Which sport originated earlier, American football or soccer (association football)? The origin of the terms and the sports themselves are often confused. This article from CauHoi2025.UK.COM clarifies the history of both sports, explaining which came first and why they’re called what they are. Discover the fascinating evolution of these popular games and understand their distinct places in sports history.
1. Soccer (Association Football) Predates American Football
Yes, soccer, more formally known as association football, came before American football. While forms of football existed for centuries, the codification of soccer’s rules in England in 1863 marks its formal origin. American football, which evolved from both rugby and soccer, emerged later in the late 19th century in the United States. Let’s delve into the history to fully understand the relationship between these two sports.
1.1. The Genesis of Association Football
The sport known globally as football, but often as “soccer” in the United States, traces its roots to England. In 1863, the newly established Football Association (FA) formalized a unified set of rules. Prior to this, various forms of football were played with differing rules, often leading to disputes and inconsistencies. The FA’s standardized rules provided a foundation for the modern game, emphasizing kicking and passing the ball with minimal handling. This formalization marked a critical point in the sport’s history, distinguishing it from other forms of football.
1.2. The Emergence of Rugby Football
During the same period in England, another form of football was gaining popularity: rugby football. Named after Rugby School, where it was played, rugby differed from association football by allowing players to carry the ball and run with it. The divergence between these two sports led to the need for distinct names. Linguistically creative students at Oxford University in the 1880s coined the terms “rugger” for rugby football and “assoccer” for association football. The latter was then shortened to “soccer.”
1.3. The Nickname “Soccer” and Its British Origins
Interestingly, the term “soccer” originated as a nickname in Britain. While “soccer” was used, it never fully replaced “football” as the primary name for association football in England. By the 20th century, “football” became the established term for association football, while rugby football was simply called “rugby”. However, across the Atlantic, the story of “soccer” was about to take a different turn.
2. American Football’s Roots in Rugby and Soccer
In the late 19th century, the United States saw the development of a sport that combined elements of both rugby and association football. This new sport, known as American football, quickly gained popularity, eclipsing both its parent sports in the American landscape.
2.1. The Evolution of Gridiron Football
Early versions of American football were essentially hybrids of rugby and soccer. Over time, the game evolved with rule changes that emphasized tackling, blocking, and the use of the forward pass. These changes distinguished American football from its European counterparts. The sport’s unique features, such as the “line of scrimmage” and the down-and-distance system, further solidified its distinct identity.
2.2. The Rise of American Football’s Popularity
American football soon became a cultural phenomenon in the United States. College football gained a massive following, and professional leagues emerged, attracting large crowds and generating significant revenue. The sport’s physicality, strategic complexity, and dramatic moments contributed to its widespread appeal. As American football’s popularity soared, the need to differentiate it from association football became increasingly important.
2.3. The Adoption of “Soccer” in the United States
To avoid confusion with American football, association football players and organizations in the United States increasingly adopted the term “soccer”. In 1945, the United States Football Association officially changed its name to the United States Soccer Football Association. Later, they dropped the “Football” altogether, solidifying “soccer” as the official name for the sport in the United States.
