Is Football The King of Sports?

By: Justin Flowers

If horse racing is the Sport of Kings then football, or soccer, is the King of Sports. The word soccer is derived from the phrase 'association football', and it serves to make a distinction between the global sport, from that played in North America.

People have joined together to dribble a ball, or other object about, for centuries. Regulations for the game, as we now understand it, were decided in the United Kingdom, in the middle of the nineteenth century. Previous to this the sport had a rather tarnished and aggressive reputation, to the point that it was forbidden occasionally, by the king.

From these humble beginnings, the sport of football has increased in popularity, to turn out to be the sports phenomenon it has now become. Intercontinental soccer has grown into a gigantic sports conglomerate. Well known footballers, represent football clubs which are household names, and operate as large business enterprises. The sport has many rich and powerful people as chairmen, and top footballers and coaches get salaries equivalent to pop icons.

Football's development has resulted, not only from supporters flooding into massive stadiums through the turnstiles, but also from media exposure, where millions are paid for the privilege of broadcasting games. Thinking back to 1930 the most significant award, the world cup, has been won in more or less equal measure by European and South American countries.

Nevertheless, talented footballers are being discovered in other continents including, Australia, Africa, and Asia. Not to forget the USA, helped along by their successful hosting of the world cup in 1994. Surprisingly, the Glazers of Tampa Bay fame, have acquired Manchester United, known as the worlds richest football club. It would be difficult to put a figure on the collective value of the major footballers, and the clubs they are contracted to play for.

Global soccer is a gigantic business. From gate money, to media rights, sponsorships, to replica football gear, a vast industry has been created. Grown men and small boys, and quite a number of women and girls, fancy wearing the strips of the top clubs or star players. Some dribble balls about in playgrounds, waste ground, and also on quiet streets.

Young people, hope to develop that extra bit of talent, which will shoot them into a world of riches, and adulation. Many will move on to do different things, but very occasionally a young protégé will surface, and astonish the sporting world with a flair which could be highly rewarded, in the name of "The King of Sports".

Niche Article Directory: http://www.thatsmyniche.com

Justin Flowers writes articles regarding sports, health, computing, and other topics. If you want to know more about the terrific game of football, please visit his web site www.worldsoccer-online.com which contains information regarding Pictures of Brazilian Soccer Players, and other matters.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated