 1903, Racing has been historically considered one of the "big five" clubs of Argentine football...
and Atlético de MadridAtlético de MadridClub Atlético de Madrid, S.A.D., commonly known as Atlético Madrid, is a Spanish football club based in Madrid who play in La Liga. Atlético have won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey on nine occasions, including a double in 1996; in Europe, they won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1962, were...
, FIFA Classic Clubs, are founded. - 1904 in football1904 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1904 throughout the world.-Events:*28 February: S.L. Benfica is founded.*April - Woolwich Arsenal become the first Southern club to win promotion to the English top flight....
— FIFAFIFAThe Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
is founded in Paris on 21 May. The first football association geographically in North America is formed: the Fédération Haïtienne de FootballFédération Haïtienne de FootballThe Fédération Haïtienne de Football is the governing body of football in Haiti, and is in charge of the Haitian national team.FHF is a member of CONCACAF since 1961 and is in charge of football in Haiti and all lower categories...
. S.L. Benfica and Argentinos JuniorsArgentinos JuniorsAsociación Atlética Argentinos Juniors is an Argentine football club based in La Paternal, Buenos Aires. Founded on August 15, 1904, the club was originally called the “Martyrs of Chicago”, in homage to the eight anarchists imprisoned or hanged after the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago.-Early...
is formed. Swedish Football AssociationSwedish Football AssociationThe Swedish Football Association is the governing body of football in Sweden. It organises the football leagues — Allsvenskan for men and Damallsvenskan for women — and the men's and women's national teams. It is based in Solna and is a founding member of both FIFA and UEFA...
is founded. Professional Footballers Association (PFA) formed. - 1905 in football1905 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1905 throughout the world.-Events:*Leeds City F.C. admitted to the English Football League....
— Galatasaray SK and Chelsea FC are founded. Played for the first time the Muratti Vase, the oldest tournament for FAs not admitted to FIFA, won by Guernsey; in this edition was played for the first time an international match between teams not admitted to FIFA too: GuernseyGuernseyGuernsey, officially the Bailiwick of Guernsey is a British Crown dependency in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy.The Bailiwick, as a governing entity, embraces not only all 10 parishes on the Island of Guernsey, but also the islands of Herm, Jethou, Burhou, and Lihou and their islet...
- AlderneyAlderneyAlderney is the most northerly of the Channel Islands. It is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a British Crown dependency. It is long and wide. The area is , making it the third-largest island of the Channel Islands, and the second largest in the Bailiwick...
6-0. Club Atlético Boca Juniors, Estudiantes de La PlataEstudiantes de La PlataClub Estudiantes de La Plata , simply referred to as Estudiantes, is an Argentine professional sports club based in La Plata. The club's football team currently competes in the Primera División, where it has spent most of its history....
, and Club Atlético IndependienteClub Atlético IndependienteClub Atlético Independiente is an Argentine athletic, sports and social club, which has its headquarters and stadium in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires Province. The club is best known for its football team, that plays in the Argentine Primera División....
, FIFA Classic Clubs, are founded. - 1906 in football1906 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1906 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Italy: A.C. Milan* Greece: Ethnikos G.S...
— England join FIFA. Sporting Clube de Portugal is founded on the 1st of July. - 1907 in football1907 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1907 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :*England: For fuller coverage, see 1906-07 in English football.**Football League First Division – Newcastle United...
— Fenerbahçe S.K., Al-AhlyAl-AhlyAl-Ahly Sports Club , commonly known as simply Al-Ahly, is an Egyptian sporting club. Founded in April 1907, Al-Ahly was named in 2000 by the Confederation of African Football as the "African Club of the Century"...
and Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C.Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C.Bradford Association Football Club, previously also known as Bradford and since its reformation in the 1970s now referred to as Bradford Park Avenue, is a football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England...
are founded. - 1908 in football1908 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1908 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :*Argentina: Belgrano*Belgium : Racing CB*England: Manchester United**FA Cup: Wolves*Finland: Unitas Helsinki...
— FC Internazionale, San Lorenzo de Almagro and Feyenoord RotterdamFeyenoord RotterdamFeyenoord is a Dutch professional football club located in Rotterdam. Along with Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord is one of the "big three" clubs in the Netherlands. These three clubs and Utrecht and Roda JC are the only clubs never to have been relegated from the Dutch first division...
, FIFA Classic Clubs, were founded. Manchester United are the champions of the Football League, their first of 18 domestic championships. For the first time, officially, is played a football tournament at the Summer Olympics in London, won by Great Bretain team. Organized in Italy the Torneo Internazionale Stampa SportivaTorneo Internazionale Stampa SportivaThe Torneo Internazionale Stampa Sportiva was one of the very first international football competitions. Held in 1908, it predated the more famous Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy by a year...
, the first international football tournament for clubs, but not officially. Panathinaikos FCPanathinaikos FCPanathinaikos Football Club is a Greek professional football club based in Athens. Founded in 1908, they play in the Super League Greece and are one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Greek football history. They have won 20 Greek Championships and 17 Greek Cups.Panathinaikos is the most...
is founded. - 1909 in football1909 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1909 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :*Germany: Phönix Karlsruhe*Greece: Peiraikos sindesmos Pireas...
— Played for the first time in Italy the Sir Thomas Lipton TrophySir Thomas Lipton TrophyThe Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy was an association football competition that took place twice, in Turin, Italy, in 1909 and 1911. It is sometimes referred to as The First World Cup. However it is predated by the Torneo Internazionale Stampa Sportiva, which was hosted in 1908 also in Turin, as the...
, considered officially the first international football tournament for clubs. R.S.C. AnderlechtR.S.C. AnderlechtRoyal Sporting Club Anderlecht, usually known as Anderlecht or RSCA , is a Belgian professional football club based in Anderlecht in the Brussels Capital Region. Anderlecht plays in the Belgian Pro League and is the most successful Belgian football team in European competitions as well as in the...
is founded. Sport Club InternacionalSport Club InternacionalSport Club Internacional is a Brazilian football team and multi-sport club from Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, founded on April 4, 1909, and are one of the only five clubs to have never been relegated, along with Santos, São Paulo, Flamengo and Cruzeiro. They play in red shirts, white shorts and...
and Borussia DortmundBorussia DortmundBallspielverein Borussia Dortmund, commonly BVB, are a German sports club based in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia. Dortmund are one of the most successful clubs in German football history. Borussia Dortmund play in the Bundesliga, the top league of German football...
, FIFA Classic Clubs, are founded.
1910s
- 1910 in football1910 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1910 throughout the world.-Events:* The foundation of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista....
— Club Atlético Vélez SársfieldClub Atlético Vélez SársfieldClub Atlético Vélez Sársfield is a sports club based in the Liniers neighborhood of western Buenos Aires, Argentina. Vélez is best known for its football team, that plays in the Argentine Primera División, the top level of the Argentine league system...
and Sport Club Corinthians PaulistaSport Club Corinthians PaulistaSport Club Corinthians Paulista, commonly just known as Corinthians , is a Brazilian football club based in the city of São Paulo. They play in the São Paulo state league, as well as the Brasileirão, Brazil's top national league...
, FIFA Classic Clubs, are founded. Played the Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo 19101910 Copa America (unofficial)The Copa Centenario Revolución de Mayo was a international football tournament. Hosted by Argentina from May 29 to June 12, 1910, it was the first international tournament in South America where more than two football nations participated...
won and held in Argentina, is the first South American Competition with more of two national teams, is considered unofficially the first Copa America. - 1911 in football1911 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1911 throughout the world.-Events:*Hajduk Split is founded.*Olimpija Ljubljana founded.* Zamalek Sporting Club founded.*Knattspyrnufélagið Valur founded....
— El Zamalek is founded. Anorthosis Famagusta is founded - 1912 in football1912 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1912 throughout the world.-Events:For goalkeepers handling the ball is being restricted to their boxes; previously it was their own half, where goalkeepers were permitted to handle the ball....
— Goalkeepers banned from handling the ball outside their own penalty area. Santos FC, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. - 1913 in football1913 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1913 throughout the world.-Events:*Maccabi Haifa is founded.*Vålerenga Fotball is founded....
— Opposing players forced to stand at least ten yards away from a free kick. Royal Spanish Football Federation is founded. - 1914 in football1914 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1914 throughout the world.-Events:*The only edition of the Vienna Cup, the first European cup competition, is won by the little known team of Glentoran of Northern Ireland....
— Glentoran from Belfast win first ever European competition, the Vienna Cup. Brazilian Football ConfederationBrazilian Football ConfederationThe Brazilian Football Confederation is the governing body of football in Brazil. It was founded on June 8, 1914, as Confederação Brasileira de Desportos , meaning Brazilian Sports Confederation. Its first president was Álvaro Zamith. It organizes the Brazilian national competitions, like...
is founded. Sociedade Esportiva PalmeirasSociedade Esportiva PalmeirasSociedade Esportiva Palmeiras is a Brazilian football club from São Paulo. The club was founded on August 26, 1914, as Palestra Italia but changed to the current name on September 14, 1942...
is founded. - 1915 in football1915 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1915 throughout the world.-Winners club national championship:*Argentina: Racing Club*Austria: Wiener AC*Cuba: Hispano América *Denmark: B93*England: Everton F.C....
— - 1916 in football1916 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1916 throughout the world.-Events:Numerous national championships in Europe are suspended for the duration of the First World War, with a notable exception of the Netherlands, which continues throughout the hostilities.-Winners club national...
— UruguayUruguay national football teamThe Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
win the first Copa AméricaCopa AméricaThe Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
, held in ArgentinaArgentinaArgentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
. CONMEBOLCONMEBOLThe South American Football Confederation , commonly known as CONMEBOL , is the continental governing body of association football in South America and it is one of FIFA's six continental confederations...
is founded. Club AméricaClub AméricaClub América is a Mexican Professional football club based in Mexico City. It competes in the Primera División, the top professional league in the country. The team's nickname is Las Águilas ....
is founded. - 1917 in football1917 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1917 throughout the world.-Winners club national championship:*Argentina: Racing Club*Austria: Rapid Vienna*Belgium: no national championship*Denmark: KB*England: no national championship...
— Sport Clube União TorreenseS.C.U. TorreenseSport Clube União Torreense was founded in Torres Vedras in 1917, with the original name Sport União Torreense. It participated 6 times in the Portuguese Liga and its best result was two seventh final places , coincidentally the team's first two years in the top flight...
is founded. - 1918 in football1918 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1918 throughout the world.-Winners club national championship:*Argentina: Racing Club*Austria: Floridsdorfer AC*Belgium: no national championship*Denmark: KB...
— - 1919 in football1919 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1919 throughout the world.-Events:Due to the First World War several European leagues remain suspended....
— Leeds UnitedLeeds United A.F.C.Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
and Valencia CFValencia CFValencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the...
are founded. The first African football association is formed: the Fédération Congolaise de Football-AssociationFédération Congolaise de Football-AssociationThe Fédération Congolaise de Football-Association is the governing body of football in Congo DR. It was founded in 1919 and affiliated to the FIFA in 1962 and CAF in 1963. It organizes the national football league Linafoot and the national team....
. French Football FederationFrench Football FederationThe French Football Federation is the governing body of association football in France, as well as the overseas departments and territories . It was formed in 1919 and is based in the capital Paris...
. Polish Football AssociationPolish Football AssociationThe Polish Football Association is the governing body of football in Poland. It organizes the Polish football leagues , the Polish Cup, the Polish SuperCup, the Polish League Cup, and the Polish national football team...
is founded.
1920s
- 1920 in football1920 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1920 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :*Argentina: Boca Juniors, River Plate*Austria: Rapid Vienna*Belgium: Club Brugge*Denmark: B 1903...
— For the first time an African national team plays an international match, is also the first time that two national teams from two different continents plays each other: Italy-Egypt 2-1, at the Summer Olympics in Belgium. - 1921 in football1921 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1921 throughout the world.-Events:*September - There is a split in Irish football following the political partition of Ireland. The leading Dublin clubs breakaway from the Belfast-based Irish Football Association over a perceived northern bias...
— Cruzeiro Esporte ClubeCruzeiro Esporte ClubeCruzeiro Esporte Clube is a Brazilian football team, from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, and are one of the only five clubs to have never been relegated, along with Santos, São Paulo, Flamengo and Internacional. Founded on January 2, 1921, they are only one of three clubs to have participated in...
, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. Egyptian Football AssociationEgyptian Football AssociationThe Egyptian Football Association is the governing body of football in Egypt.The leading Egyptian clubs are as follows, with the total number of national competitions following the name of the club....
is founded. - 1922 in football1922 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1922 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :*Belgium: Germinal Beerschot*Denmark: Kjøbenhavns Boldklub*England: Liverpool F.C....
— - 1923 in football1923 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1923 throughout the world.-Events:April 28 – The first FA Cup Final to be held at Wembley Stadium, between Bolton Wanderers F.C. and West Ham United F.C.. Known as the White Horse Final due to the memorable image of a policeman on a white...
— Bolton Wanderers defeat West Ham United in the first English FA CupFA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
final played at Wembley Stadium, remembered as the White Horse Final because of the mounted police that kept spectators from encroaching onto the pitch. - 1924 in football1924 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1924 throughout the world.-Clubs formed in 1924:* 7 August : Foundation of club Peruvian Universitario de Deportes and Colombian Junior de Barranquilla...
— Players allowed to score directly from a corner kick. Uruguay wins the Gold Medal. For the first time a South American national team and a European national teams plays each other: Uruguay-Yugoslavia 7-0, at the Summer Olympics in France. For the first time an Oceanian national team plays an international match: Australia-Canada 3-2. Chinese Football Association is founded. - 1925 in football1925 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1925 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :*Belgium: Germinal Beerschot*Denmark: Kjøbenhavns Boldklub*England: Huddersfield Town*Germany: 1...
— The offside rule is changed: a player is now onside if a minimum of two (instead of three) opposing players are between him and the goal line. Étoile Sportive du SahelÉtoile Sportive du SahelThe Étoile Sportive du Sahel is a sports club from Sousse in the Sahel region of Tunisia, known primarily for its football team. The club also has sections for handball, volleyball, basketball, judo and wrestling...
, Colo-ColoColo-ColoClub Social y Deportivo Colo-Colo is a Chilean football club based in the commune of Macul, Santiago. It competes in the Primera División, the top-flight football league in the country, from which they have never been relegated. Their home ground is the Estadio Monumental David Arellano.Colo-Colo...
and Olympiacos F.C. are founded. - 1926 in football1926 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1926 throughout the world.-Events:PAOK FC was founded in Thessaloniki, Greece.SC Lourinhanense was founded in Lisbon, Portugal.-Winners club national championship:* Denmark: B1903...
— Huddersfield TownHuddersfield Town F.C.Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
become the first team to win the Football League in three consecutive seasons. ACF FiorentinaACF FiorentinaACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Founded by a merger in 1926, Fiorentina have played at the top level of Italian football for the majority of their existence; only four clubs have played in more Serie A...
and APOEL FCAPOEL FCAPOEL F.C. is a professional football club based in Lefkosia , Cyprus and they are one of the founding members of the Cyprus Football Association. APOEL is one of the most popular football teams in Cyprus and they are the most successful with an overall tally of 21 championships, 19 cups and 12...
are founded. - 1927 in football1927 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1927 throughout the world.-Events:*Cardiff City FC become the first football team from outside of England to win the F.A Cup beating Arsenal FC 1-0 in the final...
— C.D.S.C. Cruz Azul is founded. Federación Mexicana de Fútbol AsociaciónFederación Mexicana de Fútbol AsociaciónThe Mexican Federation of Football is the governing body of association football in Mexico. It administers the Mexican national team, the Mexican league and all affiliated amateur sectors, and is in charge of promoting, organizing, directing, spreading, and supervising competitive football in Mexico...
is founded. First League match broadcast on radio. - 1928 in football1928 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1928 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: Huracán* Belgium: R...
— The Spanish Football League La LigaLa LigaThe Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
is formed. Its ten clubs include Real MadridReal MadridReal Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, FC BarcelonaFC BarcelonaFutbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
and Athletic BilbaoAthletic BilbaoAthletic Club, also known as Athletic Bilbao, is an association football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Spain. The club has played in the Primera División of La Liga since its start in 1928. They have won La Liga on eight occasions...
. Uruguay wins the Gold Medal for the second time in a row. Al-Ittihad (Jeddah) is founded. - 1929 in football1929 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1929 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Denmark: B93* Iceland: KR* Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven* Paraguay: Olimpia Asunción* Poland: Warta Poznan* Spain: F.C...
— Italian Football League Lega Calcio Serie ASerie ASerie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
is formed. Goalkeepers have to stand still on their lines for penalty kicks. Spanish Football league is formed La Liga is formed
1930s
- 1930 in football1930 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1930 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Denmark: B93* Italy: Internazionale Milano F.C.* Hungary: Újpest FC* Poland: Cracovia* Spain: Athletic Bilbao...
— Thirteen teams enter the first World CupFIFA World CupThe FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
, held in UruguayUruguayUruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
. The hosts beat ArgentinaArgentina national football teamThe Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
4–2 in the final. São PauloSão Paulo Futebol ClubeSão Paulo Futebol Clube , commonly known as São Paulo, is a professional football club based in São Paulo, Brazil. They play in the Campeonato Paulista, São Paulo's state league, and the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A or Brasileirão, Brazil's national league, and are one of the only five clubs to...
is founded (January 25). Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito is founded. - 1931 in football1931 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1931 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: Boca Juniors* Belgium: R...
— - 1932 in football1932 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1932 throughout the world.-Winners club national championship:* Argentina: River Plate* England: Everton F.C.* Germany: Bayern Munich* Iceland: KR* Netherlands: Ajax Amsterdam...
— Football is excluded from the 1932 Summer Olympics1932 Summer OlympicsThe 1932 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the X Olympiad, was a major world wide multi-athletic event which was celebrated in 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States. No other cities made a bid to host these Olympics. Held during the worldwide Great Depression, many nations...
in Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
due to the low popularity of the sport in the USA at the time. - 1933 in football1933 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1933 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: San Lorenzo* England: Arsenal F.C.* Germany: Fortuna Düsseldorf* Hungary: Újpest FC* Poland: Ruch Chorzów...
— - 1934 in football1934 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1934 throughout the world.-Events:*January 6: Steve Milton of Halifax Town sets an English league record by conceding 13 goals on his league debut for the club...
— Hosts ItalyItaly national football teamThe Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
become the second World Cup1934 FIFA World CupThe 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Italy from 27 May to 10 June 1934....
winners, beating CzechoslovakiaCzechoslovakia national football teamThe Czechoslovakia national football team was the national association football team of Czechoslovakia from 1922 to 1993. At the dissolution of Czechoslovakia at the end of 1992, the team was participating in UEFA qualifying Group 4 for the 1994 World Cup; it completed this campaign under the name...
2–1 in the final. For the first time an Asian national team plays an international match: Egypt-Palestine 7-1, for the qualification to the World Cup. - 1935 in football1935 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1935 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: Boca Juniors* England: Arsenal F.C.* Hungary: Újpest FC* Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven* Poland: Ruch Chorzów...
— São PauloSão Paulo Futebol ClubeSão Paulo Futebol Clube , commonly known as São Paulo, is a professional football club based in São Paulo, Brazil. They play in the Campeonato Paulista, São Paulo's state league, and the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A or Brasileirão, Brazil's national league, and are one of the only five clubs to...
is re-founded after a turbulent period (December 16); Deportivo Saprissa is founded. - 1936 in football1936 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1936 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: River Plate* England: Sunderland F.C.* Netherlands: Feyenoord Rotterdam* Paraguay: Olimpia Asunción...
— - 1937 in football1937 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1937 throughout the world.-Events:*May 2 – Puck van Heel becomes Holland's most capped player when he plays his 57st match for the Netherlands national football team against Belgium...
— The largest football crowd was recorded, 149,415 people turned up at Hampden Park, Glasgow to see Scotland play England - 1938 in football1938 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1938 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: Independiente* Italy: Internazionale Milano F.C.* Netherlands: Feyenoord Rotterdam* Paraguay: Olimpia Asunción...
— Italy retain the 1938 World Cup1938 FIFA World CupThe 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup, and was held in France from 4 June to 19 June. Italy retained the championship, beating Hungary 4–2 in the final.-Host selection:...
in France, beating Hungary 4–2 in the final. Argentina and Uruguay boycott the tournament as it is held in Europe for the second successive time. First live TV transmission of FA Cup Final. - 1939 in football1939 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1939 throughout the world.- Events :Many football leagues throughout Europe are suspended or abandoned following the start of the Second World War.- Winners club national championship :...
— Shirt numbering is made compulsory.
1940s
- 1940 in football1940 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1940 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: Boca Juniors* Chile: Universidad de Chile* Germany: FC Schalke 04* Italy: Internazionale Milano F.C....
— - 1941 in football1941 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1941 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: River Plate* Croatia: Hajduk Split* Iceland: KR* Spain: Atlético Aviación...
— Is organized for the first time by CCCF the CCCF ChampionshipCCCF ChampionshipThe CCCF Championship was a football tournament made just for teams in the area of Central America and the Caribbean between the years of 1941–1961. It was founded in 1938 and the precursor of the CONCACAF, that was formed when CCCF merged with the NAFC in 1961...
, won and hosted by Costa Rica. - 1942 in football1942 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1942 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: River Plate* Croatia: Concordia Zagreb* Germany: FC Schalke 04* Italy: A.S...
— - 1943 in football1943 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1943 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: Boca Juniors* Croatia: Građanski Zagreb* Germany: Dresdner SC* Sweden: IFK Norrköping* Turkey: Fenerbahçe...
— - 1944 in football1944 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1944 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: Boca Juniors* Austria: First Vienna* Belgium: R...
— - 1945 in football1945 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1945 throughout the world.-Events:*The communist authorities in Yugoslavia ban major football clubs Građanski Zagreb, SK Jugoslavija, HAŠK, HŠK Concordia, FK Slavija and SAŠK Sarajevo among others.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina:...
— Red Star BelgradeRed Star BelgradeRed Star Belgrade is a football club from Belgrade, Serbia. The club is a part of the Red Star Sports Society.Red Star Belgrade is the most successful Serbian club, with a record of 25 national championships and 23 national cups in both Serbian and ex-Yugoslav competitions...
, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. - 1946 in football1946 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1946 throughout the world.-Events:League and Cup competitions resume in the United Kingdom for the first time since the start of the Second World War in 1939....
— The Burnden Park DisasterBurnden Park disasterThe Burnden Park Disaster was a human crush that occurred on 9 March 1946 at Burnden Park football stadium, the home of Bolton Wanderers. The crush resulted in the deaths of 33 people and injuries to hundreds of Bolton fans...
kills 33 Bolton Wanderers fans. The PFCPanamerican Football ConfederationThe Panamerican Football Confederation was a football federation formed in 1946 in an attempt to unite all of the countries from the Americas. The body's only achievement was organizing the Panamerican Championship for the Americas. The championship was held three times and won twice by Brazil and...
is formed. JS KabylieJS KabylieJeunesse Sportive de Kabylie , known as JS Kabylie or JSK , is an Algerian professional association football club based in Tizi Ouzou. It draws its support from Kabyle football fans even outside the city of Tizi Ouzou...
is founded. - 1947 in football1947 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1947 throughout the world.-England:for fuller coverage see 1946-47 in English football*First Division: Liverpool*Second Division: Manchester City* Third Division: Doncaster Rovers...
— Is organized for the first time by NAFCNAFCThe North American Football Confederation was founded in 1946 and a forerunner to the CONCACAF as the governing body of football in North America until 1961, when it merged with the CCCF/Confederacion Centroamericana y del Caribe de Futbol to form CONCACAF....
the NAFC ChampionshipNAFC ChampionshipThe NAFC Championship was a football tournament for teams in the area of North America between the years of 1947 and 1949...
in Cuba, won by Mexico. Atlético NacionalAtlético NacionalCorporación Deportiva Atlético Nacional is a Colombian football team based in Medellín. They play their home games at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot stadium which also serves as home to Deportivo Independiente Medellín...
and FC Steaua Bucureşti are founded. - 1948 in football1948 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1948 throughout the world.-England:for fuller coverage see 1947-48 in English football*First Division: Arsenal*Second Division: Birmingham City*Third Division North: Lincoln City...
— CSKA Sofia is founded. - 1949 in football1949 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1949 throughout the world.-England:for fuller coverage see 1948-49 in English football*First Division: Portsmouth*Second Division: Fulham*Third Division North: Hull City...
— The Superga air disasterSuperga air disasterThe Superga air disaster took place on Wednesday, 4 May 1949, when a plane carrying almost the entire Torino A.C. football squad, popularly known as Il Grande Torino, crashed into the hill of Superga near Turin killing all 31 aboard including 18 players, club officials, journalists accompanying the...
kills 31 people, including 18 TorinoTorino F.C.Torino Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Torino, is a professional Italian football club based in Turin, Piedmont, that was founded in 1906. The club has spent most of its history in the top tier in Italian football....
players. Raja Casablanca is founded.
1950s
- 1950 in football1950 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1950 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: Racing Club* Germany : VfB Stuttgart* Iceland: KR* Turkey: Fenerbahçe, Göztepe...
— UruguayUruguay national football teamThe Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
win the 1950 FIFA World Cup1950 FIFA World CupThe 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from 24 June to 16 July, was the fourth FIFA World Cup. It was the first World Cup since 1938, the planned 1942 and 1946 competitions having been canceled owing to World War II...
held in BrazilBrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, when they beat the hostsBrazil national football teamThe Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
2-1 in the final group match of the tournament, also known as the Maracanazo. Earlier in the same tournament, one of the biggest upsets in football history occurs, when the USAUnited States men's national soccer teamThe United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
shocks EnglandEngland national football teamThe England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
1–0England v United States (1950)On 29 June 1950, at the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the United States defeated England 1–0 in a group match. This unexpected result has led to the match being described as the "Miracle on Grass", in reference to the 1980 Miracle on Ice, in which the US ice hockey team beat the Soviet Union. The...
. - 1951 in football1951 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1951 throughout the world.- Winners club national championship :* Argentina: Racing Club* England: Tottenham Hotspur F.C.* Italy: A.C. Milan* Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven* West-Germany: 1...
— Use of white ball permitted. Played for the first time in Brazil the Copa Rio won by Sociedade Esportiva PalmeirasSociedade Esportiva PalmeirasSociedade Esportiva Palmeiras is a Brazilian football club from São Paulo. The club was founded on August 26, 1914, as Palestra Italia but changed to the current name on September 14, 1942...
considered, unofficially, the precursor of the Club World Cup, however is the first world tournament for clubs. - 1952 in football1952 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1952 throughout the world.-Events:* September 21 – East Germany plays its first ever international match, losing 3-0 to Poland in Warsaw....
— Hungary's revolutionary tactics help the Golden Team to win the football at the 1952 Summer Olympics1952 Summer OlympicsThe 1952 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event held in Helsinki, Finland in 1952. Helsinki had been earlier given the 1940 Summer Olympics, which were cancelled due to World War II...
. Is played for the first time the Panamerican ChampionshipPanamerican ChampionshipThe Panamerican Championship was a football tournament held by the Panamerican Football Confederation every four years from 1952 through 1960. Since the Americas' premier tournament, Copa América, was restricted to South American teams, the Panamerican Championship was an attempt to create an...
in Chile, won by Brazil. - 1953 in football1953 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1953 throughout the world.-Events:* April 19 – The Dutch national team plays its 200th official match in history, losing 0-2 in a friendly against neighbouring Belgium....
— EnglandEngland national football teamThe England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
lose a home match for the first time, 6–3England v Hungary (1953)England v Hungary was an international football game played on November 25, 1953. The game was played between Hungary - then the world's number one ranked team, the Olympic champions and on a run of 24 unbeaten games - and England, then the world's number three ranked team, the inventors of the...
to Hungary. - 1954 in football1954 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1954 throughout the world.-Events:* May 8 – The Asian Football Confederation is founded in Manila, Philippines.* June 15 – UEFA is founded in Basel, Switzerland....
— UEFAUEFAThe Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
is founded in BaselBaselBasel or Basle In the national languages of Switzerland the city is also known as Bâle , Basilea and Basilea is Switzerland's third most populous city with about 166,000 inhabitants. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, Basel also has suburbs in France and Germany...
, Switzerland; West GermanyGermany national football teamThe Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
win the 1954 FIFA World Cup1954 FIFA World CupThe 1954 FIFA World Cup, the fifth staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Switzerland from 16 June to 4 July. Switzerland was chosen as hosts in July 1946. The tournament set a number of all-time records for goal-scoring, including the highest average goals scored per game...
, coming back from 0-2 to win the final game 3-2 against Hungary, a match known as The Miracle of BernThe Miracle of BernThe Miracle of Bern is a 2003 film by Sönke Wortmann, which tells the story of a German family and the unexpected West German miracle victory in the 1954 World Cup Final in Bern, Switzerland.The film can be regarded as a portrait of post-war Germany...
; the Mighty Magyars go to Molineux Stadium and get beaten 3-2 after leading 2-0 at half time. This game was to set a foundation for the European Cup. Club Universidad NacionalClub Universidad NacionalClub Universidad Nacional A.C., more commonly known as Pumas de la UNAM, or just Pumas, is a Mexican professional football club based in Mexico City...
is founded. Asian Football ConfederationAsian Football ConfederationThe Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
is founded. - 1955 in football1955 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1955 throughout the world.-Events:*March 13 – For the first time in history of Dutch football the professionals are allowed to play for the Netherlands national football team...
— First UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, won by Real Madrid. Played for the first time the Inter-Cities Fairs CupInter-Cities Fairs CupThe Inter-Cities Fairs Cup was a European football competition played between 1955 and 1971. The competition was the idea of Swiss pools supremo Ernst Thommen, Ottorino Barassi from Italy, and the English Football Association general secretary Stanley Rous, all of whom later became senior officials...
(won by Barcelona), considered the precursor of the UEFA Cup. - 1956 in football1956 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1956 throughout the world.-Events:*November 3 – Dutch club Rapid JC makes its European debut with a defeat on home soil against Yugoslavia's Red Star Belgrade in the second round of the European Cup.-Winners club national championship:*...
— Real MadridReal MadridReal Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
beat Stade de Reims-Champagne 4–3 in the first European CupUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
final, then UEFA Champions League; Stanley MatthewsStanley MatthewsSir Stanley Matthews, CBE was an English footballer. Often regarded as one of the greatest players of the English game, he is the only player to have been knighted while still playing, as well as being the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers'...
wins the first European Footballer of the YearEuropean Footballer of the YearThe "", literally translated as "the golden ball" and often referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award, was an annual association football award. It was presented to the player who had been considered to have performed the best over the previous calendar year...
award; first RAIRAIRAI — Radiotelevisione italiana S.p.A. known until 1954 as Radio Audizioni Italiane, is the Italian state owned public service broadcaster controlled by the Ministry of Economic Development. Rai is the biggest television company in Italy...
TV's transmission match football Serie ASerie ASerie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
in Italy from FiorentinaACF FiorentinaACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Founded by a merger in 1926, Fiorentina have played at the top level of Italian football for the majority of their existence; only four clubs have played in more Serie A...
and SSC NapoliS.S.C. NapoliSocietà Sportiva Calcio Napoli, commonly referred to as Napoli, is a professional Italian football club based in Naples and founded in 1926. The club has spent most of its history in Serie A, where it currently plays its 2011–12 season....
. The first Asian Cup is played in Hong Kong, won by Korea Republic. Saudi Arabia Football FederationSaudi Arabia Football FederationThe Saudi Arabia Football Federation is the football governing body of Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1956, its responsibilities include administration of club competitions and national teams....
is founded. Floodlighting used for first time at League match (Portsmouth). - 1957 in football1957 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1957 throughout the world.-Events:* February 8 – The Confederation of African Football is founded at a meeting in Khartoum, Sudan....
— CAFConfederation of African FootballThe Confederation of African Football is the administrative and controlling body for African association football.CAF represents the national football associations of Africa, runs continental, national, and club competitions, and controls the prize money, regulations and media rights to those...
is founded; only three teams enter the first African Cup of NationsAfrican Cup of NationsThe Africa Cup of Nations, also referred to as the African Cup of Nations or African Nations Cup, officially CAN , is the main international association football competition in Africa. It is sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football , and was first held in 1957. Since 1968, it has been...
in Sudan, won by Egypt; in England the Busby BabesBusby BabesThe Busby Babes were a group of Manchester United players, recruited and trained by the club's chief scout Joe Armstrong and assistant manager Jimmy Murphy, who progressed from the club's youth team into the first team under the management of the eponymous Matt Busby.The Busby Babes were notable...
of Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
retain the Football League ChampionshipFootball League First DivisionThe First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
. Al-HilalAl-HilalAl-Hilal Saudi Football Club , also known simply as Al-Hilal, is a Saudi Arabian sports club based in the country's capital of Riyadh and best known for its professional football team, known as Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club...
is founded. - 1958 in football1958 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1958 throughout the world.-Events:* February 6 – Munich Air Disaster: Following a European Cup quarter-final tie in Belgrade against Red Star Belgrade, Matt Busby's Manchester United stop over in Munich for refueling...
— 23 people, including eight Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
players, are killed in the Munich air disasterMunich air disasterThe Munich air disaster occurred on 6 February 1958, when British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on its third attempt to take off from a slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport in Munich, West Germany. On board the plane was the Manchester United football team, nicknamed the "Busby Babes",...
; PeléPeléHowever, Pelé has always maintained that those are mistakes, that he was actually named Edson and that he was born on 23 October 1940.), best known by his nickname Pelé , is a retired Brazilian footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time...
and GarrinchaGarrinchaManuel Francisco dos Santos , known by the nickname "Garrincha" , was an association football right winger and forward who helped the Brazil national team win the World Cups of 1958 and 1962. He played the majority of his professional career for Brazilian club Botafogo.The word garrincha itself...
star as BrazilBrazil national football teamThe Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
win their first World Cup in Sweden, beating the hostsSweden national football teamThe Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
5–2 in the final of the 1958 tournament1958 FIFA World CupThe 1958 FIFA World Cup, the sixth staging of the World Cup, was hosted by Sweden from 8 June to 29 June. The tournament was won by Brazil, who beat Sweden 5–2 in the final for their first title. To date, this marks the only occasion that a World Cup staged in Europe was not won by a European...
. - 1959 in football1959 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1959 throughout the world.-Events:*October 25 – Sparta Rotterdam makes a winning European debut by defeating Sweden's IFK Göteborg in the second round of the European Cup...
— Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
win their third league title in 6 years. Once CaldasOnce CaldasCorporación Deportiva Once Caldas is a Colombian association football team, based in Manizales. They were the surprise winners of Copa Libertadores de América in 2004, mainly due to the performances of Juan Carlos Henao and Jhon Viáfara...
is founded.
1960s
- 1960 in football1960 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1960 throughout the world.-Events:*April 3 – Humphrey Mijnals becomes the first player from Surinamese descent who makes his debut for the Netherlands national football team when Holland defeats Bulgaria in a friendly.-Winners club national...
— Real MadridReal MadridReal Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
win their fifth consecutive European Cup. In France is played the first European Cup won by USSR. Is played for the first time the Intercontinental CupIntercontinental Cup (football)The European/South American Cup, commonly referred to as the World Club Championship, Intercontinental Cup or Toyota Cup, was a football competition endorsed by UEFA and CONMEBOL, contested between the winners of the European Cup and the South American Copa Libertadores...
, won by Real Madrid. Is played for the first time the Copa Libertadores won by C.A. PeñarolC.A. PeñarolClub Atlético Peñarol also known as Carboneros, Aurinegros and familiarly as Manya, is an Uruguayan sports club based in the Peñarol barrio, Montevideo, best known for its professional football team. The team plays their home matches in Estadio Centenario, the largest stadium in the country, but...
. First European Cup Winners Cup. - 1961 in football1961 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1961 throughout the world.-Events:*The North American Football Confederation and Football Confederation of Central America and the Caribbean merge to form CONCACAF....
— CONCACAFCONCACAFThe Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football is the continental governing body for association football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean...
is founded with the fusion of CCCF and NAFC; Benfica become the second team to win the European Cup, beating FC BarcelonaFC BarcelonaFutbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
3–2 in the final. ACF FiorentinaACF FiorentinaACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Founded by a merger in 1926, Fiorentina have played at the top level of Italian football for the majority of their existence; only four clubs have played in more Serie A...
wons the first edition of UEFA Cup Winners' CupUEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1960-61The 1960-61 season of the European Cup Winners' Cup club football tournament was won by Italian club Fiorentina in two-legged final victory against Rangers of Scotland....
, and becomes the first Italian team to win an international title. Football Federation AustraliaFootball Federation AustraliaFootball Federation Australia is the governing body for the sport of football in Australia. Before 1 January 2005, it was known as the Australian Soccer Association , which succeeded Soccer Australia in this role in 2003...
is founded. - 1962 in football1962 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1962 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1962: Won by Santos FC after defeating Peñarol on an aggregate score of 3-0.-Winners club national championship:...
— BrazilBrazil national football teamThe Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
retain the 1962 World Cup1962 FIFA World CupThe 1962 FIFA World Cup, the seventh staging of the World Cup, was held in Chile from 30 May to 17 June. It was won by Brazil, who retained the championship by beating Czechoslovakia 3–1 in the final...
, beating CzechoslovakiaCzechoslovakia national football teamThe Czechoslovakia national football team was the national association football team of Czechoslovakia from 1922 to 1993. At the dissolution of Czechoslovakia at the end of 1992, the team was participating in UEFA qualifying Group 4 for the 1994 World Cup; it completed this campaign under the name...
3–1 in the final. Is organized for the first time the CONCACAF Champions LeagueCONCACAF Champions LeagueThe CONCACAF Champions League is the annual international club football championship for teams from the CONCACAF region ....
won by Club Deportivo Guadalajara. - 1963 in football1963 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1963 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1963: Won by Santos FC after defeating Boca Juniors on an aggregate score of 5-3....
— The West German national league Bundesliga is formed; Lev YashinLev YashinLev Ivanovich Yashin nicknamed as "The Black Spider", was a Soviet-Russian football goalkeeper, considered by many to be the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the game. He was known for his superior athleticism in goal, imposing stature, amazing reflex saves and inventing the idea of...
becomes the first goalkeeper to win European Footballer of the YearEuropean Footballer of the YearThe "", literally translated as "the golden ball" and often referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award, was an annual association football award. It was presented to the player who had been considered to have performed the best over the previous calendar year...
. The first CONCACAF Championship is played in El Salvador, won by Costa Rica. - 1964 in football1964 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1964 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1964: Won by Independiente after defeating Nacional on an aggregate score of 1-0....
— Is organized for the first time the CAF Champions LeagueCAF Champions LeagueThe CAF Champions League is an annual international club football competition run by the Confederation of African Football . The top club sides from Africa's football leagues are invited to participate in this competition, which is the premier club football competition on the continent and the...
won by Oryx DoualaOryx DoualaOryx Douala is a football club from Douala, Cameroon, that achieved most of its success in the 1960s.It won the inaugural African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1964 beating Stade Malien on a score of 2-1 in the final, and so becoming the first club outfit from Cameroon to win the title. The have also...
. - 1965 in football1965 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1965 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1965: Won by Independiente after defeating Peñarol on an aggregate score of 4-1....
— Dutch football team FC TwenteFC TwenteFC Twente is a Dutch professional football club from the city of Enschede, playing in the Eredivisie. The club was formed in 1965 by the merger of 1926 Eredivisie Champions, Sportclub Enschede and Enschedese Boys...
is founded. - 1966 in football1966 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1966 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1966: Won by Peñarol after defeating River Plate on an aggregate score of 4-2.*Real Madrid won the European Cup defeating Partizan 2-1....
— EnglandEngland national football teamThe England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
win the 1966 World Cup1966 FIFA World CupThe 1966 FIFA World Cup, the eighth staging of the World Cup, was held in England from 11 July to 30 July. England beat West Germany 4–2 in the final, winning the World Cup for the first time, so becoming the first host to win the tournament since Italy in 1934.-Host selection:England was chosen as...
as hosts, beating West GermanyGermany national football teamThe Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
4–2 in the final as Geoff HurstGeoff HurstSir Geoffrey Charles Hurst MBE is a retired England footballer best remembered for his years with West Ham. He made his mark in World Cup history as the only player to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final. His three goals came in the 1966 final for England in their 4–2 win over West...
becomes the first player to score a hat trickHat TrickHat trick, hat-trick or hattrick may refer to:* hat-trick — in various sports, achieving three goals, wickets, etc. in a single match* Hattrick — online football management game** Hattrick Limited — producers of this game...
in the final. The OFCOFCOFC may refer to:* Corporate Office Properties Trust * Oceania Football Confederation* Offshore Financial Centre* Online Film Critics Society* Open fiber control* Open Financial Connectivity* Optical fiber cable* Optical Fiber Conference...
is founded. - 1967 in football1967 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1967 throughout the world.-Events:*January 28 – In the Scottish Cup Berwick Rangers F.C. beat Rangers F.C. 1-0 to cause one of the biggest shock results in Scottish Football....
— CelticCeltic F.C.Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
become the first British club to win the European CupUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, beating Internazionale 2–1 in the final. Florian AlbertFlórián AlbertFlórián Albert was a Hungarian international football player, later manager and sports official, who was named European Footballer of the Year in 1967...
became the first Hungarian player who win the European Golden Boot. Is played for the first time the AFC Champions LeagueAFC Champions LeagueThe AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
, won by Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C.. - 1968 in football1968 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1968 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1968: Won by Estudiantes de La Plata after defeating Palmeiras on an aggregate score of 2-0....
— Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
win the European CupUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
ten years after the Munich air disasterMunich air disasterThe Munich air disaster occurred on 6 February 1958, when British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on its third attempt to take off from a slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport in Munich, West Germany. On board the plane was the Manchester United football team, nicknamed the "Busby Babes",...
killed eight of their players; EusébioEusébioEusébio da Silva Ferreira, GCIH, GCM , commonly known simply as Eusébio, is a retired Mozambican-born Portuguese football forward. He is considered one of the best footballers of all-time by the IFFHS, experts and fans...
wins the inaugural Golden BootEuropean Golden BootThe European Golden Shoe, formerly known as the European Golden Boot, is an association football award presented each season to the leading goalscorer in league matches from the top division of every European national league...
award as the continent's top club scorer. - 1969 in football1969 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1969 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1969: Won by Estudiantes de La Plata after defeating Nacional on an aggregate score of 3–0....
— 2000 die when El SalvadorEl SalvadorEl Salvador or simply Salvador is the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America. The country's capital city and largest city is San Salvador; Santa Ana and San Miguel are also important cultural and commercial centers in the country and in all of Central America...
and HondurasHondurasHonduras is a republic in Central America. It was previously known as Spanish Honduras to differentiate it from British Honduras, which became the modern-day state of Belize...
declare warFootball WarThe Football War , also known as the Soccer War or 100 hour War, was a four-day war fought by El Salvador and Honduras in 1969. It was caused by political conflicts between Hondurans and Salvadorans, namely issues concerning immigration from El Salvador to Honduras...
on each other following a World CupFIFA World CupThe FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
qualifying match.
1970s
- 1970 in football1970 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1970 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1970: Won by Estudiantes de La Plata after defeating Peñarol on an aggregate score of 1-0....
— BrazilBrazil national football teamThe Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
win their third World Cup in Mexico, the first ever held outside Europe and South America, beating ItalyItaly national football teamThe Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
4–1 in the 1970 World Cup1970 FIFA World CupThe 1970 FIFA World Cup, the ninth staging of the World Cup, was held in Mexico, from 31 May to 21 June. The 1970 tournament was the first World Cup hosted in North America, and the first held outside South America and Europe. In a match-up of two-time World Cup champions, the final was won by...
final as their captain Pelé becomes the first player to win three World Cup medals. - 1971 in football1971 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1971 throughout the world.-Events:*January 2 – Second Ibrox disaster. Barriers on Stairway 13 at Ibrox Park give way under a crush of fans departing a Rangers-Celtic match, killing 66 and injuring over 200.*Copa Libertadores*May 20 – Ajax...
— 66 die in the second Ibrox disasterIbrox disasterThe Ibrox disaster refers to two accidents, in 1902 and 1971, which led to major loss of life at the Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland.-First Ibrox disaster:...
, The Brazilian National ChampionshipCampeonato Brasileiro Série AThe Campeonato Brasileiro de Clubes da Série A , popularly known as the Brasileirão , is a professional football league at the top of the Brazilian football league system held annually since 1959. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates a system of promotion and relegation with the Série B...
First Season. First UEFA CupUEFA CupThe UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
. The first women international match was played in Hazebrouck on 17 April: France - Netherlands 4-0. - 1972 in football1972 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1972 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1972: Won by Independiente after defeating Universitario de Deportes on an aggregate score of 2-1....
— Rangers win the European Cup Winners' Cup. Tottenham Hotspur win the first UEFA CupUEFA CupThe UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
. AFC Ajax win the first edition of the UEFA Super Cup. - 1973 in football1973 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1973 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1973: Won by Independiente after defeating Colo Colo on an aggregate score of 2–1.*Sunderland AFC wins the FA Cup final....
— Ajax win the European Cup for the third consecutive season; SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
shock Leeds United 1-0 in the FA CupFA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
final. The first OFC Nations CupOFC Nations CupThe OFC Nations Cup is an international association football tournament held among the Oceania Football Confederation member nations. It was held every two years from 1996 to 2004; before 1996 there were two other tournaments held at irregular intervals, under the name Oceania Nations Cup...
is organized and won by New Zealand. - 1974 in football1974 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1974 throughout the world.-Events:*The Football World Cup 1974 is held from June 12 to July 7 in West Germany. West Germany wins its second title, defeating much favored Netherlands 2 – 1 in the final...
— Hosts West GermanyGermany national football teamThe Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
win the 1974 World Cup1974 FIFA World CupThe 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging of the World Cup, was held in West Germany from 13 June to 7 July. The tournament marked the first time that the current trophy, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, created by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, was awarded...
, beating the NetherlandsNetherlands national football teamThe Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
2–1 in the final; Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
are relegated only six years after winning the European CupUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It... - 1975 in football1975 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1975 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1975: Won by Independiente after defeating Unión Española on an aggregate score of 2-0....
— Is organized for the first time in Hong Kong the AFC Women's Asian Cup won by New Zealand. - 1976 in football1976 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1976 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1976: Won by Cruzeiro after defeating River Plate on an aggregate score of 3-2....
— Bayern Munich win the European Cup for the third consecutive season. - 1977 in football1977 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1977 throughout the world.-Events:* September 14 – Dutch club AZ'67 makes its European debut by defeating Red Boys Differdange in the first round of the UEFA Cup, with four goals from midfielder Jan Peters.*Copa Libertadores 1977: Won by...
— Juventus become the first Italian club to win the UEFA CupUEFA CupThe UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
. The first FIFA U-20 World CupFIFA U-20 World CupThe FIFA U-20 World Cup, until 2005 known as the FIFA World Youth Championship, is the world championship of football for male players under the age of 20 and is organized by Fédération Internationale de Football Association...
is organized in Tunisia, and won by USSR. - 1978 in football1978 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1978 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1978: Won by Boca Juniors after defeating Deportivo Cali on an aggregate score of 4-0....
— Hosts ArgentinaArgentina national football teamThe Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
win the 1978 World Cup1978 FIFA World CupThe 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Argentina between 1 June and 25 June. The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina who beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time in the final. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina, who became the fifth...
, beating the NetherlandsNetherlands national football teamThe Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
3–1 in the final; Johann Cruyff refuses to play in the tournament. - 1979 in football1979 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1979 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1979: Won by Olimpia Asunción after defeating Boca Juniors on an aggregate score of 2-0....
— Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest F.C.Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
lift their first European CupUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
in MunichMunichMunich The city's motto is "" . Before 2006, it was "Weltstadt mit Herz" . Its native name, , is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks' place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence the monk depicted on the city's coat...
, defeating MalmöMalmö FFMalmö Fotbollförening, also known simply as Malmö FF, are a Swedish professional football club based in Malmö. The club is affiliated with Skånes Fotbollförbund and play their home games at Swedbank Stadion. The club colours, reflected in their crest and kit, are sky blue and white...
1-0 in the final.
1980s
- 1980 in football1980 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1980 throughout the world.- Events :*Copa Libertadores 1980: Won by Nacional after defeating Sport Club Internacional on an aggregate score of 2-0....
— West Germany defeats Belgium 2–1 to take the European Football ChampionshipUEFA European Football ChampionshipThe UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current...
. - 1981 in football1981 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1981 throughout the world.- Events :*Copa Libertadores 1981: Won by Flamengo after defeating Cobreloa on the playoff match 2-0....
— The Football LeagueThe Football LeagueThe Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
begins awarding three points for a win instead of two. In Uruguay, to celebrate the 50 years of the World Cup, is organized the 1980 Mundialito1980 Mundialito-Group B:---------Final:-Scorers:3 goals Waldemar Victorino1 goal Ramón Díaz Diego Maradona Edevaldo Junior Serginho Sócrates Toninho Cerezo Zé Sérgio Klaus Allofs Horst Hrubesch Jan Peters Carlo Ancelotti Jorge Barrios Julio Morales Venancio Ramos...
, won by Uruguay. - 1982 in football1982 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1982 throughout the world.- Events :* March 14 – Johannes Atlason makes his debut as the manager of Iceland, when the team draws against Kuwait....
— ItalyItaly national football teamThe Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
win their third World Cup1982 FIFA World CupThe 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. The tournament was won by Italy, after defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final.-Host selection:...
title after a wait of 44 years, defeating West Germany 3-1 in the final at Santiago BernabeuSantiago BernabéuSantiago Bernabéu may refer to:*Santiago Bernabéu Yeste - the former Real Madrid footballer and president*Santiago Bernabéu Stadium - the football stadium in Madrid named after the above...
Stadium, Madrid. Aston VillaAston Villa F.C.Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
win the European CupUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, beating Bayern MunichFC Bayern MunichFC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups....
1-0 in the final. - 1983 in football1983 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1983 throughout the world.- Events :*May 11 – Scottish club Aberdeen FC win the European Cup Winners Cup by beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg....
— Aberdeen beat Real MadridReal MadridReal Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
to win their first European Trophy, the European Cup Winners Cup soon followed by defeating HamburgHamburger SVHamburger Sport-Verein, usually referred to as HSV in Germany and Hamburg in international parlance, is a German multi-sport club based in Hamburg, its largest branch being its football department...
to win the European Super Cup. Is played for the first time the OFC Women's ChampionshipOFC Women's ChampionshipThe OFC Women's Championship is a competition in women's football for national teams which belong to the Oceania Football Confederation . 8 tournaments have been held, with the current champions being New Zealand....
in New Caledonia, won by New Zealand. - 1984 in football1984 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1984 throughout the world.- Events :*May 16 – Italian giants Juventus F.C. claims the European Cup Winners' Cup by defeating first-time European finalists F.C. Porto 2-1....
— Michel PlatiniMichel PlatiniMichel François Platini is a former French football player, manager and current president of UEFA. Platini was a member of the French national team that won the 1984 European Championship, a tournament in which he was the top goalscorer and voted the best player. He participated in the 1978, 1982...
leads Juventus to the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup, beating F.C. Porto in the final and the hosts FranceFrance national football teamThe France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
to the European Football ChampionshipUEFA European Football ChampionshipThe UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current...
, beating SpainSpain national football teamThe Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
in the final; France also win the gold medal in the 1984 Olympic GamesFootball at the 1984 Summer OlympicsThe football tournament at the 1984 Summer Olympics started on July 29 and ended on August 11. It featured only a men's tournament, as women's football had yet to become an Olympic event. It was the first Olympic football competition in which professionals were allowed...
, beating BrazilBrazil national football teamThe Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
in the final at the Rose BowlRose Bowl (stadium)The Rose Bowl is an outdoor athletic stadium in Pasadena, California, U.S., in Los Angeles County. The stadium is the site of the annual college football bowl game, the Rose Bowl, held on New Year's Day. In 1982, it became the home field of the UCLA Bruins college football team of the Pac-12...
in PasadenaPasadena, CaliforniaPasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Although famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology , the Jet...
. Is organized for the first time the UEFA Women's ChampionshipUEFA Women's ChampionshipThe UEFA European Women's Championship, also called the UEFA Women's Euro and unofficially the "European Cup", held every fourth year, is the main competition in women's association football between national teams of the UEFA Confederation...
won by Sweden. - 1985 in football1985 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1985 throughout the world.- Events :*February 27 – Leo Beenhakker make his debut as the manager of Dutch national team with a 7-1 win over Cyprus in Amsterdam, with two goals each from Dick Schoenaker and Wim Kieft.*March 28 – The North...
— The Bradford City stadium fire occurs at Valley ParadeValley ParadeValley Parade, also known as the Coral Windows Stadium through sponsorship rights, is an all-seater football stadium in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. It was built in 1886, and was the home of Manningham Rugby Football Club until 1903, when they changed code from rugby football to association...
taking the lives of 56 people and injuring another 200 during Bradford CityBradford City A.F.C.Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
's fixture with Lincoln CityLincoln City F.C.Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
; The Heysel Stadium disasterHeysel Stadium disasterThe Heysel Stadium disaster occurred on 29 May 1985 when escaping fans were pressed against a wall in the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, as a result of rioting before the start of the 1985 European Cup Final between Liverpool of England and Juventus of Italy...
takes place in BrusselsBrusselsBrussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
at the European CupUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
final between LiverpoolLiverpool F.C.Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
and Juventus F.C.Juventus F.C.Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
, leading to English clubs being banned from European club competition; The Old Lady became the first club in the history of European football to have won all three major UEFA competitionsUEFA competition records-By country:-List of teams to have won the three main European club competitions:To date, only three have won all three main UEFA club competitions :...
after defeating reds 1-0 in the European Cup final. Michel PlatiniMichel PlatiniMichel François Platini is a former French football player, manager and current president of UEFA. Platini was a member of the French national team that won the 1984 European Championship, a tournament in which he was the top goalscorer and voted the best player. He participated in the 1978, 1982...
wins his third consecutive European Footballer of the YearEuropean Footballer of the YearThe "", literally translated as "the golden ball" and often referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award, was an annual association football award. It was presented to the player who had been considered to have performed the best over the previous calendar year...
award; for the first time, an African squad wins a FIFA tournament, the World Championship Under 16, as Nigeria surprisingly defeat favourites West Germany 2-0 in China. On 8 December Juventus become the first —and only at present— team in the world to have won all possible confederation competitions and the club world title after defeating Argentinos JuniorsArgentinos JuniorsAsociación Atlética Argentinos Juniors is an Argentine football club based in La Paternal, Buenos Aires. Founded on August 15, 1904, the club was originally called the “Martyrs of Chicago”, in homage to the eight anarchists imprisoned or hanged after the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago.-Early...
6-4 (2-2 aet) in the Intercontinental CupIntercontinental Cup (football)The European/South American Cup, commonly referred to as the World Club Championship, Intercontinental Cup or Toyota Cup, was a football competition endorsed by UEFA and CONMEBOL, contested between the winners of the European Cup and the South American Copa Libertadores...
final at National Stadium in Tokyo. Is organized for the first time the Artemio Franchi TrophyArtemio Franchi TrophyThe Artemio Franchi Trophy was a competition held twice between the champions of the European Football Championship and the Copa América...
, won and hosted by France. - 1986 in football1986 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1986 throughout the world.- Events :* March 11 – Germany's Siegfried Held makes his debut as the manager of Iceland, losing against Bahrain....
— The 1986 World Cup1986 FIFA World CupThe 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June. The tournament was the second to feature a 24-team format. Colombia had been originally chosen to host the competition by FIFA but, largely due to economic reasons, was not able to do so and officially...
finals are played for the second time in Mexico, with ArgentinaArgentina national football teamThe Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
defeating West GermanyGermany national football teamThe Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
3-2 for their second title at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City; the tournament sees the dominance of Argentinian player Diego Maradona, scoring the infamous Hand of God goal, before his "Goal of the Century" solo dribble second goal, both in the quarterfinal against EnglandEngland national football teamThe England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
. Alex FergusonAlex FergusonSir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986...
, the most decorated manager in English Football history, is appointed to be manager of Manchester United. - 1987 in football1987 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1987 throughout the world.- Events :*UEFA Champions League: Porto 2 – 1 Bayern Munich in the final at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna....
— FC PortoFutebol Clube do PortoFutebol Clube do Porto , commonly known as FC Porto, Porto, or FCP, is a Portuguese multi-sports club from the city of Porto, in the northern region of the country. Although they successfully compete in a number of different sports, FC Porto is mostly known for its association football team...
win the European CupUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
for the first time after defeating Bayern Munich 2-1 in the final at Prater Stadium in WienWienWien is the German language name for Vienna, the city and federal state in Austria.* Wien , in Vienna, Austria* Theater an der Wien, a theater in Vienna located at the former river WienWien may also refer to:...
; in the second World Championship FIFA Under 16, the Soviet UnionUSSR national football teamThe Soviet Union National Football Team was the national football team of the Soviet Union. It ceased to exist after the break up of the Union...
defeat NigeriaNigeria national football teamThe Nigeria national football team, nicknamed the Super Eagles or Green Eagles, is the national team of Nigeria and is controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation . The team has ranked as high as 5th in the FIFA World Rankings, in April 1994...
on penalties. Is played for the first time the OFC Champions LeagueOFC Champions LeagueThe Oceania Champions League 2007 was held in January 2007 with six clubs from five member associations of the Oceania Football Confederation: New Zealand, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Fiji and the Solomon Islands. The six clubs were split into two groups of three for home and away matches.Auckland City...
won by Adelaide CityAdelaide CityAdelaide City is a football club in Adelaide, South Australia. They are also known as The Zebras. They played in the National Soccer League for 27 Seasons but withdrew just prior to the 2003/2004 season. They now play in the South Australian Super League. City won the inaugural Super League...
. Played for the first time an international match (friendly) between two women's teams not admitted to FIFA: OlandÖland' is the second largest Swedish island and the smallest of the traditional provinces of Sweden. Öland has an area of 1,342 km² and is located in the Baltic Sea just off the coast of Småland. The island has 25,000 inhabitants, but during Swedish Midsummer it is visited by up to 500,000 people...
- Aland IslandsÅland IslandsThe Åland Islands form an archipelago in the Baltic Sea. They are situated at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia and form an autonomous, demilitarised, monolingually Swedish-speaking region of Finland...
0-2. - 1988 in football1988 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1988 throughout the world.- Events :* March 27, 1988 – Cameroon wins the Africa Nations Cup by defeating Nigeria: 1–0...
— The NetherlandsNetherlands national football teamThe Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
, led by captain Ruud GullitRuud GullitOON is a Dutch football manager and former football player, who played professionally in the 1980s and 1990s. He was the captain of the Netherlands national team that was victorious at Euro 88 and was also a member of the squad for the 1990 World Cup. He was named the European Footballer of the...
and top goal scorer Marco van Basten, defeat the Soviet UnionUSSR national football teamThe Soviet Union National Football Team was the national football team of the Soviet Union. It ceased to exist after the break up of the Union...
2-0 to win the Euro 1988 championship. - 1989 in football1989 in football (soccer)This is a list of the football events of the year 1989 throughout the world.-Events:*March 3 – Portugal wins its first FIFA World Youth Championship...
— The Hillsborough disasterHillsborough disasterThe Hillsborough disaster was a human crush that occurred on 15 April 1989 at Hillsborough, a football stadium, the home of Sheffield Wednesday F.C. in Sheffield, England, resulting in the deaths of 96 people, and 766 being injured, all fans of Liverpool F.C....
occurs in SheffieldSheffieldSheffield is a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Its name derives from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. Historically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and with some of its southern suburbs annexed from Derbyshire, the city has grown from its largely...
, England, before the FA CupFA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
semi-final between LiverpoolLiverpool F.C.Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
and Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest F.C.Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
, resulting in the loss of 96 lives. A football tournament is played for the first time at the Island GamesIsland GamesThe Island Games are an international multi-sports event organized by the International Island Games Association.- History :The Island Games began in 1985 as the Inter-Island Games, as part of the Isle of Man International Year of Sport, and were intended to be a one-off sporting celebration only...
, by FAs not admitted to FIFA, hosted and won by Faroe Islands.
1990s
- 1990 in football1990 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 1990 throughout the world.- Events :* March 28 – Sweden's Bo Johansson makes his debut as the manager of Iceland, defeating Luxembourg 2–1....
— West GermanyGermany national football teamThe Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
win the 1990 FIFA World Cup1990 FIFA World CupThe 1990 FIFA World Cup was the 14th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 8 June to 8 July 1990 in Italy, the second country to host the event twice. Teams representing 116 national football associations from all six populated...
in Rome, Italy, defeating defending champion ArgentinaArgentina national football teamThe Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
1-0 in the final; "Waterloo DayWaterloo DayWaterloo Day is 18 June, the date of the Battle of Waterloo, in 1815. It is remembered and celebrated each year by certain regiments of the British Army, in the same way that the Royal Navy celebrates Trafalgar Day ....
" for Austrian football in Euro 92 qualifying at LandskronaLandskronaLandskrona is a locality and the seat of Landskrona Municipality, Skåne County, Sweden with 28,670 inhabitants in 2005.-History:The city of Landskrona was founded at the location of Scania's best natural harbour, as a means of King Eric of Pomerania's anti-Hanseatic policy, intended to compete...
, Sweden, where the Faroe IslandsFaroe Islands national football teamThe Faroe Islands national football team represents the Faroe Islands in association football and is controlled by the Faroe Islands Football Association, the governing body for football in the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands became a member of FIFA in 1988 and UEFA in 1990 and are the third...
defeat AustriaAustria national football teamThe Austria national football team is the association football team that represents the country of Austria in international competition and is controlled by the Austrian Football Association ....
1-0 in the former's first ever international match. The first black footballer to have a transfer of £1million, Justin FashanuJustin FashanuJustinus Soni "Justin" Fashanu was an English footballer who played for a variety of clubs between 1978 and 1997. He was known by his early clubs to be homosexual, and came out to the press later in his career, to become the first professional footballer to be openly gay...
comes outComing outComing out is a figure of speech for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people's disclosure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity....
as gay. - 1991 in football1991 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1991 throughout the world.- Events :*UEFA Champions League 1991: FK Red Star wins 5-3 on penalties over Olympique de Marseille after 0-0 draw....
— In the inaugural Women's World CupFIFA Women's World CupThe FIFA Women's World Cup is an international association football competition contested by the senior women's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the...
held in China, the USA win 2-1 over Norway; after being banned for six years, English clubs are again allowed to participate in competitions sponsored by UEFAUEFAThe Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
; Diego MaradonaDiego MaradonaDiego Armando Maradona is a retired Argentine football player and widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. Over the course of his professional club career Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys, setting...
is banned for 15 months in Italy'sItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
Serie ASerie ASerie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
after testing positive for cocaineCocaineCocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
in a drug testDrug testA drug test is a technical analysis of a biological specimen – for example urine, hair, blood, sweat, or oral fluid / saliva – to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites...
. Is played for the first time the CAF Women's ChampionshipCAF Women's ChampionshipThe African Women's Championship is a biennial competition in women's football for national teams which belong to the Confederation of African Football . Nine tournaments have been held, with the current champions being Nigeria...
won by Nigeria. Is played for the first time the CONCACAF Women's Gold CupCONCACAF Women's Gold CupThe CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup is a football competition sponsored by CONCACAF, and serves as a qualifying competition to the Women's World Cup. It is played every four years since it replaced the CONCACAF's Women's Championship, a tournament that was held in the 1990s, which sometimes included...
in Haiti, won by USA. Is played for the first time the Sudamericano FemeninoSudamericano FemeninoThe South American Women's Football Championship is the main competition in women's association football between national teams of the CONMEBOL....
, the main CONMEBOL women's tournament, hosted and won by Brazil. - 1992 in football1992 in football (soccer)The following are some of the football events of the year 1992 throughout the world.- Events :*May 5 – A provisional tribune crashes in the Stade Armand Cesari in Bastia, Corsica during the semifinal of the Coupe de France between Bastia SC and Olympique de Marseille...
— The back-pass rule is applied, whereby a goalkeeper is no longer permitted to pick up or catch a ball played directly by a fellow team member's foot; In the final of Euro 921992 UEFA European Football ChampionshipThe 1992 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was hosted by Sweden between 10 and 26 June 1992. It was the ninth European Football Championship, which is held every four years and supported by UEFA. Eight national teams contested the championship, which was won by Denmark, one of...
, DenmarkDenmark national football teamThe Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
surprisingly win 2-0 over Germany; Stadium FurianiStade Armand CesariStade Armand-Cesari is a multi-purpose stadium in Bastia, France. It is currently used mostly for football matches of SC Bastia. The stadium is able to hold 10,460 people and opened in 1932....
disaster takes place in BastiaBastiaBastia is a commune in the Haute-Corse department of France located in the northeast of the island of Corsica at the base of Cap Corse. It is also the second-largest city in Corsica after Ajaccio and the capital of the department....
, CorsicaCorsicaCorsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....
; FA Premier LeagueFA Premier LeagueThe Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
created as the top flight in English Football. Leeds United were champions of England. The first FIFA Confederations CupFIFA Confederations CupThe FIFA Confederations Cup is an association football tournament for national teams, currently held every four years by FIFA. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships , along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host nation, to bring the number of teams...
is organized in Saudi Arabia, and won by Argentina. - 1993 in football1993 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1993 throughout the world.-Events:*February 18 – Dutch club Roda JC fires head coach and former player Adrie Koster....
— Olympique de MarseilleOlympique de MarseilleOlympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In...
becomes the first French club to win the European Cup, newly renamed as the UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, defeating AC Milan 1–0 at the Olympiastadion in Munich. Marseille also win Ligue 1Ligue 1Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
, but are stripped of the title due to a corruption scandal; 18 members of the ZambiaZambia national football teamThe Zambia national football team represents the country of Zambia in the sport of association football and is governed by the Football Association of Zambia. Before independence they were known as the Northern Rhodesia national football team. The side is nicknamed Chipolopolo as copper is one of...
national team die in a plane crash. Manchester United win the first FA Premier LeagueFA Premier LeagueThe Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
title, their first of a record eleven titles. Brian CloughBrian CloughBrian Howard Clough, OBE was an English footballer and football manager. He is most notable for his success with Derby County and Nottingham Forest. His achievement of winning back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest, a traditionally moderate provincial English club, is considered to be...
retires from his coaching role in Nottingham Forest after 18 years as coach. - 1994 in football1994 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1994 throughout the world.-Events:*January 15 – Manager Issy ten Donkelaar is fired by Dutch club FC Twente, and replaced by Hans Meyer from Germany....
— In the 1994 FIFA World Cup1994 FIFA World CupThe 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988...
, Brazil win their fourth title, defeating ItalyItaly national football teamThe Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
on penaltiesPenalty shootout (football)A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game...
in the final held at the Rose BowlRose Bowl (stadium)The Rose Bowl is an outdoor athletic stadium in Pasadena, California, U.S., in Los Angeles County. The stadium is the site of the annual college football bowl game, the Rose Bowl, held on New Year's Day. In 1982, it became the home field of the UCLA Bruins college football team of the Pac-12...
in Pasadena, CaliforniaPasadena, CaliforniaPasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Although famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology , the Jet...
. Manchester United coaching legend Matt BusbyMatt BusbySir Alexander Matthew "Matt" Busby, CBE, KCSG was a Scottish football player and manager, most noted for managing Manchester United between 1945 and 1969 and again for the second half of the 1970–1971 season...
dies after a heart attack. - 1995 in football1995 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1995 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1995: Won by Grêmio after defeating Atlético Nacional on an aggregate score of 4-2....
— The Bosman rulingBosman rulingUnion Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football Association ASBL v Jean-Marc Bosman is a 1995 European Court of Justice decision concerning freedom of movement for workers, freedom of association, and direct effect of article 39 of the EC Treaty...
allows all footballers playing in the European UnionEuropean UnionThe European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
and not under contract to freely change clubs, and also abolishes foreign player quotas with respect to EU nationals. win the second FIFA Women's World CupFIFA Women's World CupThe FIFA Women's World Cup is an international association football competition contested by the senior women's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the...
; Eric Cantona is suspended for six months by The FAThe Football AssociationThe Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
for kicking Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
fan Matthew Simmons. Suwon Samsung BluewingsSuwon Samsung BluewingsSuwon Samsung Bluewings is a South Korean football club based in the city of Suwon, South Korea, that plays in the K-League. Founded in December 1995, they have become one of Asian football's most famous clubs with a host of domestic and continental honours...
is founded. - 1996 in football1996 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1996 throughout the world.-Events:*Copa Libertadores 1996: Won by River Plate after defeating América de Cali on an aggregate score of 2-1....
— Bayern Munich becomes the third club in the history of European football to have won all three major UEFA competitions after winning the UEFA CupUEFA CupThe UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
; In the Euro 961996 UEFA European Football ChampionshipThe 1996 UEFA European Football Championship was hosted by England, who won the right to host the tournament ahead of bids from Austria, Portugal and the Netherlands. It was the tenth European Football Championship, which is held every four years and endorsed by UEFA. It was the first to use the...
final, GermanyGermany national football teamThe Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
defeat the Czech RepublicCzech Republic national football teamThe Czech Republic national football team represents the Czech Republic in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic, the governing body for football in the Czech Republic. Their current head coach is Michal Bílek...
2-1 with a golden goalGolden goalThe golden goal is a method used in association football, field hockey, ice hockey and korfball to decide the winner of games in elimination matches which end in a draw after the end of regulation time. It is a type of sudden death. Golden goal rules allow the team that scores the first goal during...
from Oliver BierhoffOliver BierhoffOliver Bierhoff is a retired German former football striker, who scored the first golden goal in the history of major international football, for Germany in the Euro 96 final...
; NigeriaNigeria national football teamThe Nigeria national football team, nicknamed the Super Eagles or Green Eagles, is the national team of Nigeria and is controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation . The team has ranked as high as 5th in the FIFA World Rankings, in April 1994...
become the first AfricanConfederation of African FootballThe Confederation of African Football is the administrative and controlling body for African association football.CAF represents the national football associations of Africa, runs continental, national, and club competitions, and controls the prize money, regulations and media rights to those...
team to win the Olympic TournamentFootball at the 1996 Summer OlympicsThe association football competition at the 1996 Summer Olympics was held in Birmingham, Alabama; Washington, D.C; Orlando, Florida; Miami, Florida; and Athens, Georgia....
. Is played for the first time a football women's tournament at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, won by USA. Brazil get the world record of most consecutive matches without loose: 35 matches (equals in 2009 by Spain). - 1997 in football1997 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1997 throughout the world.-Events:*January 1 – Manager Leo Beenhakker is named technical director at Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem and replaced as a manager by Sparta Rotterdam head coach Henk ten Cate.*Copa Libertadores 1997: is won by Cruzeiro after...
— Helenio HerreraHelenio HerreraHelenio Herrera Gavilán was a Franco-Argentine football player and manager.Although born in Argentina, Herrera's parents were both Spanish, his father being a well-known Spanish anarchist in exile...
, legendary trainer of InterF.C. Internazionale MilanoFootball Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
in the 1960s dies. - 1998 in football1998 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1998 throughout the world.-Events:*1998 World Cup – France wins 3–0 over Brazil in Saint-Denis, France, winning their first cup. More than a million delirious fans jammed the Champs-Élysées, dancing through the night.*UEFA Champions League: Real...
— In the 1998 FIFA World Cup1998 FIFA World CupThe 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
final, FranceFrance national football teamThe France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
win 3-0 over BrazilBrazil national football teamThe Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
at Stade de FranceStade de FranceThe Stade de France is the national stadium of France, situated just north of Paris in the commune of Saint-Denis. It has an all-seater capacity of 80,000, making it the fifth largest stadium in Europe, and is used by both the France national football team and French rugby union team for...
to claim their first World Cup. Palestinian Football FederationPalestinian Football FederationThe Palestinian Football Association is the governing body for football in the Palestinian Authority, and for the Palestine national football team. It was also the original name for what is now the Israel Football Association....
is admitted to FIFA. The first openly gay footballer, Justin FashanuJustin FashanuJustinus Soni "Justin" Fashanu was an English footballer who played for a variety of clubs between 1978 and 1997. He was known by his early clubs to be homosexual, and came out to the press later in his career, to become the first professional footballer to be openly gay...
commits suicide. - 1999 in football1999 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 1999 throughout the world.-Events:*Manchester United won the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Premiership to cap off an unprecedented European Treble, the first English side to do so.*Copa Libertadores 1999: Won by Palmeiras after defeating...
— Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
win the Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, FA CupFA CupThe Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
and PremiershipFA Premier LeagueThe Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
to cap off a historical "TrebleThe TrebleThe term treble or Treble is used in association football to refer to a team winning three trophies in a single season. Honours usually considered to contribute to a treble are the top-tier domestic league competition, domestic cup competitions, and continental tournaments; although this depends to...
", their manager, Alex FergusonAlex FergusonSir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986...
is KnightKnightA knight was a member of a class of lower nobility in the High Middle Ages.By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior....
ed by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to the game of football.; the USAUnited States women's national soccer teamThe United States women's national soccer team represents the United States in international soccer competition and is controlled by U.S. Soccer. The U.S. team won the first ever Women's World Cup in 1991, and has since been a superpower in women's soccer. It is currently ranked first in the world...
, the hosting nation, defeat in a penalty shootoutPenalty shootout (football)A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game...
to win the Women's World CupFIFA Women's World Cup 1999-Teams:16 teams participated in the final tournament. The teams were:-Squads:For a list of all squads that played in the final tournament, see 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup squads.-Match officials:...
in front of the largest crowd ever to witness a women's sporting event. Organized in Italy by UEFAUEFAThe Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
the first continental tournament for regions: the UEFA Regions' Cup, won by VenetoVenetoVeneto is one of the 20 regions of Italy. Its population is about 5 million, ranking 5th in Italy.Veneto had been for more than a millennium an independent state, the Republic of Venice, until it was eventually annexed by Italy in 1866 after brief Austrian and French rule...
.
2000s
- 2000 in football2000 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 2000 throughout the world.-Events:*January 1 – Ronald Koeman starts as manager at Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem.*March 31 – Gerard van der Lem resigns as manager of AZ...
— FranceFrance national football teamThe France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
win their second European Championship title after beating ItalyItaly national football teamThe Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
2-1, with a golden goalGolden goalThe golden goal is a method used in association football, field hockey, ice hockey and korfball to decide the winner of games in elimination matches which end in a draw after the end of regulation time. It is a type of sudden death. Golden goal rules allow the team that scores the first goal during...
in extra time; First FIFA Club World CupFIFA Club World CupThe FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000...
, won by Sport Club Corinthians PaulistaSport Club Corinthians PaulistaSport Club Corinthians Paulista, commonly just known as Corinthians , is a Brazilian football club based in the city of São Paulo. They play in the São Paulo state league, as well as the Brasileirão, Brazil's top national league...
. - 2001 in football2001 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 2001 throughout the world.-Events:*UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich won 5–4 on penalties in the final against Valencia after a 1–1 draw at the end of the match...
— Real MadridReal MadridReal Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
sign playmaker Zinedine ZidaneZinedine ZidaneZinedine Yazid Zidane is a retired French footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Zidane was a leading figure of a generation of French players that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship...
of JuventusJuventus F.C.Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
in a world record transfer fee of 72 million euros; Colombia won the 40th edition of Copa AméricaCopa América 2001The Copa América 2001 was held in Colombia, from July 11 to July 29, 2001. It was organised by CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body....
, held in ColombiaColombiaColombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
. Is played for the first time a women's football tournament at the Island GamesIsland GamesThe Island Games are an international multi-sports event organized by the International Island Games Association.- History :The Island Games began in 1985 as the Inter-Island Games, as part of the Isle of Man International Year of Sport, and were intended to be a one-off sporting celebration only...
in Isle of Man, for FAs not admitted to FIFA, won by Faroe Islands. Australia national team beat American Samoa 31-0 in the World Cup Qualification, is the World Record in an international match, record which stands to this day. - 2002 in football2002 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 2002 throughout the world.-Events:*13 February – Dick Advocaat is reinstated as the manager of the Netherlands, as the successor of the failing Louis van Gaal, with a 1–1 draw in a friendly against England in Amsterdam.*The 2002 FIFA World Cup...
— BrazilBrazil national football teamThe Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
set up a record fifth title in World CupFIFA World CupThe FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
competition, the first ever world cup played in Asia, defeating GermanyGermany national football teamThe Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
2-0 in the 2002 FIFA World Cup2002 FIFA World CupThe 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
final, Germany concede 2 goals in a match for the first time in that tournament, a result of Oliver Kahn's torn ligaments in his right ring finger. The first FIFA U-19 Women's World ChampionshipFIFA U-20 Women's World ChampionshipThe FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup is an international association football tournament, organized by FIFA , for national teams of women under age 20. The tournament is held in even-numbered years. It was first conducted in 2002 as the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship with an upper age limit of 19...
is held in Canada, with the USAUnited States women's national soccer teamThe United States women's national soccer team represents the United States in international soccer competition and is controlled by U.S. Soccer. The U.S. team won the first ever Women's World Cup in 1991, and has since been a superpower in women's soccer. It is currently ranked first in the world...
defeating the hostsCanada women's national soccer teamThe Canada women's national soccer team is overseen by the Canadian Soccer Association. The team reached its all-time high of 6th in the March 2011 rankings. The team reached international prominence finishing in 4th place at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2003, losing to their archrival American team...
in the final 1-0 on a golden goalGolden goalThe golden goal is a method used in association football, field hockey, ice hockey and korfball to decide the winner of games in elimination matches which end in a draw after the end of regulation time. It is a type of sudden death. Golden goal rules allow the team that scores the first goal during...
in extra time. - 2003 in football2003 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 2003 throughout the world.-Events:*Confederations Cup: Host nation France wins a tournament marred by tragedy...
— Maldini makes football history by captaining AC Milan to a champions league victory, a feat his father did with AC Milan exactly 40 years before. Founded the NF-Board, the first international organization for FAs not admitted to FIFA. Rangers win their 50th League Championship. - 2004 in football2004 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 2004 throughout the world.-Events:*5 January – Manager Mark Wotte leaves Dutch club Willem II Tilburg and becomes technical director at Feyenoord Rotterdam....
— GreeceGreece national football teamThe Greece national football team represents Greece in association football and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation, the governing body for football in Greece. Greece's home ground is Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus and their head coach is Fernando Santos...
produce one of the shocks in football history and become surprise winners of the UEFA Euro 2004 football tournament, defeating the host nation PortugalPortugal national football teamThe Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
1-0 in the final. Waitakere UnitedWaitakere UnitedWaitakere United is a football club based in Waitakere City, New Zealand. They are one of the franchises in the ASB Premiership. They play their home games at Fred Taylor Park in Kumeu.-History:...
is founded. ArsenalArsenal F.C.Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
completed the 2003-04 FA Premier League unbeaten. - 2005 in football2005 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 2005 throughout the world.-Events:*January 21 – German referee Robert Hoyzer admits to having accepted large sums of money from a gambling syndicate to fix matches. The resulting scandal was a major embarrassment to Germany as it...
— The Champions League final2005 UEFA Champions League FinalThe 2005 UEFA Champions League Final was the final match of the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, Europe's primary club football competition. The showpiece event was contested between Liverpool of England and Milan of Italy at the Atatürk Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey on 25 May 2005...
in IstanbulIstanbulIstanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
sees LiverpoolLiverpool F.C.Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
come back from a 0-3 half-time score to defeat A.C. MilanA.C. MilanAssociazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
3-2 in a penalty shootoutPenalty shootout (football)A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game...
, following a 3-3 draw. Also, a match-fixing scandal2005 Bundesliga scandalIn early 2005, German football was overshadowed by the discovery of a €2 million match fixing scandal centered on second division referee Robert Hoyzer, who confessed to fixing and betting on matches in the 2nd Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal , and the third division Regionalliga...
rocks German football, though it does not directly affect the First Bundesliga. ArsenalArsenal F.C.Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
was named "The Invincibles" for their 49 league matches unbeaten run. The Australian A-leagueA-LeagueThe A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
is launched in replacement of the 'NSL' to improve the quality of the game in the country. - 2006 in football2006 in football (soccer)The following are the football events of the year 2006 throughout the world.-Events:*January 1 – Australia officially left the OFC and joined the AFC.*January 3 – Antonio Cassano left Roma and joined Real Madrid...
— 2006 FIFA World Cup2006 FIFA World CupThe 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
is held in Germany and won by Italy on a penalty kick shootout over France; Zinedine ZidaneZinedine ZidaneZinedine Yazid Zidane is a retired French footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Zidane was a leading figure of a generation of French players that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship...
plays his last professional game in the final captaining France only to be sent off in extra time, Ronaldo beats gerd muller's record with 15 goals in world cup finals; a major match-fixing scandal2006 Serie A scandalThe 2006 Italian football scandal involved Italy's top professional football leagues, Serie A and Serie B...
erupts in Italy, with five Serie ASerie ASerie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
teams implicated; Egypt record victory for the fifth time in the African Cup of Nations2006 African Cup of Nations-Group B:---------------------Group C:---------------------Group D:---------------------Knockout stage:-Quarter-finals:-------------Semi-finals:-----Third-place play-off:-Final:-Scorers:...
; the U-19 Women's World Championship increases its age limit to 20FIFA U-20 Women's World ChampionshipThe FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup is an international association football tournament, organized by FIFA , for national teams of women under age 20. The tournament is held in even-numbered years. It was first conducted in 2002 as the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship with an upper age limit of 19...
effective with this year's event in Russia, won by . Played in OccitaniaOccitaniaOccitania , also sometimes lo País d'Òc, "the Oc Country"), is the region in southern Europe where Occitan was historically the main language spoken, and where it is sometimes still used, for the most part as a second language...
(France) the first edition of VIVA World CupViva World CupThe VIVA World Cup is an international football tournament organized by the New Federation Board, an umbrella association for nations unaffiliated with FIFA, planned to be held every two years.-Inauguration:...
, won by SapmiSapmiSapmi can refer to:* Nation of the Sami people* Sápmi , the area where the Sami people live in northern Europe* A Sami cultural park located in Kárášjohka...
. Organized also the other two world cups for unrecognized countries: the FIFI Wild CupFIFI Wild CupThe FIFI Wild Cup was an alternative football World Cup run by FIFI . FIFI was a body made up of countries not recognized by FIFA and those whose logistics preclude them from playing representative football...
in Germany (the first World Cup for FAs not admitted to FIFA) and the ELF CupELF CupThe ELF Cup is an international football tournament organised by the KTFF, a member of the NF-Board. Among the participants are fellow NF-Board teams, and - in the inaugural 2006 tournament - FIFA member teams from the Asian Football Confederation.-The Inaugural Tournament:The 2006 ELF Cup took...
in Northern Cyprus, both won by Northern Cyprus. - 2007 in football2007 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 2007 throughout the world.-Events:* February 13-April 26 - CONCACAF Champions' Cup 2007....
— Brazil won the 42nd edition of Copa AméricaCopa América 2007The 2007 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, known simply as the 2007 Copa América or 2007 Copa América Venezuela, was the 42nd edition of the Copa América, the South-American championship for international association football teams...
, held in VenezuelaVenezuelaVenezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
; FIFA Women's World Cup is held in China and won by Germany. On 9 November Étoile Sportive du SahelÉtoile Sportive du SahelThe Étoile Sportive du Sahel is a sports club from Sousse in the Sahel region of Tunisia, known primarily for its football team. The club also has sections for handball, volleyball, basketball, judo and wrestling...
became the first African squad to have won all official club competition recognized by Confederation of African Football after defeating Al-AhlyAl-AhlyAl-Ahly Sports Club , commonly known as simply Al-Ahly, is an Egyptian sporting club. Founded in April 1907, Al-Ahly was named in 2000 by the Confederation of African Football as the "African Club of the Century"...
3-1 in the CAF Champions League final in SusaSusaSusa was an ancient city of the Elamite, Persian and Parthian empires of Iran. It is located in the lower Zagros Mountains about east of the Tigris River, between the Karkheh and Dez Rivers....
(TunisiaTunisiaTunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
). Founded the first continental confederation, in South America, for FAs not admitted to FIFA, the CSANF, and is affiliated to NF-Board. Emirates CupEmirates CupThe Emirates Cup is an annual two-day pre-season football tournament hosted by English Premier League club Arsenal and held at the Emirates Stadium, the club's home ground...
is founded by Arsenal. The Venezuelan Primera División expand from 12 to 18 teams by FIFA and Conmebol recommendation using the new stadiums make to Copa America 2007Copa América 2007The 2007 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, known simply as the 2007 Copa América or 2007 Copa América Venezuela, was the 42nd edition of the Copa América, the South-American championship for international association football teams...
. - 2008 in football2008 in football (soccer)The following are the association football events of the year 2008 throughout the world.- Events :*20 January to 10 February – Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana*4 May to 16 May - UEFA U-17 Championship in Turkey...
— Spain win their second European Championship title after beating Germany 1-0. Organized the second edition of VIVA World CupViva World CupThe VIVA World Cup is an international football tournament organized by the New Federation Board, an umbrella association for nations unaffiliated with FIFA, planned to be held every two years.-Inauguration:...
in SapmiSapmiSapmi can refer to:* Nation of the Sami people* Sápmi , the area where the Sami people live in northern Europe* A Sami cultural park located in Kárášjohka...
, won by PadaniaPadaniaPadania is an alternative name for the Po Valley in Italy. The term was sparingly used until the early 1990s, when Lega Nord, a political party in Italy, proposed Padania as a possible denomination for an autonomous Northern Italy...
. Manchester United accomplish a European DoubleThe DoubleThe Double is a term in association football which refers to winning a country's top tier division and its primary cup competition in the same season...
by winning both the Champions League and the Premier League, moreover in December they also won the FIFA Club World CupFIFA Club World CupThe FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000...
. Is played for the first time the FIFA U-17 Women's World CupFIFA U-17 Women's World CupThe FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup is an international association football tournament for female players under the age of 17. It is organized by Fédération Internationale de Football Association...
in New Zealand, won by Korea DPR. Is played for the first time the Women's Viva World CupWomen's Viva World CupThe VIVA World Cup is an international football tournament organized by the New Federation Board, an umbrella association for nations unaffiliated with FIFA, planned to be held every two years...
, the first World Cup for women's national teams not affiliated to FIFA, hosted and won by Sapmi. Organized also the first Non-FifaNon-FIFA footballFIFA is the international governing body of association football, charged with overseeing football globally and with running international representative matches. However, some international football takes place outside of its ratification. This often consists of matches involving sub-national...
continental tournament: the Europeada in Europe, won by South Tyrol.Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C.Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C.Bradford Association Football Club, previously also known as Bradford and since its reformation in the 1970s now referred to as Bradford Park Avenue, is a football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England...
win Unibond Division 1 North. CONCACAF Champions Cup is replaced by the CONCACAF Champions LeagueCONCACAF Champions LeagueThe CONCACAF Champions League is the annual international club football championship for teams from the CONCACAF region ....
, modelled after the UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
expand his participant teams from 8 to 24. - 2009 in football — The FIFA Confederations Cup2009 FIFA Confederations CupThe 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was the eighth Confederations Cup, and was held in South Africa from 14 June to 28 June 2009 as a prelude to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The draw was held on 22 November 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The opening match was played at Ellis Park...
is won by Brazil and is held in South Africa (for the first time a FIFA tournament for senior national teams is held in Africa): for the first time an African side, Egypt, beat Italy (1-0, Group stage). The Spanish national team get two world records: most consecutive wins (15) and most matches without a loss (35, with Brazil). Is founded the IFU, International Football Union, an international football confederation for nations and territories not admitted to FIFA. On September, the International Federation of Football History & StatisticsInternational Federation of Football History & StatisticsThe International Federation of Football History & Statistics is an organization that chronicles the history and records of Association football. It was founded on 27 March 1984 at Leipzig by Dr. Alfredo Pöge with the blessings of general secretary of the FIFA at the time, Dr. Helmut Käser...
, an organization recognized by FIFAFIFAThe Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
, has published a continental Clubs of 20th CenturyIFFHS continental Clubs of the 20th CenturyIn 2009 the International Federation of Football History & Statistics , an organization recognized by FIFA, released the results of a statistical study which determined the best continental clubs of the 20th century...
ranking. Within a year, Barcelona has won all 6 possible trophies they can get: La LigaLa LigaThe Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
, Copa del ReyCopa del ReyThe Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
, Supercopa de EspañaSupercopa de EspañaThe Supercopa de España is a Spanish football championship contested by the winners of La Liga and the Copa del Rey...
, UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World CupFIFA Club World CupThe FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000...
(is a series of triumphs never happened before).
2010s
- 2010 in football2010 in football (soccer)The following are the scheduled events of association football for the year 2010 throughout the world.-Events:*2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.*2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Germany....
— FIFA 2010 Football World Cup is held for first time in an African country, in South Africa. For the first time a European national team, Spain (for the first time finalist and winner), win the FIFA World Cup outside the European soil. Moreover, for the first time the host country is out after only the first round of the tournament. - 2014 in football2014 in football (soccer)The following are the scheduled events of association football for the year 2014 throughout the world.*2014 FIFA World Cup — the competition will be held in Brazil for the second time.*2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada....
— FIFA 2014 Football World Cup will be held in South America after 36 years, for second time in BrazilBrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
.