Have you ever wondered why we call it “football” when American football players spend most of their time carrying and throwing the ball with their hands? Or why is soccer called “football” in most countries but has an entirely different name in America? The answer lies in a fascinating journey through medieval history, class distinctions, and the evolution of sports across continents.
The name “football” has sparked countless debates and confused sports fans worldwide. Some people assume it’s because players kick the ball with their feet, while others scratch their heads at American football’s heavy reliance on hands. The truth is more intriguing than either explanation suggests.
This article explores the medieval origins of the term “football,” traces how different sports evolved from common roots, and explains why various countries use the same name for completely different games. By the end, you’ll understand why football is called football—and why the answer isn’t as simple as you might think.
Table of Contents
The Medieval Origins of Football
The story of why football is called football begins in medieval Europe, where the name had nothing to do with kicking a ball. During the Middle Ages, sports fell into two main categories: games played on horseback and games played on foot.
The upper classes enjoyed equestrian sports like jousting, polo, and mounted hunting. These activities required horses, expensive equipment, and extensive training—luxuries only the wealthy could afford. Ordinary people, however, developed their forms of entertainment that required nothing more than their own two feet.
Various ball games emerged across medieval Europe, all sharing one key characteristic: players participated on foot rather than on horseback. These games involved running, kicking, and carrying balls of different sizes and materials. The rules varied dramatically from village to village, but the fundamental distinction remained the same—these were games for people who couldn’t afford horses.
The term “football” literally meant “ball games played on foot.” This definition had nothing to do with which body parts players used to move the ball. Instead, it distinguished these common pastimes from the mounted sports of the nobility.
Villages across England, France, and other European countries developed their versions of football. Some involved kicking a ball between goalposts, while others allowed players to carry the ball. Some games resembled modern rugby, with players tackling and wrestling for control. Others looked more like soccer, with primarily foot-based play.
The Evolution into Different Forms
As centuries passed, these medieval ball games began to take more organized forms. The Industrial Revolution brought people together in cities, creating larger communities that could support more structured sports. Schools and universities became centres for developing standardized rules.
By the 19th century, different institutions had created their versions of football. Rugby School developed a game that allowed players to pick up and carry the ball. Other schools preferred games where players could only use their feet. Some permitted limited hand use, while others banned it entirely.
The term “football” persisted through all these variations because each sport could trace its roots back to those medieval games played on foot. Schools and communities didn’t abandon the familiar name when they modified the rules—they simply created different types of football.
This evolution explains why we have multiple sports called “football” around the world. Each version developed from the same medieval foundation but took different paths as communities adapted the rules to their preferences and traditions.
The preservation of the name “football” across different rule sets demonstrates how deeply embedded the term had become in European culture. People understood “football” as organized ball games played on foot, regardless of the specific rules governing ball handling.
Association Football: The Global Game
In 1863, representatives from English clubs met in London to establish unified rules for football. They formed the Football Association and created a standardized version of the game that emphasized foot skills and prohibited players from picking up the ball with their hands.
This new sport became known as “Association Football” to distinguish it from other types of football played at the time. The rules spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and beyond, eventually becoming the world’s most popular sport.
The term “soccer” emerged as British slang for Association Football. People shortened “Association” to “Assoc” and added the suffix “-er” to create “soccer.” This playful word formation was standard in British universities, where students created similar nicknames for other activities.
However, “soccer” never replaced “football” as the primary name for the sport in most countries. The Football Association and similar organizations worldwide continued to use “football” as the official term. Today, nearly every country except the United States, Canada, and a few others call the sport “football.”
Association football’s global spread cemented the connection between the name “football” and the sport we know today. FIFA, the sport’s international governing body, stands for “Fédération Internationale de Football Association”—using the French word for football.
American Football: A Different Path
American football emerged from rugby in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. College students brought rugby to American universities but gradually modified the rules to create a distinctly American sport.
The new game retained the name “football” because it evolved from rugby, which was itself a type of football. When American colleges started playing this modified version, they saw it as another variation of football rather than a completely new sport.
By the time American football had developed its unique characteristics—forward passing, downs system, and specialized positions, the name “football” was already established. Changing the name would have confused fans and broken the connection to the sport’s historical roots.
American football’s retention of the name “football” despite its heavy use of hands reflects the historical understanding of the term. The “foot” in football referred to playing on foot rather than on horseback, not to the exclusive use of feet to move the ball.
This historical perspective explains why American football is called football, even though players rarely kick the ball. The name connects the modern sport to its medieval origins, preserving centuries of linguistic and cultural tradition.
The Global Perspective on Football
Different countries use the term “football” to describe different sports, creating confusion for international audiences. Most of the world calls association football “football,” while Americans and Canadians use “football” for their distinct sport.
This linguistic division reflects cultural and historical differences. Countries with strong British colonial influences generally adopted “football” for association football. Despite British colonial history, the United States developed its own sporting culture that elevated American football to prominence.
Australia adds another layer of complexity with Australian Rules Football, commonly called “footy.” This sport also evolved from early football games but developed unique characteristics that distinguish it from both association football and American football.
The cultural significance of football extends beyond sports into national identity. Countries often view their version of football as more than just a game—it becomes a symbol of cultural values and national character.
These different interpretations of “football” demonstrate how languages and cultures adapt shared terms to local needs and preferences. The same word can carry different meanings while maintaining connections to common historical roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is American football called football if players use their hands?
American football is called football because it evolved from rugby, which was itself a type of football. The name “football” initially meant “games played on foot”, as opposed to games played on horseback. The term stuck even as the rules evolved to emphasize hand use.
What’s the difference between football and soccer?
“Football” and “soccer” refer to the same sport—association football. Most countries call it “football,” while the United States, Canada, and a few other nations use “soccer” to distinguish it from their versions of football.
Which came first, soccer or American football?
Association football (soccer) was formally established in 1863. American football evolved from rugby in the 1880s. Both sports trace their origins to medieval ball games, but modern soccer was first codified.
Why don’t Americans call soccer “football”?
Americans use “soccer” for association football because American football has already claimed the name “football” in American culture. Using “soccer” prevents confusion between the two sports.
Are there other sports called football?
Yes, several sports use the name “football,” including Australian Rules Football, Gaelic Football, and rugby Football. Each developed from similar medieval origins but evolved different rules and characteristics.
What does FIFA stand for?
FIFA stands for “Fédération Internationale de Football Association,” using the French word for football. This reflects the international preference for calling association football “football” rather than “soccer.”
The Enduring Legacy of a Medieval Name
The question “Why is football called football?” reveals a rich tapestry of history, culture, and linguistic evolution. What began as a simple distinction between games played on foot and games played on horseback has become a global phenomenon with multiple interpretations.
The name “football” has survived centuries of rule changes, cultural shifts, and geographic expansion. Medieval peasants who kicked balls between village markers could never have imagined their simple pastimes would evolve into the world’s most popular sports.
Understanding this history helps explain why different countries use the same name for other sports. Rather than being confusing, these variations represent the natural evolution of language and culture. Each version of football reflects the values and preferences of the communities that shaped it.
The next time someone asks why football is called football, you can share the fascinating story of medieval games, class distinctions, and cultural adaptation. The name connects us to centuries of human creativity and our enduring desire to play games together—whether on horseback or foot.
