Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is the most popular sport in the world. Played by millions, it brings together nations and communities in competitive and friendly matches. Understanding the rules is essential to appreciate the game fully. Here, we break down the core rules of football as defined by FIFA, the global governing body of the sport, and highlight some significant records that have shaped the game.
The Objective of the Game
Football is played between two teams of 11 players each, including a goalkeeper. The primary objective is to score goals by getting the ball into the opponent’s net. The team that scores the most goals by the end of 90 minutes wins the match. If the match ends in a tie in knockout rounds, it may go into extra time or a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
The Field and Equipment
The field of play in football varies slightly depending on the venue, but it must remain within the defined dimensions. Players use minimal equipment, which is one of the reasons football is accessible globally:
- Field dimensions: A standard football pitch is rectangular, measuring 90-120 meters in length and 45-90 meters in width.
- Ball: The football is spherical with a circumference of 68-70 cm and weighs between 410-450 grams.
- Player equipment: Players must wear a jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, and football boots. Goalkeepers must wear gloves and a distinguishable kit from the outfield players and the referees.
Duration of the Match
A match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute interval in between. In some cases, stoppage time is added at the end of each half to compensate for injuries or time-wasting.
Starting and Restarting Play
Restarts, such as kick-offs and throw-ins, are crucial moments in football, often setting up goal-scoring opportunities:
- Kick-off: At the start of each half and after a goal, the game restarts with a kick-off from the center of the pitch.
- Throw-in: When the ball crosses the sideline, the opposing team of the player who last touched the ball takes a throw-in from the spot where it left the field.
- Corner kicks: Awarded to the attacking team when the ball crosses the goal line without scoring, last touched by a defender.
- Goal kicks: Given when the ball crosses the goal line without a goal being scored and is last touched by an attacker.
Offside Rule
A player is considered offside if they are closer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second-last defender at the moment the ball is passed to them. However, a player cannot be offside if they are in their own half or level with the second-last defender.
Fouls and Misconduct
Fouls are an part of football, but they serve an important role in maintaining the sport’s integrity. The referees enforce these rules to protect players and ensure the game is played fairly:
- Direct free kicks: Awarded for serious fouls such as kicking, tripping, or pushing an opponent. A direct free kick allows the team to shoot directly at the goal.
- Indirect free kicks: Given for less severe infractions, such as dangerous play or obstruction. The ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored from an indirect free kick.
- Yellow and red cards: A yellow card is a warning for misconduct, while a red card means the player is sent off, reducing the team to 10 players. Two yellow cards in a match result in a red card.
Penalty Kicks
If a foul is committed by the defending team within their own penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded to the attacking team. The kick is taken from the penalty spot, 11 meters away from the goal, with only the goalkeeper allowed to defend.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers are unique in football as they are the only players permitted to use their hands, making them the last line of defense. A great goalkeeper can save a team from defeat, and their ability to read the game is crucial to organizing the defense.
Football Records: The Best of the Best
Football’s long history has seen numerous records set by exceptional players, teams, and matches. Here are some of the most iconic records in football history:
- Most Goals Scored by a Player in Official Matches. As of 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored in official matches, with over 850 career goals. He has achieved this across domestic leagues, international competitions, and club tournaments, making him a football legend.
- Most World Cup Titles (Team). Brazil holds the record for the most FIFA World Cup titles, with 5 championships (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002). Their dominance on the global stage has established them as one of football’s most successful nations.
- Longest Unbeaten Streak (Team). Between 2018 and 2021, the Italian national football team set the record for the longest unbeaten streak in international football, going 37 matches without a loss. This streak showcased Italy’s defensive strength and tactical prowess.
- Most Expensive Transfer. The record for the most expensive football transfer was set in 2017 when Neymar Jr. moved from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a staggering €222 million. This transfer shook the football world and raised questions about financial regulations in the sport.
- Fastest Hat-Trick. The fastest hat-trick in football history was scored by Sadio Mané in 2015 while playing for Southampton in a Premier League match against Aston Villa. Mané netted three goals in just 2 minutes and 56 seconds.
- Most Goals in a Single World Cup. In the 1958 FIFA World Cup, Just Fontaine of France scored 13 goals, setting the record for the most goals in a single tournament. His record remains unbroken to this day, highlighting the rarity of such a prolific scoring feat in the World Cup.
- Highest Attendance. The highest-ever attendance for a football match occurred during the 1950 World Cup final in Brazil. The match between Brazil and Uruguay at the Maracanã Stadium drew an estimated 199,854 spectators, setting a record for the largest crowd in football history.
Understanding the fundamental rules of football allows fans to appreciate the nuances of the game, while the records highlight the extraordinary achievements within the sport. Football continues to captivate audiences globally, with every match providing the potential for new history to be written. Whether it’s breaking long-standing records or adhering to the laws of the game, football’s universal appeal is unmatched.