Test Your Smarts: Surprising Soccer Facts for Players and Parents
- Oct 28
- 4 min read
How much do you really know about soccer? Sure, you’ve watched a thousand matches and can name your favorite player in a heartbeat — but do you know where the first red card was used, or why the offside rule confuses even the pros?
This blog dives into the surprising, quirky, and sometimes mind-blowing facts that make the world’s most popular sport even more fascinating. Whether you’re a player learning the game or a parent cheering from the sidelines, you’ll walk away with trivia you can actually use — and brag about.
Inspired by The World Almanac for Soccer, this is your ultimate guide of soccer facts and your fast-track to becoming the smartest fan on the field and in the stands.
Soccer Facts in The Beginning
Over 250 million humans play soccer.
The earliest soccer balls were hog's heads. Ewww.
It took six meetings and 44 days to complete the soccer rules.
Mahatma Gandhi helped to start a soccer association in South Africa. His team was call The Passive Resisters.
The first documented international soccer match took place in Glasgow, Scotland.
Game Changing Emma Hayes
Emma Hayes had a soccer career ending injury at age 17 while on a ski trip.
Emma then pursued coaching and bought a $1000 one-way ticket to the US to teach at a youth soccer camp.
Hayes made a name for herself in England at Chelsea FC Women, winning 16 trophies in 12 years.
Emma's motto? "Forget perfection, embrace your flaws, and be your best."
In 10 matches, Hayes coached the U.S. Women's National Team to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Guess the Author Challenge (Answers at the bottom, don't peak.)
1. “Before you receive the ball, know what you want to do. That’s for me the most important thing.” This Dutch player also suggests watching Neymar skill videos on YouTube.
2. “During my childhood in Portugal, all we played was futsal. The small playing area helped me improve my close control.” You probably don’t need a clue for this one!
3. “Everything has its pros and cons. I know that I’m going to win few balls in the air, but I’m more dynamic and faster than other teammates.” This midfielder has one World Cup title.
4. “Watch a lot of soccer.” This two-time World Cup champion is retired.
5. “Sleep is very important.” This striker appeared on the EA Sports FC 24 cover.
6. “It’s so meaningful and inspiring to see someone where you want to be.” This American practices mindfulness.
More Soccer Facts & Surprises
There is nothing in the FIFA rules that says what size a shin guard must be.
Alex Morgan popularized the use of pink pre-wrap. When she was young, it helped her family find her on the playing field.
Heard of "holding offense?" It happens when a player's contact with an opponent or their equipment keeps the opponent from moving.
How about "simulation?" It's when a player pretends something happened on the pitch to gain an unfair advantage.
Ken Aston invented the red and yellow cards, first introduced at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. The idea came to him at a traffic light, but there is no green.
Two yellow cards, equals a red, and you're out for the rest of that game, and the whole next game. Your team plays a player down for the remainder of the game that the red card was given. If a goalkeeper gets a red, a field player must take their spot.
Teams choose to take the first kick in a penalty shoot out because they are more likely to win. It's estimated that 60% of teams that take the kick, end up winning the game.
Next time you’re watching a match, you’ll have more than just cheers — you’ll have stories, facts, and trivia to wow your friends. Want more? The World Almanac for Soccer is packed with fun details and surprising insights that make the game even more exciting. It’s the kind of book you’ll keep coming back to — whether you’re brushing up before a big game or sharing cool soccer facts on the sidelines. You'll find this amazing title, and several others that will peak your interest in our Soccer Book Shop.
The Inspiration Behind the Blog: The World Almanac
is an action-packed, full-color guide from the best-selling World Almanac series features 2,501 fascinating facts about men’s and women’s World Cup soccer, covering the history of the sport, legendary matches, superstar players, rising stars, essential rules and strategies, key football terms, and pro tips.
You’ll also find details on World Cup nations, qualifying rounds, prize pools, player awards, mascots, goal celebrations, traditions, and fast facts about futsal and beach soccer. A must-have for players, families, and coaches.
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Challenge Answer Key: (1) Xavi Simons, (2) Cristiano Ronaldo, (3) Aítana Bonmatí, (4) Alex Morgan, (5) Erling Haaland, (6) Naomi Girma
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