
When Did Messi Start Playing Professional Soccer
Early Life and Introduction to Football Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. As a child, you would have found him in a household passionate about soccer, with a family whose love for the game played a significant role in igniting his passion for the sport. Growing up, Messi was exposed…

What’s the most goals Messi has scored in a season?
When we talk about Lionel Messi, we inevitably talk about goals – and a lot of them. The Argentinian legend has consistently shattered records throughout his career – one of the most staggering being the number of goals he scored in a single season. So, what’s the highest number of goals Messi has scored in…

What team does Messi play for?
Our journey today takes us through the quite rich career of Lionel Messi, one of football’s greatest players ever. From his earliest steps on the football pitch in Argentina to his current exploits in the United States, we’re exploring the highs and not-so-many lows of a career that’s become synonymous with the pinnacle of footballing…

What position does Messi play?
If you’ve ever wondered “What position does Lionel Messi play?”, the answer might as well be Anywhere he pleases. And while this may sound absurd, there’s also a dose of truth in that claim. Of course, since the Argentinian is not a utility player, but primarily an attacker, it’s impossible to think of Messi as…

What languages does Messi speak?
Lionel Messi is a name that needs no introduction in the world of football. The Argentinian’s extraordinary skills on the pitch and his immense presence in the sport have made him a legend. Currently, a part of the Inter Miami squad after making a recent transfer from PSG, Messi has fans across the globe wondering…

What is a Derby in Football and Why is it Called a ‘Derby’?
Imagine this – it’s game day, and you’re having a cold one at your local sports bar. The TV is tuned to a football match featuring two local rivals, and suddenly someone yells, “It’s a Derby!” And you’re left scratching your head, “Why in the world do they call it a Derby?” Trust me, you’re…

What Does a Director of Football Do?
If you’ve ever asked yourself What does a Director of Football do? you’re probably not alone – even among many other football enthusiasts. This role is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital part in modern football. This article will focus on the complexity of the very complex ecosystem that is every football club in…

Is Messi Left-Footed?
When you dive into the world of football, there are only a few names that shine as brightly as Lionel Messi. But here’s a question that’s often asked – Is Messi left-footed? The short answer is – Yes, Messi is indeed left-footed, but that’s not all that makes the Argentinian as unique as he is….

How Many Trophies Does Lionel Messi Have?
The sheer volume of trophies collected by Lionel Messi over the course of his now quite a long career could fill a museum. That magic number? It’s 43. That’s right, from his debut on the big stage to the present day, Messi has hoisted an impressive 43 trophies high. Messi’s journey began at Blaugrana, Barcelona,…

Why Was the Premier League Formed?
Believe it or not, arguably the best league in the world has existed for only a bit over three decades. You’re probably familiar with the fact that football has been played all across England for a little bit over one and a half century now, so how come the Premier League is so young? The…

Does Hitting the Post or Bar Count as a “Shot on Target”?
Ever since Moneyball came out, analytics have become more and more popular in the world of sports. Of course, tracking various stats was a thing even before the movie, but the need to use math in something as basic as sports, especially football, seemed quite strange at the time, to say the least. Of course,…

Can You Be Offside from a Goal Kick or Throw-In?
The main difference between a casual and a die-hard football enthusiast is being able to explain the offside rule and all of its nuances. The modern game is now heavily influenced by the use of VAR. Not even more than five years ago players were able to celebrate their goals instantly. Imagine someone from, let’s…

10 Oldest Clubs in the Football League
Introduction There probably hasn’t been, and most likely will never be, a sport as influential and longevous as football. With the continuous changes in modern society, one thing is pretty much constant – the English Football League. Many would argue that there is definitely something special when it comes to the tradition evolving around English…

Why is Real Madrid Called ‘Real’?
The Story Behind the “Real” in Real Madrid Have you ever caught yourself in the middle of a thrilling Real Madrid game, your eyes glued to the screen, and suddenly wondered, “Why is it called ‘Real’?” If you have, then you’re not alone! The name of this illustrious club, often shrouded in a halo of…

Why is Old Trafford Called ‘The Theatre of Dreams’?
The Dawn of a Landmark Imagine a massive, green field surrounded by an impressive structure that seems to shout, “Look at me!” with every brick. This is Old Trafford, a stadium that’s been standing proudly since 19th February 1910. It’s not just a stadium, but the heart of Manchester United and one of the most…

Why Are Watford Called ‘The Hornets’?
Introduction: The Buzz Behind Watford’s Nickname Today, we’re diving into the world of Watford Football Club and unraveling the mystery behind their nickname – “The Hornets.” We’ll explore their historical kit changes, the reason behind the Z-Cars theme, and their rivalries. Even if you’re a proper football enthusiast, there’s a huge chance you’ll learn a…

Why Are Tottenham Called ‘Hotspur’?
Introduction: Unraveling the Mystery of the Spurs’ Moniker If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head wondering why Tottenham goes by the name ‘Hotspur,’ you’re not alone. In a sea of familiar suffixes like “City,” “United,” “Town,” and “Rovers,” Tottenham Hotspur’s name stands out as a captivating puzzle. Join us as we embark on a…

Why Are Manchester United Called ‘The Red Devils’?
From Humble Beginnings Manchester United. A name that reverberates through the world of football, echoing stories of victory, loss, resilience, and most significantly, a devilish spirit! Yes, you heard it right. We’re about to delve into the legend of the ‘Red Devils.’ But first, let’s take a quick detour through the club’s early history. Founded…

Why Are Man City Called ‘The Citizens’?
“Why are they called the Citizens?” It’s a question that bubbles up every now and again in the banter-laden universe of football. It’s all about Manchester City, the beloved football team from Manchester, England, that has been kicking goals and breaking hearts since 1880. So, lace up your boots, buckle your shin guards, and join…

Why Are Juventus Called ‘Juventus’ and ‘The Old Lady’?
Introduction: Unraveling the Mysteries Behind Juventus’ Name and Nicknames When you hear the word “Juventus,” the first thing that comes to mind is the legendary Italian football club. With a record of 36 league titles that no other club in Italy has even come remotely close, Juventus has become synonymous with success in Italian football….

Why are Brentford Called ‘The Bees’?
Introduction: Buzzing into Brentford’s History Have you ever wondered why the, now well-established Premier League side, Brentford FC, is affectionately known as ‘The Bees’? Get ready to dive into the club’s history, as we explore the origins of this intriguing nickname and how it has become a vital part of the club’s identity. The Misinterpreted…

Why Are England Called ‘Three Lions’?
Unraveling the History Behind England’s Fierce Nickname If you’ve ever watched the England national football team play, you might have noticed something peculiar about their emblem – a trio of golden lions that seem to leap off their shirts. The “Three Lions” nickname has become as much a part of the team’s identity as the…

Do Premier League Players Get Fined for Bookings?
In the world of soccer, yellow and red cards are a common sight during matches. These cards serve as a warning or expulsion for players who commit fouls or engage in unsporting behavior. A key question that arises among fans and enthusiasts is around whether Premier League players get fined for bookings. In this article,…

How Much Do Championship Players Get Paid?
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and it is played all around the globe. It is also the sport in which thousands of soccer players can earn a great living, playing in Europe, but also Asia, North America or South America. But no country comes close to England and its Premier League….

Fastest Soccer Players in the World Ranked
In soccer, the most important thing is to score a goal. But how a team is going to do that is up to them to decide. Many sides these days prepare themselves for possession-based style of soccer, slowly working their way towards creating chances. There are teams, however, which prefer counter-attacking and getting into the…

Are Premier League Pitches The Same Size?
Soccer stadiums in the English Premier League are some of the best in the world, but not many people stop to think about the pitches of those stadia. Many fans will say while watching a soccer match that the size of the field is bigger or smaller than usual, but are they correct to say…

Why Do Soccer Games Sometimes End in a Tie?
With many major national sports’ focus on producing positive outcomes in one way or another – for example basketball and ice hockey – it can be difficult for American and Canadian sports fans to accept that soccer games can end with the scores tied, and neither team having won. It might add to the confusion…

How Does a Soccer Game Start?
Ahead of a game of soccer, the excitement may have been building for days, fans excitedly anticipating a closely-fought match between two very competitive teams, who may even be the bitterest of rivals. But when the teams are out on the pitch, the fans have all got to their places inside the stadium, and all…

Why Are Arsenal Called ‘The Gunners’?
Arsenal is known as “The Gunners” due to the club’s origins, which were closely tied to the Arsenal Armament Factory in Woolwich, South East London. The Arsenal Armament Factory was a major producer of military equipment, including guns and artillery, for the British Army. In 1886, a group of workers at the Arsenal Armament Factory…

Who Sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ First: Liverpool or Celtic?
An introduction To simply answer the question right away, it is the Liverpool fans who sang the world-famous song first. After Gerry and the Pacemakers released the song in the early 1960s, Liverpool fans were the first to adopt “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as a football anthem and began singing it at Anfield. This can…

Are San Marino The Worst Team in International Football?
An introduction To get straight to the point right at the beginning of the article, we feel like It is not quite fair to say that San Marino is the worst team in international football. While the team has had limited success on the international stage, ranking 203rd out of 210 teams in the FIFA…

Richest Soccer Players in The World
Introduction A professional soccer player usually earns an above-average salary. As widespread as it is, soccer has for a long time now been a sport where professional athletes could easily become millionaires. Being amongst the best ones doesn’t always mean the highest salary since various factors decide which players in the world are the richest….

Newcastle United Nicknames Explained
An introduction Newcastle United – probably one of the most exciting clubs in the Premier League to keep an eye on in the upcoming seasons. The Geordies are currently under new management and are attracting interest from many world-class players who have already, or will join the club quite soon. Unlike many other clubs in…

Why Are West Brom Called ‘The Baggies’?
An introduction A club that is one of the English football league founders has had a quite long history in the sport. West Bromwich Albion, or ‘The Baggies’ as some refer to them, is a club based in West Bromwich, West Midlands, or to put it simply, Birmingham. While many clubs all over the country…

Why Are Leicester City Called ‘The Foxes’?
An introduction Even if you’re not an above-average football enjoyer, you’ve probably heard about the legendary story of an underdog winning the 2015/16 premier league title. The Foxes, who were a relegation battle club at the time, managed to impress the whole world by managing to win the title in a competition that statistically had…

Who Has The Most Red Cards in Premier League History?
An introduction There are many milestones that a professional player can achieve during their career, regardless of the sport. But being known as having the most red cards in the Premer League history is definitely a somewhat unique feat. There are probably several names that come to mind here, but to give a short answer…

Can Soccer Coaches Get Yellow and Red Cards?
Soccer coaches play a crucial role in the success of a team, responsible for developing strategies, motivating players, and making big decisions during matches. But can soccer coaches also be shown yellow and red cards, just like players on the field? In this article, we will explore this question and more, taking a closer look…

How Much Do International Soccer Players Get Paid?
Soccer is well-known for being the most popular sport in the world. Therefore, it is no wonder soccer players earn great sums of money for playing it at the highest level. Some of the salaries players earn in this sport are often mind-boggling, but what is even better is that a huge number of soccer…

How Fast Can Soccer Balls Be Kicked?
Soccer, or football as it is known in many parts of the world, is a sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the globe. It is the most popular sport in the world and there are many parts of it fans get excited about. One of the most thrilling aspects of the game…

What Does “Farmer’s League” Mean?
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and it captivates billions of people across the globe. Its incredible popularity means soccer generates billions of dollars every year and soccer players, at least those at the very top, can earn incredible sums of money. But the popularity of the sport has now taken some…

Why Are Linesman Flags Different Colors?
Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet, and it is no wonder it captivates the masses like no other sport. With its history of over 150 years of contemporary soccer and competitions with legendary status both in the club and international soccer, billions of fans love talking about this sport. But sometimes, during…

Who Are Liverpool’s Biggest Rivals?
Soccer is a sport that is beloved by millions of people around the world. This unique sport has an incredible global reach and passionate fan bases. Then, it is no surprise that soccer rivalries are some of the most intense in all sports. Rivalries in soccer can take many forms, ranging from local derbies between…

What is The Best Soccer Formation
There are many different options when it comes to choosing the right strategy. We have seen both successful and not-so-successful tactics since the sport debuted over 150 years ago. The game has, of course, changed a lot since then. This article will focus on the eight most popular formations over the years and decide which…

How Fast Is Lionel Messi?
Being one of the greatest players to ever play the game, and considered “GOAT” by many, is Leo Messi the fastest player in the world of soccer? There are several factors that differentiate an average player from a world-class athlete, but in some cases, it is the pace that makes all the difference. To put…

Can Soccer Be Played In The Rain?
New soccer fans usually have plenty of questions to ask about the sport. Some want to know the soccer rules, while some have more specific questions about the goalkeepers getting sent off. But many new fans still wonder about the weather in which they can play soccer. One question is whether it is possible to…

Do Pro Soccer Players Wear Shin Guards?
Soccer is known as ‘the beautiful sport’, but it can also be tough. If you have ever played a soccer game, you will know that not so beautiful things can happen on the field. For example, getting kicked on your shins. That is a regular occurrence in soccer but an unpleasant one. With soccer being…

Is It Called a Soccer Game or a Match?
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. As such, fans around the globe love playing and watching soccer. But have you ever noticed that there are different ways people refer to soccer events? As you may have already realized, some people call those events soccer matches, but others call them soccer games. So…

What is Tiki-Taka Soccer?
A strategy used for quite a bit has had its rise and fall over time. Popularized mainly by Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, Tiki-Taka soccer is seen as one of the most significant advancements in the sport over the past 15 years. A strategy so unique, yet somewhat widespread that it became synonymous with several coaches…

Soccer Commentators in the English Premier League
No competition in world soccer is as scrutinized and analyzed as fiercely as the English Premier League, with media attention and furore seemingly a prerequisite of every game. The international appeal of the league is inevitably part of its charm, with the Premier League seeing sell-out crowds in every stadium and the world’s best players…

Best Soccer Goalkeepers Of All Time
The most important thing in soccer is to score a goal. Soccer is the most popular sport, and scoring goals has captivated fans for over 150 years. It’s not an easy task in such a low-scoring sport. But scoring goals is also a tough job because of them – the goalies. Goalkeepers are often a…

Which Soccer Players Have The Most Trophies?
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Considering this, it’s no wonder many soccer players are stars who earn a lot of money. But to be so famous and adored, you must win soccer games. And with that, you get to lift trophies. But which soccer players are the absolute best among the…

Greatest MLS Teams Of All Time
Major League Soccer is the men’s professional soccer league in the United States. It is the highest level of soccer in the US, a relatively young competition, founded in 1994, with the first season played in 1996. Through the years, MLS has grown into becoming one of the largest top-tier soccer leagues, amassing 28 soccer…

Best Premier League Strikers of all time
As the most watched and followed soccer league in the world, the English Premier League is box office viewing every weekend. Seen by many as the spiritual home of the game, England and the Premier League sees sell-out crowds in every stadium and the world’s best players doing battle on a weekly basis. Having transitioned…

Who Has Won The Most Soccer World Cups?
Whilst the prominence and importance of club football dominates social media sites and the columns of publications on a daily basis, there remains one undisputed king of soccer tournaments. The World Cup has long been the premier soccer tournament in world soccer, one of the highlights of the world sporting calendar every four years. It…

Top 10 Soccer Tournaments in the World
Whilst winning a league title in any sport is seen as the crème de la crème of achievements, soccer has some of the most incredible individual tournaments in the world. Both domestic and international soccer create encapsulating theater through the medium of tournaments, with knockout soccer one of the ultimate USP’s the sport has to…

Most Successful Spanish Soccer Clubs Of All Time
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It’s no wonder the same is the case in Spain. Spanish soccer is currently among the best in the world, and the popularity of the sport has brought us some of the greatest soccer clubs in history. The way FIFA is the governing body of world…

10 of The Best Soccer Stadiums In The World
Having a proper ground where you can gather both a huge number of fans and soccer enthusiasts is a vital part of every soccer club in the world. There are various instances where a club with a huge following can’t quite welcome as many supporters as they would like to and vice versa. Some of…

Shortest Soccer Players of All Time
There are many advantages of being a tall, and generally speaking, a physical person. Or at least that’s the case in real life and some sports like ice hockey, football, and, of course, basketball. But is being short that big of an issue for people who play soccer? The short answer is no, not really….

Best Soccer Referees of All Time
While soccer is currently one of the most popular sports in the entire world, there still aren’t many young soccer players interested in taking a different path and becoming one of the officials. Of course, being a professional referee is not that easy of a task, and finding an expert takes not only resources but…

Top 10 Richest Soccer Clubs in The World
A highly competitive sport like soccer requires a lot of financing. The gap between the top 10 richest soccer clubs in the world and the rest has constantly been growing, especially over the past decade. We’ve seen an enormous influx of money, mostly from various sponsors who want to advertise their brand. However, that’s not…

When Is The Next Soccer World Cup?
World Cup – two words that make every single soccer enthusiast excited. But when and where is the next FIFA World Cup – the most prominent sports competition after the Olympic Games. For 2022, FIFA decided to hold the World Cup in Qatar – the first-ever international soccer competition held in the Arab world. We’ve…

Why Do Soccer Players Tape Their Wrists?
Many soccer players all around the world wear different kinds of accessories. We’ve seen major shifts in fashion both on and off the pitch in the past decade or so. But why do soccer players wear tape on their wrists? Is that a fashion statement or something a bit different? We are all used to…

The Most Important Position in Soccer
Like in any other sport, soccer has many different positions and roles. The number of all possible positions/roles is even higher than 11, which is the total number of players a team can start a game with. Suppose we group everything up into four main positions. In that case, we will notice that every soccer…

What Season is Soccer Played in?
As the most played and watched sport in the world, soccer is truly a universal game. With its roots originally in Northern Europe, particularly in the UK, the USP of soccer is the simple nature of both the rules of the game and the scoring systems used – making it very much the ‘game of…

Why Are Soccer Balls Black and White?
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It has fans in all corners of the planet. Billions of people love soccer, and the soccer ball has brought joy to them on many occasions. The simple image of a black and white soccer ball can make a soccer fan smile, reminding him of all…

Do Soccer Players Prefer Grass Over Turf?
Do soccer, football, and many other sports that use the grassy surface as the playing field really go that deep into the world of upkeep? If you’re just an average sports enthusiast, you would probably be surprised at how much work is put into maintaining the playing field and choosing the correct surface on which…

Can You Wear Metal Stud Soccer Cleats?
If you consider yourself a soccer enthusiast, you probably already know that footwear used in the sport is somewhat similar to footwear used in football. Running on a grassy field or turf can be a bit challenging in either one. Because of that, many different manufacturers have constantly been developing technology around soccer cleats or…

The Most Influential Soccer Agents
The deadline day drama is sometimes even more interesting than the start of a season itself – especially in the era of social media. This is because so many rumors and speculations make the atmosphere around the final day of a transfer window sensational. And what’s more, there are not one but two deadline days…

When Do Soccer Players Retire?
Like in every major sport, there is an age when a player just can’t keep up with everyone else. When it comes to soccer, the retirement age can vary. The average age at which a male player retires is 35. Soccer players start their careers young and can be professional by the age of 16,…

What Happens If a Soccer Goalie Gets a Red Card?
Soccer fans know certain actions are crucial for the game. Scoring a goal is the most important thing, but other events can also change the game. One such is for a player to get a red card. While soccer fans know what a red card is and why it is so important, many are unfamiliar…

How Many Soccer Teams Are In The Olympics?
It may not enjoy the high profile of many other sports which are competed at every Olympic Games, but there has been a soccer tournament at every Games except two, competed for between certain member countries of the International Olympic Committee. Here, we explain how the tournament has evolved, and chart the number of teams…

What Is A Friendly Game In Soccer?
Many soccer matches have something at stake if one team wins, whether it’s points in a league, or even a trophy for a cup final. But pro and amateur soccer teams also often play friendly matches between themselves outside their regular competitive schedule. This article explains what these games are and their purposes. Friendly soccer…

How Much Do Soccer Referees Get Paid?
Being one of the most popular and highest-paid sports in the entire world, you would expect that soccer referees are paid quite a huge amount of money per season. Well, not really. Even though there are far more serious and challenging jobs, soccer referees are one of a kind – not only do they have…
How Many Games in a Soccer Season?
Soccer enthusiasts around the world often wonder how many games are played in a season across various leagues. With soccer being the most popular sport globally, there’s no shortage of professional leagues spanning across countries and continents. Each league has its own unique format that determines how many games are played in a season. For…

What Are The Best Soccer Leagues in The World?
Few sports manage to transcend society in the way that soccer does, making it the most popular and participated in sport in the world. With deep historical links to the UK, soccer has grown exponentially the world over, with hundreds of leagues and cups competed on a weekly basis. Vying for the title as the…

Why Do Soccer Players Wear Sport Bras?
There is a huge possibility that you might’ve noticed soccer players wearing some sort of a bra-like feature beneath their shirt over the past decade or so. Even though there are many clubs, and especially players who are competing with each other about who has the best look, wearing a sports-bra kind of equipment is…

Official Soccer Ball Sizes
Understanding Soccer Ball Sizes Soccer balls come in different sizes, each corresponding to specific age groups. Knowing which size to choose for you or your child can make a significant impact on their skill development and enjoyment of the game. In this section, we’ll discuss the various soccer ball sizes and their recommended age groups….

How Tall and Wide Is A Soccer Goal?
The goal is the most significant thing in soccer. As we have learned before, a goal can refer to two separate things: a goal as a frame at both ends of the soccer pitch and a goal as putting the ball over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar. But in this…

Guide to a Midfield Position in Soccer
As the name suggests, a midfielder is usually positioned in the middle of the playing field. Depending on the type and the position, a player can potentially cover several different areas. We will clarify various positions and roles of midfield players and will give an example of a player archetype. What kinds of midfield positions…

How Long Is A Women’s Soccer Game?
A game of soccer is generally played over a set time, with that time split into two halves. Here, we explain how long a women’s soccer game is generally, and the reasons why the game is divided into two halves. Soccer around the world, at amateur, semi-professional and pro levels, is governed by a set…

How Many Miles Do Soccer Players Run In A Game?
Any game of soccer involves most outfield players doing quite a lot of running to keep up with play. So we take a look at the figures showing the average distance run in a soccer game – some of the stats might surprise you! How long would it take you to run or walk 12…

What Are The Goal Kick Rules in Soccer?
In comparison to many other sports, soccer is generally classified as very simple in terms of the rules associated with the game and the terminology used around the sport. The basic premise of soccer is of course very simple; to score more goals than the opposition. However, actually executing that is not as simple as…

What Country is Soccer Most Popular in?
With its status as the most popular sport in the world very much intact, soccer’s global presence is as strong today as it ever has been. Due to its relatively accessible nature the world over, in that all that is needed to play the game is a ball, soccer has the biggest following on the…

The Highest-Scoring Soccer Game Ever
Soccer in essence is simple: to score more goals than the opposition and in doing that, a team will go on to win the game. Goals are the currency in which all teams at any level of soccer deal in and over the course of soccer history, there have been some incredible goal-scoring feats that…

How Many Players Are on a Soccer Team?
Soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world, is a popular sport played by millions of people of all ages. One of the essential aspects of this game is the number of players on a team. Although it might seem simple, understanding the standard number of players, positions, and variations in different…

What is a ‘False 9’ In Soccer
A role heavily popularized by Guardiola’s Barcelona was first introduced to the mainstream soccer world in the early 2010s. Throughout the whole past decade, there were many different strategies used by various coaches, but there wasn’t a single one that was as influential and as popular as the false 9 strategy. There were many cases…

What Languages Does Ronaldo Speak?
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest soccer players in history. He is also one of the most famous soccer stars around the globe – over 400 million people follow him on social media Instagram. But apart from being an international star, Cristiano Ronaldo is also an international man – he can speak in many…

Can Lionel Messi Speak English?
Lionel Messi is one of the most famous soccer players in the world. He is also one of the greatest soccer players ever and he has millions of fans around the globe. But one thing that many people are unsure of is what languages Messi can speak. And also, can Lionel Messi speak English? That…

A Guide to Offensive Positions in Soccer
Scoring goals is the currency in which all soccer teams deal in and ultimately, success, trophies and winning soccer matches comes down to scoring goals. Ultimately, all soccer teams and players are judged by their ability to put the ball into the back of the net and having an effective offensive strategy is integral to…

Defensive Soccer Positions: A Complete Guide
Whilst it is certainly not the most glamorous occupation on a soccer field, being a defender is crucial to any side’s tactical balance in any given game. Anybody who has played soccer to any level will be all too aware of the importance of being able to defend effectively both individually and as a team,…

Why does Olympic Soccer have an Age Limit?
The Olympics are one of the best sporting competitions in the world. Every four years, they engross the whole world. Many sports get their new Olympic champions, as the winning athletes get to call themselves the very best among the very best. But things are different in soccer. Soccer at the Olympics is a rare…

What is a Goal in Soccer And What is it Worth?
The most important thing in soccer is a goal. But many people don’t understand what a goal is in soccer and what the word refers to. In this article, we will be learning about various definitions of what a goal is exactly and why it is so crucial for soccer. We will look at how…

A Guide To Soccer Goalkeeper Rules
The rules of soccer include several which dictate what goalkeepers can and cannot do in a game. Here, we round up those rules and explain why they make the goalkeeper one of any soccer team’s most important members. The goalkeeper is many ways the most important player on a soccer team. Required to be strong…

How Many Soccer Teams Are There in London?
London, like many other major European cities, is represented by more than a couple of teams (we will refer to them as clubs from now on) – more than any other city in “the old continent” to be more exact. It is possible that some readers might be confused and are wondering how one city…

How do Loans Work in Soccer?
Even though the idea of having players on loan is not exclusive to soccer, various nuances make everything a little bit more complicated compared to the other popular sports in the States. If the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions transfers is “Moneyball”, well, the situation here is quite a bit different….

How Many Red Cards Does Messi Have?
Lionel Messi is one of the best players in the history of soccer. He is also one of the most famous soccer players in the world. Messi is known for his incredible goal-scoring prowess, playmaking skills and ability to beat teams almost by himself. Throughout his trophy-laden career, he has been described as a calm…

What Does Aggregate Mean in Soccer?
The word “aggregate” in soccer refers to the scoreline between the two teams after two games they have played against each other. Certain words in soccer are part of its usual terminology that many people find confusing. Aggregate is one such word. When two teams play two games against each other, the scorelines from the…

What Is A Striker In Soccer?
Strikers are the players on a soccer team whose job is to play furthest forward up the pitch around their opponents’ goal, and try to score as many goals as possible – or to create chances for their team-mates to do so. We look at a striker’s role, and list the qualities a good striker…

How Many Substitutions Are Allowed In Soccer?
Today’s elite soccer leagues around the world allow up to five substitutions per team in each match. But as recently as the 1950s substitutes were unheard of. This article outlines the history of substitutions and explains the reasons for this increase, showing how the laws of soccer have changed to adapt as the game itself…

Does Soccer Have Overtime?
The equivalent of overtime in many other sports may be called either time-added-on or extra-time in soccer, depending on the reasons why it is needed. One is when time is allowed by the referee to compensate for interruptions to the game, and the other is an extra half-hour played at the end of a match…

What Is Relegation In Soccer And How Does It Work?
Relegation happens to a soccer team when it fails to win enough of the matches in its league during a season and so ends the season at or near the bottom of the league. Here is an explanation of how the system of relegation and promotion between the divisions in a league works. In American…

Is Soccer In The Olympics?
Even if you’re not a big fan of soccer, then you’re likely to know about the Olympic Games. Possibly the biggest international sporting competition in the world, the Games take place every four years, and the first ones were held in Athens, Greece in 1896. These first Olympic Games, or Olympiad, saw 280 competitors from…

What Does FC Mean In Soccer?
The letters ‘FC’ are very often found in the official titles of a soccer team – along with a few other variants. FC stands for “Football Club”. It is used by many soccer clubs in Europe, and even some American clubs that use FC in their club names even though the sport is known as…

Why Is Soccer Not As Popular In The U.S.?
It’s by far the most popular sport on the planet, so why haven’t Americans taken soccer – or football – to their hearts in the same way as much of the rest of the world? In the countries where it is the number one sport, it’s often referred to as ‘the beautiful game’, yet in…

Why Is Soccer So Popular Worldwide?
Soccer is a sport that has reached every continent of the world, and it’s estimated that it is played by as many as 200 million people worldwide. For so many, it is not just a sport. It has come to represent a community, led to them forming new friendships, and give them something which can…

Why Do Soccer Players Fake Injuries?
There is no doubting that soccer is a highly physical game. A player from one team will almost always be trying to win the ball from an opponent, because it is usually only by having possession of the ball for a sequence of passes up the pitch that their team can create chances to score…

What is a Handball in Soccer?
A handball occurs if any player, other than the team’s goalkeeper within his own penalty area, deliberately handles the ball when in play. A ball can be handled with any part of the arm, from the tips of a player’s fingers right up to the shoulder. Which Part Of The Arm Is Handball In Soccer?…

What Is VAR In Soccer?
There’s no hotter topic in the whole of soccer at the moment than the use of VAR, or video assistant referees. It’s causing (sometimes heated) and extensive debate. VAR is commonly used as a generic term referring both to the match official who carries out the reviews of contentious incidents, and to the video technology…

How Big is a Soccer Field?
Size and dimensions of a soccer field The size and dimensions of the soccer field are a heavily regulated part of soccer. This is to ensure that the game remains fair for teams playing at home and away matches. Whilst not all soccer fields are the same size, they need to retain certain dimensions to…

What is a Hat-Trick in Soccer?
There are a few ways in which a soccer player can impress crowds with their skills and set themselves apart from the average standard of players, and one of the most surefire methods for a player to solidify this status in the soccer world is to score a hat-trick. Scoring a hat-trick in soccer is…

What is a Yellow Card in Soccer
A yellow card in soccer is a physical item carried by the referee. It is, quite literally, a yellow piece of card. Yellow cards are used in matches to caution players for disruptive or unsportsman-like behavior. They are used as a caution for minor offenses, whilst a red card is used as a much harsher…

How Long is a Soccer Game?
The typical length for a professional soccer game is 90 minutes (also known as ‘full-time‘), and consists of two halves of 45 minutes, with the potential for additional time at the end of each half. Although this is the standard written into the Laws of the Game (Law 7), the length of matches in different…

What is the Offside Rule in Soccer?
The offside rule in soccer is controversial. There have been many times in important matches when players have scored and then been judged to have been offside. These goals are then disallowed, much to the disappointment of players and fans – especially when the decision is not clear cut. The offside rule is the 11th…

Who Invented Soccer? A Brief History of The Sport
Soccer is undoubtedly the most popular sport in the world. It is played by millions of people of all ages, from the grassroots level to professional, international tournaments. While it is known across the U.S. as soccer, the sport is more famous in most parts of the world as football. This is because the technical…

Soccer or Football: What’s the Correct Name for the Sport?
The terms soccer and football are used in different parts of the world to refer to the same game. While this may seem confusing, there are good reasons behind it. Soccer, or variations of the word in different languages, is less frequently used than the term football or its various translations. In this post, we…

Rules of Soccer
A definitive guide to the laws & regulations of soccer Soccer, or football as it is known in some countries, is one of the oldest and most well-known sports globally. Some of the world’s strongest soccer leagues are in European countries such as Spain, England, Germany, and Italy. There are many international soccer tournaments where…