This page indexes the individual year in association football pages. Each year is annotated with one or more significant events as a reference point.
Pre 1870s - 1870s - 1880s - 1890s - 1900s - 1910s - 1920s - 1930s - 1940s - 1950s - 1960s - 1970s - 1980s - 1990s - 2000s - 2010s
[edit] Pre 1870s - Prehistory of football — "tsu chu" (蹴鞠 or 蹴踘) begins to be played in China sometime in the 3rd century BC; Richard Mulcaster "the greatest sixteenth Century advocate of football" [1] gives the earliest evidence of organized pie team "footeball", player positions, referees and coaches. Mulcaster confirms that this was a game close to modern football by differentiating it from games involving other parts of the body, namely "the hand ball" and "the armeball"[2]; the first known official match, Calcio Fiorentino, is played in Florence in January 1739. In the early 1800s football prospers through England's major public schools; the 1835 "Highway Act" in England bans playing of football in public streets.
- 1840s in football — The Cambridge Rules are created in 1848. Official referees appear for the first time in a football match, at a match held in Cheltenham in 1849, two in field and one in tribune.
- 1850s in football — Sheffield F.C., the first football club in the world, is founded in 1857; the Sheffield Rules are also created.
- 1860s in football — British railway builders introduce football to Argentina. In 1860 was founded the first non-British team in Europe Lausanne Football and Cricket Club, Switzeralnd. The Football Association is founded in 1863 (the first football association in the world), and it ratifies the original 14 rules of the game. In 1865 is founded Nottingham Forest F.C.. In 1865 Buenos Aires FC formed by British residents. The first ever football tournament, the Youdan Cup, is played by twelve Sheffield clubs in 1867; the Cromwell Cup, the second oldest football tournament in the world, takes place in 1868 with Sheffield Rules; Goal kicks are introduced in 1869.
- 1870 in football — First "goalkeepers", and passage from "dribbling game" to "passing game" is seen in club matches in Sheffield and London; the first international match arranged by the Football Association between England and Scotland on March 5, 1870 finishes in a 0-0 draw at the Kennington Oval in London. Combination Game developed by Royal Engineers AFC.
- 1871 in football — Charles William Alcock creates the Football Association Challenge Cup, the oldest cup tournament alive. Additional international football matches
- 1872 in football — Scotland and England draw 0–0 in the first FIFA-recognized international football match, played at the West of Scotland Cricket Club; Wanderers beat Royal Engineers in the first FA Cup final; kick corner and ball fixture is introduced by The Football Association; the first Welsh football club, Wrexham A.F.C., is founded. France introduced by English sailors playing in Le Havre and club formed.
- 1873 in football — The Scottish Football Association was founded. The offside law is changed so that an offside position is determined when the ball is played by a team-mate, rather than when it is received. Rangers F.C. is founded.
- 1874 in football — The FA authorizes referees to send players off for certain offences, and makes a rule requiring teams to change ends at halftime. The first shin pads are introduced. Aston Villa F.C. is founded.
- 1875 in football — The crossbar is introduced, replacing tape as the means of marking the top of the goal. Oxford University tour Germany and a number of German Universities take up the game (one of first countries to play under FA rules outside Britain).
- 1876 in football — Carlton Cricket Club (Canada) form football section and subsequently made tours of Britain.
- 1877 in football — The length of a match is set at 90 minutes.
- 1878 in football — Referees begin to use whistles. Manchester United, FIFA Classic Club, is founded as Newton Heath L&YR F.C.
- 1879 in football — Kjøbenhavns Boldklub introduces itself as the first sports club in continental Europe.
- 1880 in football — Clubs charge for admission Players paid lost wages and expenses (players still part-time).
- 1881 in football —
- 1882 in football — Queens Park Rangers FC is founded. The first club in Uruguay formed by English professor at Montevideo University; another club later formed by British railway engineers. Two-handed throw-in introduced.
- 1883 in football —
- 1884 in football — Played for the first time the British Home Championship, the oldest tournament for national teams: the Scotland national team emerged as winner.
- 1885 in football — The Football Association legalises professionalism. The first non-European international was contested on the 28 November 1885, at Newark, New Jersey, between the USA and Canada, the Canadians winning 1-0. Arbroath beat Bon Accord 36-0 in the Scottish Cup, a record which stands to this day.
- 1886 in football — The FAs of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland formed the International Football Association Board; The Football Association introduces a 'cross tape' between goalposts as a precedent to the 'crossbar'. Arsenal FC is founded.
- 1887 in football — The first football team in South America was founded, Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata, Argentina. British introduce football to Russia. Hamburger SV is founded.
- 1888 in football — The Football League, the first national football league competition, is founded in England. Celtic F.C. is founded.
- 1889 in football — The Royal Netherlands Football Association and Danish Football Association are founded, the Danish one is the first non-British European football association. The Football Alliance is formed as a rival to the The Football League. The first football association not admitted to FIFA is formed: the Cornwall County Football Association.
- 1890 in football — The Scottish Football League is formed. Goal nets used for the first time.
- 1891 in football — The penalty kick is introduced. Liverpool engineer John Alexander Brodie invents the football net[3][4] Assistant referees are first introduced as linesmen. The first Oceanian football association is formed: the New Zealand Soccer. The first ever championship outside Britain take place in Argentina: AAF Championship. C.A. Peñarol, FIFA Classic Club, is founded.
- 1892 in football — The Football League introduces a second division. Liverpool F.C. is founded. The first Asian football association is formed: the Football Association of Singapore. Argentina is the first country outside Britain to inaugurate national championship.
- 1893 in football — Argentine Football Association is founded, the first South American football association. Is founded the first Italian club football team: Genoa Cricket and Football Club. F.C. Porto, FIFA Classic Club, is founded.
- 1894 in football — Referee in complete control of game.
- 1895 in football — The Belgian Football Association is founded. Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, FIFA Classic Club, is founded.
- 1896 in football — Italy's first national championship is organised by the Italian Federation of Gymnastics. Played at the first Summer Olympics in Athens football as exhibition game.
- 1897 in football — The Football League introduces automatic promotion and relegation between its two divisions. Italian giants Juventus F.C., FIFA Classic Club, was founded as Sport Club Juventus.
- 1898 in football — The Italian Football Federation is formed. CR Vasco da Gama is founded. Athletic Bilbao first club formed in Spain.
- 1899 in football — FC Barcelona is founded. Club Nacional de Football and AC Milan, FIFA Classic Clubs, were founded.
- 1900 in football — FC Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax, FIFA Classic Clubs, were founded. RCD Espanyol de Barcelona is founded. Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol and German Football Association were founded. Borussia Mönchengladbach is founded.
- 1901 in football — The first international match between South American national teams is played: Uruguay-Argentina 2-3. Club Atlético River Plate, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. C.F. Pachuca is founded. Czechoslovak Football Association and Hungarian Football Federation are founded.
- 1902 in football — 26 people die and over 500 are injured when a section of the terracing collapses after a Scotland-England British Home Championship match at Ibrox Park; five Spanish clubs compete for the first Copa del Rey; the first Brazilan football league, the Campeonato Paulista is won by São Paulo Athletic Club. Real Madrid, the FIFA 20th Century Club and FIFA Classic Club, was founded. The first North American football association (geographically South American but from ever affiliated to CONCACAF) is formed: the Guyana Football Federation. Olimpia Asunción, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. Fluminense Football Club is founded.
- 1903 in football — The first international match between non-British European national teams: Hungary-Bohemia 2-1. Besiktas JK, Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, Racing Club de Avellaneda and Atlético de Madrid, FIFA Classic Clubs, are founded.
- 1904 in football — FIFA is founded in Paris on 21 May. The first football association geographically in North America is formed: the Fédération Haïtienne de Football. S.L. Benfica and Argentinos Juniors is formed. Swedish Football Association is founded. Professional Footballers Association (PFA) formed.
- 1905 in football — Galatasaray SK and Chelsea FC are founded. Played for the first time the Muratti Vase, the oldest tournament for FAs not admitted to FIFA, won by Guernsey; in this edition was played for the first time an international match between teams not admitted to FIFA too: Guernsey - Alderney 6-0. Club Atlético Boca Juniors, Estudiantes de La Plata, and Club Atlético Independiente, FIFA Classic Clubs, are founded.
- 1906 in football — England join FIFA.
- 1907 in football — Fenerbahce SK, Al-Ahly and Bradford Park Avenue AFC are founded.
- 1908 in football — FC Internazionale, San Lorenzo de Almagro and Feyenoord Rotterdam, FIFA Classic Clubs, were founded. Manchester United are the champions of the Football League, their first of 17 domestic championships. For the first time, officially, is played a football tournament at the Summer Olympics in London, won by Great Bretain team. Organized in Italy the Torneo Internazionale Stampa Sportiva, the first international football tournament for clubs, but not officially. Panathinaikos FC is founded.
- 1909 in football — Played for the first time in Italy the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy, considered officially the first international football tournament for clubs. R.S.C. Anderlecht is founded. Sport Club Internacional and Borussia Dortmund, FIFA Classic Clubs, are founded.
- 1950 in football — Uruguay win the 1950 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil, when they beat the hosts 2-1 in the final group match of the tournament, also known as the Maracanazo. Earlier in the same tournament, one of the biggest upsets in football history occurs, when the USA shocks England 1–0.
- 1951 in football — Use of white ball permitted. Played for the first time in Brazil the Copa Rio won by Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras considered, unofficially, the precursor of the Club World Cup, however is the first world tournament for clubs.
- 1952 in football — Hungary's revolutionary tactics help the Golden Team to win the football at the 1952 Summer Olympics. Is played for the first time the Panamerican Championship in Chile, won by Brazil.
- 1953 in football — England lose a home match for the first time, 6–3 to Hungary.
- 1954 in football — UEFA is founded in Basel, Switzerland; West Germany win the 1954 FIFA World Cup, coming back from 0-2 to win the final game 3-2 against Hungary, a match known as The Miracle of Bern; the Mighty Magyars go to Molineux Stadium and get beaten 3-2 after leading 2-0 at half time. This game was to set a foundation for the European Cup. Club Universidad Nacional is founded. Asian Football Confederation is founded.
- 1955 in football — First UEFA Champions League. Played for the first time the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, considered the precursor of the UEFA Cup.
- 1956 in football — Real Madrid beat Stade de Reims-Champagne 4–3 in the first European Cup final, then UEFA Champions League; Stanley Matthews wins the first European Footballer of the Year award; first RAI TV's transmission match football Serie A in Italy from Fiorentina and SSC Napoli. The first Asian Cup is played in Hong Kong, won by Korea Republic. Saudi Arabia Football Federation is founded. Floodlighting used for first time at League match (Portsmouth).
- 1957 in football — CAF is founded; only three teams enter the first African Cup of Nations in Sudan, won by Egypt; in England the Busby Babes of Manchester United retain the Football League Championship. Al-Hilal is founded.
- 1958 in football — 23 people, including eight Manchester United players, are killed in the Munich air disaster; Pelé and Garrincha star as Brazil win their first World Cup in Sweden, beating the hosts 5–2 in the final of the 1958 tournament.
- 1959 in football — Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. win their third league title in 6 years. Once Caldas is founded.
- 1980 in football — West Germany defeats Belgium 2–1 to take the European Football Championship.
- 1981 in football — The Football League begins awarding three points for a win instead of two. In Uruguay, to celebrate the 50 years of the World Cup, is organized the 1980 Mundialito, won by Uruguay.
- 1982 in football — Italy win their third World Cup title after a wait of 44 years, defeating West Germany 3-1 in the final at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid. Aston Villa win the European Cup, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the final.
- 1983 in football — Aberdeen beat Real Madrid to win their first European Trophy, the European Cup Winners Cup soon followed by defeating Hamburg to win the European Super Cup. Is played for the first time the OFC Women's Championship in New Caledonia, won by New Zealand.
- 1984 in football — Michel Platini leads Juventus to the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup, beating F.C. Porto in the final and the hosts France to the European Football Championship, beating Spain in the final; France also win the gold medal in the 1984 Olympic Games, beating Brazil in the final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Is organized for the first time the UEFA Women's Championship won by Sweden.
- 1985 in football — The Bradford fire occurs at Valley Parade taking the lives of 56 people and injuring another 200 during Bradford City's fixture with Lincoln City; The Heysel Stadium disaster takes place in Brussels at the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus F.C., leading to English clubs being banned from European club competition; The Old Lady became the first club in the history of European football to have won all three major UEFA competitions after defeating reds 1-0 in the European Cup final [6]. Michel Platini wins his third consecutive European Footballer of the Year award; for the first time, an African squad wins a FIFA tournament, the World Championship Under 16, as Nigeria surprisingly defeat favourites West Germany 2-0 in China. On 8 December Juventus become the first —and only at present— team in the world to have won all international cups and championships [6] after defeating Argentinos Juniors 6-4 (2-2 aet) in the Intercontinental Cup final at National Stadium in Tokyo [7]. Is organized for the first time the Artemio Franchi Trophy, won and hosted by France.
- 1986 in football — The 1986 World Cup finals are played for the second time in Mexico, with Argentina defeating West Germany 3-2 for their second title at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City; the tournament sees the dominance of Argentinian player Diego Maradona, scoring the infamous Hand of God goal, before his "Goal of the Century" solo dribble second goal, both in the quarterfinal against England. Alex Ferguson, the most decorated manager in English Football history, is appointed to be manager of Manchester United.
- 1987 in football — FC Porto win the European Cup for the first time after defeating Bayern Munich 2-1 in the final at Prater Stadium in Wien; in the second World Championship FIFA Under 16, the Soviet Union defeat Nigeria on penalties. Is played for the first time the OFC Champions League won by Adelaide City. Played for the first time an international match (friendly) between two womens teams not admitted to FIFA: Oland - Aland Islands 0-2.
- 1988 in football — The Netherlands, led by captain Ruud Gullit and top goal scorer Marco van Basten, defeat the Soviet Union 2-0 to win the Euro 1988 championship.
- 1989 in football — The Hillsborough disaster occurs in Sheffield, England, before the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, resulting in the loss of 96 lives. A football tournament is played for the first time at the Island Games, by FAs not admitted to FIFA, hosted and won by Faroe Islands.
- 1990 in football — West Germany win the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Rome, Italy, defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in the final; "Waterloo Day" for Austrian football in Euro 92 qualifying at Landskrona, Sweden, where the Faroe Islands defeat Austria 1-0 in the former's first ever international match.
- 1991 in football — In the inaugural Women's World Cup held in China, the USA win 2-1 over Norway; after being banned for six years, English clubs are again allowed to participate in competitions sponsored by UEFA; Diego Maradona is banned for 15 months in Italy's Serie A after testing positive for cocaine in a drug test. Is played for the first time the CAF Women's Championship won by Nigeria. Is played for the first time the CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup in Haiti, won by USA. Is played for the first time the Sudamericano Femenino, the main CONMEBOL women's tournament, hosted and won by Brazil.
- 1992 in football — In the final of Euro 92, Denmark surprisingly win 2-0 over Germany; Stadium Furiani disaster takes place in Bastia, Corsica; FA Premier League created as the top flight in English Football. Leeds United were champions of England. The first FIFA Confederations Cup is organized in Saudi Arabia, and won by Argentina.
- 1993 in football — Olympique de Marseille becomes the first French club to win the European Cup, newly renamed as the UEFA Champions League, defeating AC Milan 1–0 at the Olympiastadion in Munich. Marseille also win Ligue 1, but are stripped of the title due to a corruption scandal; 18 members of the Zambia national team die in a plane crash. Manchester United win the first FA Premier League title, their first of a record ten titles.
- 1994 in football — In the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Brazil win their fourth title, defeating Italy on penalties in the final held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
- 1995 in football — The Bosman ruling allows all footballers playing in the European Union and not under contract to freely change clubs, and also abolishes foreign player quotas with respect to EU nationals. Norway win the second FIFA Women's World Cup; Eric Cantona is suspended for six months by The FA for kicking Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons. Suwon Samsung Bluewings is founded.
- 1996 in football — Bayern Munich becomes the third club in the history of European football to have won all three major UEFA competitions after winning the UEFA Cup; In the Euro 96 final, Germany defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 with a golden goal from Oliver Bierhoff; Nigeria become the first African team to win the Olympic Tournament. Is played for the first time a football women's tournament at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, won by USA. Brazil get the world record of most consecutive matches without loose: 35 matches (equals in 2009 by Spain).
- 1997 in football — Eric Cantona announces his retirement from football; Helenio Herrera, legendary trainer of Inter in the 1960s dies.
- 1998 in football — In the 1998 FIFA World Cup final, France win 3-0 over Brazil at Stade de France to claim their first World Cup. Palestinian Football Federation is admitted to FIFA.
- 1999 in football — Manchester United win the Champions League, FA Cup and Premiership to cap off a historical "Treble", their manager, Alex Ferguson is Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to the game of football.; the USA, the hosting nation, defeat China in a penalty shootout to win the Women's World Cup in front of the largest crowd ever to witness a women's sporting event. Organized in Italy by UEFA the first continental tournament for regions: the UEFA Regions' Cup, won by Veneto.
- 2000 in football — France win their second European Championship title after beating Italy 2-1, with a golden goal in extra time; First FIFA Club World Cup, won by Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.
- 2001 in football — Real Madrid sign playmaker Zinedine Zidane of Juventus in a world record transfer fee of 72 million euros; Colombia won the 40th edition of Copa América, held in Colombia. Is played for the first time a women's football tournament at the Island Games in Isle of Man, for FAs not admitted to FIFA, won by Faroe Islands. Australia national team beat American Samoa 31-0 in the World Cup Qualification, is the World Record in an internatioal match, record which stands to this day.
- 2002 in football — Brazil set up a record fifth title in World Cup competition, the first ever world cup played in Asia, defeating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 FIFA World Cup final, Germany concede 2 goals in a match for the first time in that tournament, a result of Oliver Kahn's torn ligaments in his right ring finger. The first FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship is held in Canada, with the USA defeating the hosts in the final 1-0 on a golden goal in extra time.
- 2003 in football — Maldini makes football history by captaining AC Milan to a champions league victory, a feat his father did with AC Milan exactly 40 years before. Founded the NF-Board, the first international organization for FAs not admitted to FIFA. Rangers win their 50th League Championship.
- 2004 in football — Greece produce one of the shocks in football history and become surprise winners of the UEFA Euro 2004 football tournament, defeating the host nation Portugal 1-0 in the final. Waitakere United is founded. Arsenal completed the 2003-04 FA Premier League unbeaten.
- 2005 in football — The Champions League final in Istanbul sees Liverpool come back from a 0-3 half-time score to defeat A.C. Milan 3-2 in a penalty shootout, following a 3-3 draw. Also, a match-fixing scandal rocks German football, though it does not directly affect the First Bundesliga. Arsenal was named "The Invincibles" for their 49 league matches unbeaten run. The Australian A-league is launched in replacement of the 'NSL' to improve the quality of the game in the country.
- 2006 in football — 2006 FIFA World Cup is held in Germany and won by Italy on a penalty kick shootout over France; Zinedine Zidane plays his last professional game in the final captaining France only to be sent off in extra time, Ronaldo beats gerd muller's record with 15 goals in world cup finals; a major match-fixing scandal erupts in Italy, with five Serie A teams implicated; Egypt record victory for the fifth time in the African Cup of Nations; the U-19 Women's World Championship increases its age limit to 20 effective with this year's event in Russia, won by Korea DPR. Played in Occitania (France) the first edition of VIVA World Cup, won by Sapmi. Organized also the other two world cups for unrecognized countries: the FIFI Wild Cup in Germany (the first World Cup for FAs not admitted to FIFA) and the ELF Cup in Northern Cyprus, both won by Northern Cyprus.
- 2007 in football — Brazil won the 42nd edition of Copa América, held in Venezuela; FIFA Women's World Cup is held in China and won by Germany. On 9 November Étoile Sportive du Sahel became the first African squad to have won all official club competition recognized by Confederation of African Football [8] after defeating Al-Ahly 3-1 in the CAF Champions League final in Susa (Tunisia). Founded the first continental confederation, in South America, for FAs not admitted to FIFA, the CSANF, and is affiliated to NF-Board. Emirates Cup is founded by Arsenal.
- 2008 in football — Spain win their second European Championship title after beating Germany 1-0. Organized the second edition of VIVA World Cup in Sapmi, won by Padania. Manchester United accomplish a European Double by winning both the Champions League and the Premier League, moreover in December they also won the FIFA Club World Cup. Is played for the first time the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in New Zealand, won by Korea DPR. Is played for the first time the Women's Viva World Cup, the first World Cup for women's national teams not affiliated to FIFA, hosted and won by Sapmi. Organized also the first Non-Fifa continental tournament: the Europeada in Europe, won by South Tyrol.Bradford Park Avenue AFC win Unibond Division 1 North
- 2009 in football — The FIFA Confederations Cup is won by Brazil and is held in South Africa (for the first time a FIFA tournament for senior national teams is held in Africa): for the first time an African side, Egypt, beat Italy (1-0, Group stage). The Spanish national team get two world records: most consecutive wins (15) and most matches without loose (35, with Brazil). Is founded the IFU, International Football Union, an international football confederation for nations and territories not admitted to FIFA. On September, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, an organization recognized by FIFA, has published a continental Clubs of 20th Century ranking. Andrei Arshavin of Arsenal becomes the first player to score four goals against Liverpool at Anfield since Dennis Westcott for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1946. Within a year, Barcelona has won all 6 possible trophys they can get: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
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