Soccer, also known as football in some countries, is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is played by millions of people of all ages and skill levels in almost every country. Kids, in particular, enjoy the game and often take up soccer as a hobby, played for fun or as part of a team. Here are some interesting facts about soccer that children might find fascinating.

1. Soccer is also called the beautiful game

Soccer is often referred to as the beautiful game because of its fluidity, skill, and exciting moments. With so many talented players and styles of play, soccer can be truly beautiful to watch.

2. The FIFA World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament

The FIFA World Cup is the most important soccer tournament in the world. It takes place every four years and features 32 teams from around the globe competing for the coveted trophy. The tournament is watched by billions of people worldwide and is a major source of inspiration for young players.

3. Soccer can be traced back to ancient civilizations

Soccer can be traced back to ancient times, with many civilizations playing some form of the game. The Chinese, Greeks, and Romans all enjoyed playing soccer-like games, and it was a popular pastime in medieval England too.

4. The soccer ball was originally made of animal bladders

In the early days of soccer, the ball was made using animal bladders covered in leather. Nowadays, soccer balls are made of synthetic materials that are designed to be lightweight, durable, and easy to control.

5. The fastest goal in soccer was scored in 2.8 seconds

The fastest goal in soccer history was scored by Hakan Şükür of Turkey just 11 seconds into a World Cup match. The record was later broken by Christian Benteke of Belgium, who scored in just 2.8 seconds in a club game.

6. The most goals scored in a single soccer game is 149

The highest-scoring soccer game ever was played in Madagascar in 2002. The score was 149-0, with the team named AS Adema beating their opponent SO l’Emyrne.

7. The longest soccer match lasted for over 3 days

The longest soccer game ever played lasted for a total of 72 hours and was played in Chelsea, London, in 2015. The match finished in a 721-7 win for the victors.

8. Ronaldo and Messi are the highest-paid soccer players

According to reports, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the highest-paid footballers in the world, earning over $100 million a year through their club salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals.

In conclusion, soccer is an exciting game with a rich history and plenty of intriguing facts. Whether playing just for fun or professionally, it is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. So, if you’re a young soccer fan looking to learn more about the game, these fascinating facts are a great starting point.