Wikipedia:WikiProject Football/Did you know

The following football-related facts have appeared on the Did you know? section of the Main Page. These are all hooks of articles that were created within seven days of eventual advertising, of a good size (over 1,500 characters) and had basic referencing. These were nominated at Template talk:Did you know, reviewed and passed for display on the front page of the English Wikipedia as interesting recently created articles. If you feel that an article you have created or read meets the above and would make an interesting addition, please suggest it at Template talk:Did you know. All accepted football related DYKs are displayed automatically on Portal:Association football when added to the bottom of this list per the hidden editing instructions.

Did you know?[edit]

2004–2005[edit]

...that the men's tournament of football at the 2004 Summer Olympics was played by "U-23" (under 23-years-old) player) teams, with up to three over-age players allowed per team? (5 July 2004)
...that Leyton F.C. had to win a High Court action in order to call itself the oldest football club in London? (9 September 2004)
...that soccer player Paul Reaney was briefly a car mechanic before signing with Leeds United? (9 December 2004)
...that Nils Liedholm is the last surviving member of the famous footballing Gre-No-Li trio? (8 March 2005)
...that Nat Lofthouse was the England football team's highest goalscorer of all-time for eight years? (14 March 2005)
...that Stan Mortensen scored a hat-trick in the 1953 FA Cup Final at Wembley, becoming the first player ever to do so? (16 March 2005)
...that England football captain Eddie Hapgood was forced by diplomats to give a Nazi salute before a match with Germany in 1938? (17 March 2005)
...that the England football squad for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico contained two players called Gary Stevens? (25 March 2005)
...that Ray Wilson, who was the eldest member of England's victorious 1966 World Cup team, became an undertaker after he retired from football? (4 April 2005)
...that although England centre forward Geoff Hurst had scored a hat-trick and was therefore entitled to keep the match ball, it was German striker Helmut Haller who took it home after the1966 World Cup final? (10 April 2005)
...that the French footballer Lucien Laurent scored the first ever World Cup goal, against Mexico in 1930? (19 April 2005)
...that former England footballer Mick Channon is now a successfulhorse trainer? (4 June 2005)
...that Mick Mills was made captain of the England national football team which started the 1982 World Cup because Kevin Keegan was unable to play through injury? (10 June 2005)
...that Alan Mullery became the first England association football player to be sent off in a full international match during the 1968 European Championship semi-final against Yugoslavia? (14 June 2005)
...that Norwegian football commentator Bjørge Lillelien famously taunted Margaret Thatcher after Norway's victory over England in 1981? (24 June 2005)
...that Chris Woods cost Queens Park Rangers 250,000 pounds from Nottingham Forest in 1979 even though he had never played a League game before his transfer? (2 July 2005)
...that the German prisoners of war built part of the Stade de Gerland stadium in Lyon, France, after the First World War? (1 August 2005)
...that the Liga Indonesia is the top football league in Indonesia? (9 August 2005)
...that although Archibald Leitch was the foremost football stadium architect in the United Kingdom in the early 20th century, only two of his works have been listed for preservation? (23 August 2005)
...that, before Wayne Rooney made his debut in February 2003, England's youngest ever football player was James F. M. Prinsep, who had held the record for more than 123 years? (2 September 2005)
...that the first ever golden goal was scored in the Cromwell Cup final at Bramall Lane, Sheffield in 1868, giving Sheffield Wednesday a 1–0 victory? (23 September 2005)
...that in 1930, the footballer Gerard Keizer played for both Arsenal and Ajax Amsterdam simultaneously, flying between England and the Netherlands to play in matches? (4 October 2005)
...that footballer Alan Taylor scored two goals in the quarter final, two goals in the semi final and two goals in the final of the 1975 FA Cup as his club West Ham United won the competition? (1 December 2005)
...that César Sampaio is a former Brazilian football player who played offensive midfielder for Palmeiras and the Brazilian national team? (2 December 2005)
...that the former English football player Eric Brook is the all-time record goalscorer for Manchester City F.C. with 178 goals? (27 December 2005)
...that Dimba was the top goalscorer of the 2003 Brazilian football championship? (29 December 2005)
...the Stadion Graz-Liebenau in Austria was renamed after controversy over Arnold Schwarzenegger's decisions in recent death penalty cases in California? (30 December 2005)

2006[edit]

...that Deportivo Táchira Fútbol Club is the Venezuelan soccer club with the most appearances in theCopa Libertadores? (17 January 2006)
...that a 1906 football match between a team of youngsters from Kraków and the troupe of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show is one of the milestones in the history of football in Poland? (20 March 2006)
...that the Agony of Doha is a term used by fans of the Japanese national football team to refer to the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification match where Japan lost its World Cup place to South Korea? (16 May 2006)
...that Garry Parker ran the full length of the pitch at Wembley Stadium to score a goal for Nottingham Forest in the final of the Simod Cup against Everton in 1989, which Forest won 4–3? (21 May 2006)
...that Dutch football manager Clemens Westerhof is credited with turning the Nigerian national team into a perennial powerhouse in African football, having guided them to victory in the 1992 African Cup of Nations as well as their first FIFA World Cup participation in 1994? (23 May 2006)
...that the first professional football team, The Zulus, was established in Sheffield, England in 1879? (21 July 2006)
...that the English footballer David Layne scored 58 goals in 81 games for Sheffield Wednesday F.C. before he was jailed for his involvement in the British betting scandal of 1964? (6 August 2006)
...that the Gay Football Supporters Network recently voted Steven Gerrard top of their annual "Lust List" for the second year running? (31 August 2006)
...that Charlie Williams, one of the first black football players in Britain after the Second World War and later Britain's first well-known black comedian, responded to heckling by saying: "If you don't shut up, I'll come and move in next door to you"? (14 September 2006)
...that the rules of Swedish football played in the late 19th century were a mix of association football rules and the rugby football rules because of a misunderstanding? (28 September 2006)
...that Sheffield Wednesday Ladies F.C. were formed at the Star Inn public house in Rotherham in 1971 following a charity match between men and women at the pub?(28 September 2006)
...that Swedish goalkeeper Karl Svensson was given his nickname Rio-Kalle after two heroic matches in the 1950 FIFA World Cup that were actually played in São Paulo and not in Rio de Janeiro? (18 October 2006)
... that English lower-league football team Bristol Rovers once beat the Netherlands national football team 3–2? (12 November 2006)
...that West Ham Stadium in London holds the record for the lowest ever attendance of a football match in The Football League, despite its capacity of 120,000? (6 December 2006)
...that Göteborgs BK, founded in 1875, is the oldest football club in Sweden known by name, also played Swedish football, a local variant? (20 December 2006)
...that the cope given to the Rt. Revd. David Urquhart upon his inauguration as the ninth Bishop of Birmingham in November 2006 featured the emblems of Aston Villa and Birmingham City, the two most prominent football teams of the city? (23 December 2006)

2007[edit]

...that Les Taylor only captained Watford in the 1984 FA Cup final because regular captain Wilf Rostron was suspended? (22 January 2007)
...that Torbjörn Nilsson is considered to be one of the greatest Swedish footballers of all time, despite only having played 28 matches for the national team? (7 February 2007)
...that the fourth Nordic Football Championship tournament was started in 1937 but did not end until eleven years later as it was interrupted by the Second World War? (28 February 2007)
...that Harry Kent worked both as a manufacturer of munitions and as a pub landlord whilst managing Watford F.C.? (13 March 2007)
...that Peter Knowles, a popular English football player, voluntarily ended his football career at the age of 24, after becoming a Jehovah's Witness? (19 March 2007)
...that when Archie Goodall scored for Northern Ireland in their 9–1 loss to Scotland, he became the oldest footballer to score an international goal in the 19th century? (2 April 2007)
...that footballer Francis Lee earned his nickname Lee One Pen by setting an English record for the most penalties scored in a single season? (17 April 2007)
...that Uruguayan footballer Víctor Rodríguez Andrade helped found Uruguayan Basketball Federation team 25 de Agosto? (19 April 2007)
...that Pankaj Gupta was one of the earliest Indian sports administrators involved in football, hockey and cricket? (21 April 2007)
...that 1927 Italian football champions Torino F.C. were stripped of their title for match fixing? (21 April 2007)
...that Jacqui Oatley is the first female football commentator in the history of BBC football programme Match of the Day? (24 April 2007)
...that Alex Stevenson is the only footballer to play for both the Republic of Ireland and Rangers F.C.? (25 April 2007)
...that English cricketer and footballer Arthur Milton was the last surviving person to have played Test cricket for the England cricket team and international football for the England football team? (1 May 2007)
...that the football stadium Nya Gamla Ullevi which is under construction in Gothenburg, Sweden, is only the second Swedish top league stadium built since 1966? (8 May 2007)
..that in 2003, aged 70, former English Football League and international soccer referee Pat Partridge took over as linesman in a non-league match he was watching, after the original linesman took over from the injured referee? (18 May 2007)
...that footballer David Weir scored Manchester City's first ever FA Cup goal? (1 June 2007)
...that Itzik Zohar scored Israel's first international goal in football after gaining full admittance to UEFA? (5 June 2007)
...that the 1902 British Home Championship football tournament was won by Scotland in a replay after the deciding match was marred by the deaths of 25 spectators when a stand collapsed at Ibrox Park? (6 June 2007)
...that footballer George Wynn was Manchester City's leading goalscorer in three consecutive seasons? (8 June 2007)
...that Dutch amateur football club IJsselmeervogels received the Dutch Sports Team of the Year Award in 1975, for reaching the semi-final of the KNVB Cup? (10 June 2007)
...that football players Billy and John McPhail are the only brothers to have both scored hat-tricks for Celtic F.C. against their Old Firm rivals, Rangers F.C.? (21 June 2007)
...that the football song Hampden in the sun celebrates the record scoreline of the 1957 Scottish League Cup final? (28 June 2007)
...that Scottish footballer Billy McPhail launched a legal case claiming that heading heavy leather footballs contributed to him developing Alzheimer's disease? (28 June 2007)
...that money donated in 1905 by the fans at Celtic Park football stadium in Glasgow, Scotland was given to the mother of international Scottish footballer Barney Battles, Jr. while Battles was still in the womb? (1 July 2007)
...that Stoke City F.C. is the second-oldest English football league club, as it was founded in 1863? (6 July 2006)
...that on the same day Arbroath beat Bon Accord 36–0 in the Scottish Cup that 18 miles away in Dundee, Dundee Harp had beaten Aberdeen Rovers 35–0? (19 July 2007)
...that Eddy Brown, an English football player who had originally planned to take Holy Orders, was well known for his goal celebrations as early as the 1950s? (23 July 2007)
...that the famous black-and-white striped shirts of Italian football club Juventus were based on the kit of English Notts County, replacing the club's initial pink and black colours in 1903? (1 August 2007)
...that Russian émigré Jerzy Bulanow captained the Poland national football team through the 1920s and early 1930s? (5 August 2007)
...that the football (soccer) stadium at Tehelné pole, in Bratislava, was the largest in the former Czechoslovakia?(10 August 2007)
...that Tommy Sale scored 282 goals during 14 years at the English Football club Stoke City F.C.? (10 August 2007)
...that Bob McGrory managed the English football team Stoke City for a period of 17 years, having previously played for the club for 14 years? (20 August 2007)
...that the first Italian football (soccer) club, Torino Football and Cricket Club, was founded by Edoardo Bosio in 1887? (21 August 2007)
...that Alex Leake was offered a £10 bribe by Manchester City player Billy Meredith to throw the final match of the 1904–1905 season? (29 August 2007)
...that the England national football team is to train on the football pitch of the Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College, as it is the only one identical to one in Russia on which they are due to play in October 2007? (28 September 2007)
...that despite being organised on St. Andrew's Day, the first official international football match did not result in a home win? (28 September 2007)
...that Harry Newbould was the first-ever manager of Derby County F.C.? (29 September 2007)
...that Sam Ormerod was the first manager to gain promotion to the First Division, the highest level of English football, with Manchester City F.C.? (5 October 2007)
...that Wilf Wild was the first Manchester City manager to win the League Championship? (13 October 2007)
...that the Portuguese football champion has been one of S.L. Benfica, F.C. Porto or Sporting Clube de Portugal on 78 out of 86 occasions? (17 October 2007)
...that English football referee Matt Messias once urged a Portsmouth defender not to kick an opposing player during a match against Newcastle United because "the devil was trying to get him sent off"? (23 October 2007)
...that Niek Loohuis is now a Dutch First Division football (soccer) player, despite having been declared unfit and removed from FC Twente's youth academy at age 18? (19 November 2007)
...that football referees in England officiate at eleven different levels according to ability, activity and age? (24 November 2007)
...that football (soccer) player Law Adam of Grasshopper-Club Zürich played for Switzerland against Austria in 1929, but played for his native Netherlands against Switzerland a year later? (1 December 2007)
...that the Galatasaray S.K. has origins from the Ottoman Empire era? (4 December 2007)
...that former Hampshire wicketkeeper Adi Aymes went on to manage football club Fleet Town F.C., and is the current fitness coach of Havant and Waterlooville? (8 December 2007)
...that English football referee Gary Willard once had to be given a police safety escort off the pitch after sending off three home team players in a single game? (14 December 2007)
...that the Hungarian politician and Nazi collaborator Andor Jaross was also president of the football (soccer) club Ferencvárosi TC? (21 December 2007)
...that footballer Roy Cheetham was the first Manchester City player to be used as a substitute? (29 December 2007)

2008[edit]

...that a steam-powered portable engine drove the dynamo for the first floodlit football match in the UK in 1878? (7 January 2008)
...that football (soccer) midfielder Evan Berger was nominated for an informal Australia Day award by his local council for representing Australia in the national under-20 team? (10 January 2008)
...that Tommy Fleming was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005, one of five soccer players unanimously selected to represent overlooked players from before the 1950s? (16 January 2008)
...that football manager Yvon Pouliquen led two clubs to victory in the French Cup Final and relegation from the top division in consecutive seasons? (18 January 2008)
...that Tommy Johnson holds the record for the most goals scored by a Manchester City player in a single season? (18 January 2008)
...that Frank Loughran played for the Socceroos at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, scoring a goal in the first game his adopted country of Australia ever played in Olympic soccer? (22 January 2008)
...that footballer John Hewitt scored the fastest recorded goal in Scottish Cup history, timed at 9.6 seconds? (26 January 2008)
...that Mretebi Tbilisi was the first openly professional football club to be founded in the Soviet Union? (31 January 2008)
...that Association Footballer Billy Mosforth was a leading exponent of the screw shot, which allows players to bend the ball's trajectory? (1 February 2008)
...that Billy Mercer became caretaker assistant manager of Sheffield Wednesday in October 2006, having previously played for rivals Sheffield United? (9 February 2008)
...that John Percival, when headmaster of Rugby School, gained the nickname "Percival of the knees" because he was concerned about "impurity" and insisted that boys secure their football shorts below the knee with elastic? (12 February 2008)
...that the rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United football clubs has its roots in the 15th century English civil war, the Wars of the Roses? (14 February 2008)
...that William Bambridge, the father of England Football international Charles Bambridge was a member of the Te Waimate mission, New Zealand who became official photographer to Queen Victoria? (15 February 2008)
...that the England national football team has only had fifteen managers since the position was made a full-time post in 1946? (19 February 2008)
...that former England under-21 goalkeeper Lee Grant has been described by Owls manager Brian Laws as "probably the most outstanding keeper" in the Championship? (20 February 2008)
...that Ellyse Perry played both cricket and soccer for Australia at the age of sixteen? (20 February 2008)
...that the Premier League's proposal to play some matches outside England has been condemned by the Football Supporters' Federation as "outrageous desecration of the national game"? (21 February 2008)
...that in 1916, footballer Bob Benson volunteered to replace an absent Arsenal team-mate just before a game, only to collapse and die during the match? (23 February 2008)
...that Bradford City Football Club blamed their FA Cup exit in the 1919–20 season on a pre-game trip to Fry's chocolate works? (25 February 2008)
...that the 1976 Football League Cup win made Tony Book the first to so as both a player and manager? (29 February 2008)
...that Stockport County physio Rodger Wylde formed a rock group with player Tom Bennett whilst treating his broken leg? (3 March 2008)
...that former Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday footballer Brian Hornsby trekked to Machu Picchu with musician Tony Hadley in aid of Action Medical Research? (4 March 2008)
...that former football player and manager Alan Brown quit Huddersfield Town and became a policeman for two and a half years before rejoining the club? (8 March 2008)
...that Scottish footballer Kevin Bremner scored for five different teams in the Football League during the 1982–83 season? (8 March 2008)
...that after retiring, former Premier League footballer Adrian Whitbread worked in four different clubs as assistant coach for Martin Allen? (15 March 2008)
...that footballer Henry Martin scored on his début against Liverpool and again the next day against their neighbours Everton? (2 April 2008)
...that the four youngest players for England's football team are Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, James Prinsep and Thurston Rostron? (9 April 2008)
...that at 15 years and 156 days, Albert Geldard became the youngest player to appear in The Football League in 1929? (25 April 2008}
...that Julian Sturgis, the novelist, poet, librettist and lyricist was the first American to play for the winning team in an English FA Cup Final in 1873? (28 April 2008)
...that in Claude Ashton's only international appearance for the English national football team, he captained the squad? (5 May 2008)
... that English football full back Alfred Bower was the last amateur player to captain the English national team in 1927? (7 May 2008)
... that Bradford City footballers Geoff Smith and George Mulholland each played more than 200 consecutive appearances for the club during the 1950s? (7 May 2008)
... that Albert Kidd scored two goals in the last 10 minutes of the 1985–86 Scottish football season to deny Hearts the championship, despite having not scored in the whole season until then? (10 May 2008)
... that association footballers Jimmy Willis and Steve Finnan are the only players to have scored in the top five divisions of English league football? (13 May 2008)

... that Sam Cowan is the only footballer to have represented Manchester City in three FA Cup finals? (14 May 2008)
... that brothers and England football defenders Arthur Melmoth Walters and Percy Melmoth Walters were known as "Morning" and "Afternoon" in allusion to their initials? (16 May 2008)
... that the game between FC Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich on 23 April 1945 in the Gauliga Bayern, ending 3–2, was the last official football game played in Nazi Germany? (20 May 2008)
... that Len Boyd, captain of Birmingham City F.C. in the 1950s, once played four games with a fractured leg? (24 May 2008)
... that Aston Villa's Bob Chatt scored an FA Cup Final goal 30 seconds after kick-off? (25 May 2008)
... that the Webster ruling is a legal precedent clarified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2008, which extends to professional footballers in Europe the same contractual freedom of movement as workers in other industries? (30 May 2008)
... that the Gibraltar Football Association had their UEFA membership application blocked by Spain due to their claim on the territory? (30 May 2008)
... that Georgian footballer Georgi Kiknadze won five consecutive league championships with Dinamo Tbilisi? (31 May 2008)
... that Poole Stadium, a former football ground now used for greyhound racing and speedway, was the venue for the 2004 Speedway World Cup final? (31 May 2008)
... that twin brothers David and Peter Jackson played together for seven clubs in English football? (1 June 2008)
... that the 1966–68 Liga Leumit season was played over two years in an effort to rid Israeli football of corruption and violence, which included riots on the field? (1 June 2008)
... that goalkeeper Bob Roberts was the first West Bromwich Albion player to win an international cap? (4 June 2008)
... that the Eimsbütteler TV, a German football club, failed to advance in the national championship finals in 1934 and 1935 despite beating the later champion, FC Schalke 04, in both years? (6 June 2008)
... that in the 1996 football match between England and Scotland, Uri Geller claimed that he caused Scotland's Gary McAllister to miss a penalty by the power of his mind? (7 June 2008)
... in 1885, Jimmy Forrest was the first professional footballer to appear for the England national football team? (8 June 2008)
... that when Hibernian F.C. applied to join the Scottish Football Association, the SFA told them that the SFA were catering for Scotsmen, not Irishmen? (9 June 2008)
... that the Franconian derby between 1. FC Nürnberg and SpVgg Greuther Fürth is the most played football match in Germany with over 250 games between the two sides? (19 June 2008)
... that Fred Forman scored two goals in England's 13–2 win over Ireland in 1899—the highest-scoring match involving England in international football history? (23 June 2008)
... that with the inception of the Gauliga Ostmark in 1938, clubs from outside of Vienna were for the first time permitted to take part in Austria's premier football division? (28 June 2008)
... that Welsh footballer Roy Clarke played in three different divisions of the Football League in three consecutive matches? (30 June 2008)
... that Bert Freeman was the top scorer in the English Football League in three seasons before 1914? (1 July 2008)
... that Jimmy Speirs won the Military Medal while serving with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, six years after his goal helped Bradford City win the 1911 FA Cup Final? (4 July 2008)
... that Hibernian Park hosted the first football international match played in Edinburgh, Scotland? (6 July 2008)
... that, at 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) tall, Teddy Davison was considered the smallest goalkeeper to play for the England national football team? (9 July 2008)
... that English footballer Tom Holford played professionally until he was 46, making him the sixth oldest player to have appeared in a Football League match? (11 July 2008)
... that the football game between Offenburger FV and the SC Freiburg on 28 March 1920 lasted for over three hours? (22 July 2008)
... that Eastbourne Borough is the fifth football club for which Jean-Michel Sigere and Simon Wormull have played together? (20 August 2008)
... that following Neil Dewar’s transfer from the club, a Manchester United director was forced to resign due to his daughter eloping with the player? (21 August 2008)
... that England's Tom Brittleton is the oldest footballer ever to play a competitive match for Sheffield Wednesday? (23 August 2008)
... that mathematician Harald Bohr, brother of Niels Bohr, won a silver medal in football at the 1908 Summer Olympics? (26 August 2008)
... that when 15-year-old Jordon Mutch was first selected to play for Birmingham City F.C., he had to be withdrawn only hours before the match because of child protection regulations? (2 September 2008)
... that the 2008 Congo football riots were sparked by accusations of witchcraft? (21 September 2008)
... that Brazilian footballer Bobô won the 1988 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A before playing three games for the Brazil national team in 1989? (22 September 2008)
... that goalkeeper Peter Litchfield donated the man of the match award from his Football League debut to motor neurone disease in memory of former teammate Mel Holden? (22 September 2008)
... that Curtis Woodhouse was a professional boxer whilst still playing professional football for Rushden & Diamonds? (23 September 2008)
... that victory in the 1904 FA Cup Final gave Manchester City F.C. their first major honour? (25 September 2008)
... that Jack Hillman was responsible for the earliest recorded case of match fixing in football? (26 September 2008)
... that new Manchester City F.C. chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was also the man who negotiated the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix's inclusion in the 2009 Formula One season? (26 September 2008)
... that English footballer Fred Geary scored the first goal at the opening of Everton's new Goodison Park stadium in August 1892? (26 September 2008)
... that Hapoel Tayibe was the first ever Arab football club to play in the top division in Israel? (2 October 2008)
... that Reuben Noble-Lazarus became the youngest footballer in the Football League when he came on as a substitute in Barnsley's 3–0 defeat to Ipswich Town in 2008? (7 October 2008)
...that English footballer Glen Thomas came close to losing an eye in 1996 when he stumbled into a tree during a training session and was hit in the face by a branch? (10 October 2008)
.. that South African Jean-Michel d'Avray played football in England and Holland before becoming the last ever National Soccer League Coach of the Year in Australia? (12 October 2008)
... that during the World War II, English footballer Jimmy Boswell served in the same army unit as four other future Gillingham F.C. players? (14 October 2008)
... that footballer Peter Stringfellow suffered a dramatic decline in form, which ultimately ended his professional career, after being involved in a car crash in which a team-mate died? (15 October 2008)
... that Norwegian football goalkeeper Jon Knudsen made his national team debut one month before turning 34? (22 October 2008)
... that Joe Wilson scored West Bromwich Albion's first goal in The Football League? (24 October 2008}
... that Manchester United gave Stockport County a freezer full of ice cream in exchange for the transfer of footballer Hugh McLenahan in May 1927? (1 November 2008)
... that Franz Burgmeier became the first Liechtensteiner to play football in England after being signed on the advice of a club chairman's twelve-year-old grandson? (9 November 2008)
... that, though there is no evidence for it, Louis Rocca is credited with having coined the name Manchester United? (11 November 2008)
... that before becoming a full-time professional footballer at the age of 21, Mike Bickle worked as a milkman? (12 November 2008)
... that the football rivalry between ASV Herzogenaurach and FC Herzogenaurach can be traced back to the rivalry between the clubs' sponsors, Adidas and Puma? (14 November 2008)
... that football player Michael Liddle made his international debut for Republic of Ireland under-19s although he was born in London, England? (20 November 2008)
... that footballer Tommy Magee is the only West Bromwich Albion player to have won both a League Championship medal and an FA Cup winners' medal with the club? (25 November 2008)
... that the German company Jako threatened to sue the Football Association of Ireland when referee Anthony Buttimer refused to allow Sligo Rovers to wear their kit in a League of Ireland match? (29 November 2008)
... that 1. FC Nürnberg reached every final of the Bavarian under 19 football championship from 1967 to 1994? (2 December 2008)
... that Ian Chapman was the first former pupil of The Football Association's School of Excellence to play in The Football League? (6 December 2008)
... that after retiring as a footballer, Mike Trusson worked as the marketing manager for a football-themed restaurant in London? (6 December 2008)
... that footballer Johnny Warsap was signed by Gillingham F.C. after he played against the club for a team representing the Royal Berkshire Regiment? (7 December 2008)
... that the Scotch Professors, a group of 19th-century Scottish footballers, are credited with inventing the passing style of the modern game and spreading the sport globally? (23 December 2008)
... that in 1937, Harry Osman was the last footballer to score a goal on Christmas Day at Southampton's The Dell stadium? (25 December 2008)

2009[edit]

... that Walter Galbraith selected an Accrington Stanley team of eleven Scots for an English Football League match? (1 January 2009)
... that footballer Abe Hartley used to place a rolled-up cigarette behind his ear prior to kick-off and then smoke it in the changing room at half-time? (2 January 2009)
... that Willie McCartney was listed by the Sunday Herald newspaper as the 22nd greatest Scottish football manager of all time, even though he never won a major trophy? (7 January 2009)
... that German football manager Horst Buhtz led both Dortmund and Nürnberg to the Bundesliga promotion playoffs, but was dismissed each time before the matches took place? (14 January 2009)
... that the Brazilian team at the 1958 World Cup had not assigned squad numbers in advance, and a 17-year old Pelé was randomly assigned the number 10, which he wore for the rest of his career? (15 January 2009)
... that Scottish footballer Jim Baxter once taunted opponents in an international match by playing keepie uppie during the game, and that he described his style as "treating the ball like a woman"? (15 January 2009)
... that Bishop Auckland F.C. was the only football club to win the FA Amateur Cup in three consecutive seasons? (17 January 2009)
... that goalkeeper Jack Wheeler and his five defenders set a Football League record in the 1952–53 season by all playing in every league game for Huddersfield Town? (17 January 2009)
... that from 1936 to 1998, the Germany national football team had just five managers, each of whom won a major trophy, with Helmut Schön (1964–1978) winning two? (18 January 2009)
... that the television series Use It or Lose It documented the return of former association footballers Niall Quinn and Ronnie Whelan to their respective youth teams? (3 February 2009)
... that in 1946, Welsh international footballer Bert Turner became the first player to score for both sides in an FA Cup Final? (3 February 2009)
... that Derek Forster became the youngest Sunderland footballer to have made a first team appearance when he was 15 years 185 days old? (4 February 2009)
... that Bert Shelley made 448 appearances for Southampton Football Club between 17 January 1920 and 16 April 1932, a club record that was broken by Tommy Traynor in 1966? (9 February 2009)
... that Christ Bongo was one of only three Congolese footballers to score in final qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup? (14 February 2009)
... that in 1945, footballer Doug McGibbon scored six goals in one match, one of which was timed at under five seconds from the second half kick-off? (18 February 2009)
... that the career of association football player Mark Maley was ended after he was accidentally shot in the eye by teammate John Oster with an air gun? (23 February 2009)
... that former professional footballer Charlie Sillett was one of two Royal Navy gunners killed when the Norwegian steamship SS Corvus was sunk by a torpedo launched from the German U-boat U-1018? (4 March 2009)
... that James Allan scored 12 goals in one match, when Sunderland beat Castletown 23–0 in an exhibition football game? (14 March 2009)
... that when footballer Morten Knutsen left Odd Grenland due to persistent injury problems, he joined FK Arendal, only to immediately sustain another injury? (21 March 2009)
... that the Antelope Ground, Southampton was the first home of both Hampshire County Cricket Club and of Southampton Football Club? (24 March 2009)
... that when Bobby Folds joined Gillingham F.C. in 1966, he became the club's first ever apprentice-professional footballer? (27 March 2009)
... that footballer Bob Wilson was the last player to captain the original Accrington Stanley club in a professional match? (30 March 2009)
... that footballer Chic Brodie's professional career ended when he collided with a dog on the playing field? (31 March 2009)
... that Mick Rathbone, now Everton F.C.'s head of sports medicine, was once simultaneously player, physiotherapist and assistant manager of Halifax Town A.F.C.? (2 April 2009)
... that Brian Statham shares his name with an England international cricketer and was himself a talented schoolboy cricketer, but opted to pursue a career in professional football? (4 April 2009)
... that in 1863, Blackheath Proprietary School was one of the founder members of The Football Association? (5 April 2009)
... that in 1980, Eamonn Collins became the youngest player to appear in a professional football match in England, when he played for Blackpool at the age of 14 years and 323 days? (5 April 2009)
... that former professional footballer Don Rossiter served as mayor of Rochester, Kent, during the 1980s? (6 April 2009)
... that ex-professional footballer Julian Hails has a BSc honours degree in mathematical studies and became a mathematics teacher? (6 April 2009)
... that Ritchie Hanlon became manager of St Albans City F.C. at the age of 29, three months after he retired as a player? (8 April 2009)
... that when Ted Hough was signed by Southampton Football Club, his "transfer fee" was a round of 52 pints of beer? (8 April 2009)
... that the only Football League match in which Billy Jervis played was abandoned due to fading daylight after his team turned up late? (11 April 2009)
... that the Essex derby football match did not take place for 15 years? (12 April 2009)
... that Archie Roe, who scored South Shields F.C.'s first ever goal in The Football League, was then signed by the team he had scored it against? (3 May 2009)
... that footballer Bud Houghton was born in Madras to an Anglo-Indian family who migrated to England in 1947 when India gained independence from British rule? (17 May 2009)
... that Gillingham Football Club's supporters donated £2,500 in an attempt to fund a month's extension to loanee defender Mick Bodley's contract? (26 May 2009)
... that in the penalty shootout during the London Senior Cup final 2009, Serge Makofo was the only player to score for Croydon Athletic? (25 June 2009)
... that Dean Holness, who starred in football television drama Dream Team and film Mike Bassett: England Manager, played professional football for Southend United? (23 July 2009)
... that a branch of Exeter City Supporters' Trust members helped finance James Norwood's contract at the football club, paying £19 per month? (14 August 2009)
... that Justin Fashanu was the first professional association football player to come out as gay (21 August 2009)
... that semi-professional footballer Gareth Risbridger holds a UEFA 'B' Pro Licence coaching badge and is also a qualified referee, as well as working as a greenkeeper at Wycombe Heights Golf Club? (28 August 2009)
... that despite being born in Harlow, England, Alex Stavrinou qualified to play for the Cyprus youth football team through his father's Cypriot heritage? (29 August 2009)
... that Gus Hurdle rejected a chance to play international football for Barbados to help Crawley Town in their relegation match against Dorchester Town, saying it was the "bigger game"? (29 August 2009)
... that Fred Hollands scored twice in Southampton St Mary's biggest competitive victory in their 14–0 FA Cup win against Newbury Town on 13 October 1894, which still remains a record win for Southampton? (30 August 2009)
... that semi-professional football player Nevin Saroya featured in the football-themed film Mean Machine? (1 September 2009)
.. that as a result of the Okęcie Airport Incident in 1980, four top players of the Polish national football team were disqualified, and one of them never capped for Poland again? (2 September 2009)
... that Samuel Clucas was offered a soccer scholarship in the United States after studying sports development at Lincoln College? (2 September 2009)
... that supporters invaded the pitch on three occasions during a football match between West Ham United and Millwall in 2009? (2 September 2009)
... that English former footballer David Hamilton was Wigan Athletic's first ever full-time scout? (4 September 2009)
... that in the initial Anglo-Italian Cup footballtournaments, one point was awarded for every goal scored? (5 September 2009)
... that semi-professional football player Nevin Saroya featured in the football-themed film Mean Machine? (7 September 2009}
... that Fred Griffiths, who played twice for the Wales national football team, was killed in action during the First World War? (8 September 2009)
... that Albert Pape scored a goal for Manchester United against Clapton Orient in 1925, despite only completing a transfer from Orient to United an hour before kick-off? (10 September 2009)
... that in 1900, Wilf Waller was the first South African footballer to play in the English Football League? (14 September 2009)
... that on the final day of the 1959–60 Football League season, Trevor Meredith scored the goal that won the league title for Burnley? (14 September 2009)
... that Claude Lambie scored Burnley's first-ever competitive hat-trick? (14 September 2009)
... that World Cup winning soccer player José Andrade once played drums in a carnival band? (17 September 2009)
... that footballer Tony Hawksworth had only made three appearances for Manchester United's reserve team when he made his Football League debut, but never played another League match? (5 October 2009)
... that after footballer Barrie Thomas transferred from Scunthorpe United to Newcastle United in January 1962, attendances at Scunthorpe's home games dropped by 20%? (15 October 2009)
... that Englishman Bob Bootland, who was the first foreigner to coach a football club in India, arrived in the country on holiday and never left? (16 October 2009)
... that Jayden Stockley made his debut in the Football League for Bournemouth whilst still a student at secondary school? (20 October 2009)
... that despite making his national team debut in 1924, footballer James Mitchell remains the only player to represent England while wearing spectacles? (30 October 2009)
... that Les Cocker, a coach with the victorious England team at the 1966 World Cup, received a winner's medal in June 2009, nearly 30 years after his death, following a campaign launched by his family? (30 October 2009)
... that footballer James Constable worked in an undergarment lining factory while playing as a semi-professional? (30 October 2009)
... that Peter Sanders began his career as a professional association football player, switched to playing rugby union, and has subsequently spent forty years running a baseball club? (1 November 2009)
...that the England amateur footballer, Leonard Dawe, became a crossword compiler for The Daily Telegraph newspaper and in 1944 was interrogated on suspicion of espionage in the run-up to the D-Day landings? (3 November 2009)
... that former professional footballer Spike Rawlings, winner of the 1976 edition of TV talent show Opportunity Knocks, began his entertainment career after being asked to provide the half-time entertainment during a game? (10 November 2009)
... that footballer Billy Ingham, whose nickname was "the Ginger Pelé", worked as a bus driver after retiring? (12 November 2009)
... that goalkeeper Barrie Delf only made one appearance in The Football League for Southend United, having previously played as an amateur? (26 November 2009)
... that Uruguayan Isabelino Gradín won South American championships in both football and track and field athletics? (1 December 2009)
... that Penzance A.F.C. competed in ten of the first sixteen finals of the Cornwall Senior Cup, winning six of them? (5 December 2009)
... that footballer Roger Helland in 2004 scored Fredrikstad's first goal in the Norwegian Premier League in 20 years? (6 December 2009)
... that a Glasgow-born railway engineer, John Harley, was responsible for revolutionizing the way Uruguay played football? (13 December 2009)
... that professional footballer Andy Bell spent nearly a decade with hometown club Blackburn Rovers, without making a single first-team appearance? (19 December 2009)
... that at least seven members of the Scottish Argentine Brown family have played international football for Argentina? (23 December 2009)
... that Uruguayan footballer Vladas Douksas' father was a Lithuanian shopkeeper? (25 December 2009)
... that after playing for over twenty clubs and enjoying only mild success, former professional footballer Fred Eyre made his name as a businessman, after dinner speaker, and author? (28 December 2009)
... that Botswana international footballer Donald Thobega was involved in the Test For Life campaign, which encourages supporters to get tested for HIV and AIDS? (29 December 2009)
... that between 1970 and 1976, former Spanish-Argentine footballer and manager Juan Carlos Touriño was part of three Spanish league championships and two Spanish cup-winning squads? (29 December 2009)
... that former footballer Christopher Bryan scored the Turks and Caicos Islands' first ever international goal? (29 December 2009)

2010[edit]

... that the Montserrat national football team has only won two matches in their history, both victories coming against Anguilla? (4 January 2010)
... that semi-professional footballer Dean Clark made over one hundred appearances for Northwood F.C.? (9 January 2010)
... that the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion is the administrative organisation responsible for monitoring the accounts of professional football clubs in France? (11 January 2010)
... that former Northern Ireland footballer Phil Hughes is the only goalkeeper ever to have won international caps while playing for Bury? (18 January 2010)
... that John Haworth is the only Burnley manager to date to have led the team to an FA Cup victory? (28 January 2010)
... that Bob Matthewson, an English footballer and referee, was recently portrayed in the 2009 film The Damned United? (29 January 2010)
... that prior to his death, Jack Barnes was the oldest former Football League player? (1 February 2010)
... that in 1920–21, Burnley were crowned champions of English football for the first time? (1 February 2010)
... that Seattle Sounders FC won the 2009 U.S. Open Cup Final, becoming only the second Major League Soccer expansion team to do so their inaugural season? (2 February 2010)
... that the phrase "doing a Leeds" has become synonymous in English football with the pitfalls of financial mismanagement of football clubs, after the demise of Premier League team Leeds United? (4 February 2010)
... that former Burnley chairman Bob Lord described coach Billy Dougall, who worked for the football club for 23 years, as the finest servant a club could have? (6 February 2010)
... that Scotland international football defender Alex McLintock played as a goalkeeper during his time at Burnley? (8 February 2010)
... that Wales wartime international footballer Taffy Davies spent his entire 20-year professional career at Watford Football Club? (16 February 2010)
... that former Welsh international footballer Wayne Jones was forced to retire at the age of 24 when it was discovered that he had a previously undiagnosed arthritic condition? (17 February 2010)
... that in September 1924, Jack Fowler scored five goals in a football match for Swansea Town against Charlton Athletic, which remains the club record for most goals in a match? (18 February 2010)
... that Stewart Scullion played alongside Pelé and Bobby Moore in the 1976 U.S.A. Bicentennial Cup, scoring their team's only goal of the tournament? (19 February 2010)
... that David Wilson was Nelson F.C.'s first manager in the Football League? (25 February 2010)
... that in 1929, Wales international footballer Moses Russell was threatened with a pistol during a pitch invasion whilst on a tour of Canada? (25 February 2010)
... that Frank Allen worked as a coal miner before becoming a professional footballer at the age of 24? (25 February 2010)
... that Bangladeshi football goalkeeper Biplob Bhattacharjee made his international debut at the age of 18? (26 February 2010)
... that in 2007, Fiji international goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau was prevented from playing in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match by the New Zealand authorities? (27 February 2010)
... that Tom Walley managed Watford's 1982 FA Youth Cup winning team, which included John Barnes, Nigel Gibbs and Neil Price? (27 February 2010)
... that former professional footballer Tony Larkin helped to establish Britain's first football academy for visually impaired players? (27 February 2010)
... that former football official Lencie Fred was the first Vanuatuan to be included on the FIFA list of referees? (28 February 2010)
... that several French international footballers have played for FC Versailles 78, including Thierry Henry, Jérôme Rothen and Hatem Ben Arfa? (2 March 2010)
... that in the 1885–86 season, West Bromwich Albion became the first team from the English Midlands to reach the FA Cup Final? (3 March 2010)
... that Seattle Sounders FC has seven recognized supporter groups and that in 2009 they amassed the largest average attendance in the Major League Soccer with 30,943 fans? (5 March 2010)
... that Thomas Herbst, the current manager of Tennis Borussia Berlin, won the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship before making his professional footballing debut for FC Bayern Munich? (18 March 2010)
... that the Birmingham Charity Cup, a Victorian football trophy, featured engravings of a football match and of "the poor and sick succoured by the heavenly spirit"? (19 March 2010)
... that Swiss athlete Georges de Regibus introduced association football to Bulgaria in 1894 as a sports teacher in Varna? (21 March 2010)
... that despite being an Australian, Walter Cornock played both professional football and first-class cricket for English teams? (24 March 2010)
... that when West Bromwich Albion won a Birmingham Senior Cup match 26–0 in the 1882–83 season, every player except the goalkeeper scored at least once? (24 March 2010)
... that Darlington F.C. lost in both the second and the third rounds of the FA Cup in the 1999–2000 season? (4 April 2010)
... that footballer Sid Storey, who played for York City from 1947 to 1956, drove the open top bus that paraded the York team after winning the 1983–84 Fourth Division championship? (8 April 2010)
... that in 1876 Llewelyn Kenrick, founder of the Football Association of Wales, organised and played in Wales' first international match? (9 April 2010)
... that footballer Arthur Bate scored a hat-trick on his league debut for Nelson, yet finished on the losing team in the match? (13 April 2010)
... that in 1914, English footballer Tom Bamford played in the only Burnley team to win the FA Cup to date? (14 April 2010)
... that the Rudolf-Kalweit-Stadion in Hanover is home to three different kinds of football, hosting the Hannover Spartans, Arminia Hannover and the German rugby union team? (15 April 2010)
... that English footballer Reg Attwell was selected to represent the Football League in 1949? (15 April 2010)
... that A.F.C. Aldermaston, a non-league football club from Berkshire, has been dubbed the "worst English football team in history" after losing 40 consecutive matches? (18 April 2010)
... that Nelson F.C. won the Football League Third Division North in the 1922–23 season? (19 April 2010)
... that footballer Arthur Wolstenholme was the first player to score four goals in a Third Division North match? (22 April 2010)
... that Tommy Cheetham had a trial for the England national football team while playing in the Third Division in his first season as a professional? (24 April 2010)
... that in a 16-year career, English footballer Bob Hutchinson played for 14 different clubs? (26 April 2010)
... that English footballer Brian Punter did not receive his 1953 FA Youth Cup runners-up medal until some 56 years later? (27 April 2010)
... that Chesterfield centre-forward Walter Ponting was deprived of an apparently certain goal when the ball deflated and failed to cross the line? (28 April 2010)
... that footballer Barry Hutchinson scored in each of the seven games that Weymouth played in January 1965? (4 May 2010)
... that when transferred from Lincoln City to Leicester City for £27,500 in 1954, English footballer Andy Graver was said to be "afraid of the responsibility of living up to such a big price tag"? (12 May 2010)
... that Arnaud Gonzalez was a member of the France team that won the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship in 1996? (15 May 2010)
... that the World Cup Sculpture, celebrating England's 1966 FIFA World Cup Final victory, was criticised for not looking like the players involved? (18 May 2010)
... that Sellas Tetteh's Ghana under-20 team was the first African team to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup, in 2009? (19 May 2010)
... that Lincoln City was the first club to reach 100 seasons in the Football League without ever playing in the top division? (19 May 2010)
... that in England's Premier League football competition, 14 players from 10 different clubs have won the Golden Boot award, given to the season's top scorer? (28 May 2010)
... that professional footballer James Caine's son Brian also played professionally? (31 May 2010)
... that the Motherwell v Hibernian football match on 5 May 2010, which ended in a 6–6 draw, is the highest scoring match in Scottish Premier League history? (16 June 2010)
... that footballer Michael Basham played in the Swansea City team that won the 1994 Football League Trophy Final? (17 June 2010)
... that Kerry-Ann Booth, the girlfriend of footballer Greg Young, did not see him on the losing side of a game for Halifax Town for the first four years of their relationship? (17 June 2010)
... that footballer Stephen Brackstone had an operation to remove his appendix after being taken to hospital following his substitution in a game for York City in December 2002? (19 June 2010)
... that Seth Burkett is the only British footballer to currently play professionally in Brazil? (22 June 2010)
... that current Arsenal F.C. reserve player Emmanuel Frimpong began his international career with Ghana before switching to England and then back to Ghana? (22 June 2010)
... that before becoming a professional footballer, Bob Jefferson had deserted from the Royal Navy? (24 June 2010)
... that in his two Football League appearances, goalkeeper James Mangham conceded a total of ten goals? (4 July 2010)
... that after 104 years of existence, Hull City was promoted to play in the English Premier League for the first time in their history in 2008? (9 July 2010)
... that Paul the Octopus predicts Spain winning the World Cup today, while Mani the Parakeet tips a victory by the Netherlands? (11 July 2010)
... that despite being Watford's top scorer as they won the Southern League in 1914–15, professional footballer George Edmonds continued working as a printer? (15 July 2010)
... that on 28 August 1920, Peter Ronald scored Watford Football Club's first ever Football League goal? (17 July 2010)
... that the football club Ulf-Sandnes altered its name to Sandnes Ulf to accommodate the merger partner Sandnes FK? (17 July 2010)
... that footballer Andy Leaning was named man of the match following York City's 3–1 extra time defeat at Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round in 1986, with his performance being described as "heroic"? (20 July 2010)
... that after Norwegian soccer club Stord Sunnhordland FK was discontinued, the chairman of the owners called it "a club without soul"? (21 July 2010)
... that Fulham player Maurice Cook scored the first ever goal in the Football League Cup? (23 July 2010)
... that in an attempt to "beef him up", Watford manager Graham Taylor placed a then 17-year-old Nigel Gibbs on a steak and Guinness diet? (23 July 2010)
... that at 15 years and 314 days, Glyn Pardoe was the youngest footballer ever to play for Manchester City when he made his debut in 1962? (25 July 2010)
... that the football club Stålkameratene were expelled from their league in 1997, only to score 153 league goals the next year? (26 July 2010)
... that Len Dunderdale finished the 1938–39 season as Watford Football Club's top scorer, despite joining Leeds United during the season? (27 July 2010)
... that the soccer club Tornado Måløy FK has two home fields? (30 July 2010)
... that the Capello Index is a rating system for footballers that evaluates 500 actions that a player might make during a game? (30 July 2010)
... that Koji Gyotoku is the coach of the Bhutan national football team? (3 August 2010)
... that Willie Irvine was the English Football League First Division's top goalscorer in the 1965–66 season? (5 August 2010)
... that the Groruddalen BK football team finished third in their league in 2007 and had the league top scorer, but lost their coach and all players save two, facing relegation and liquidation in 2008? (9 August 2010)
... that the last goal at the Stade Grimonprez-Jooris in Lille was scored in May 2004 by Matt Moussilou, before the stadium closed after serving as Lille OSC's home for almost 30 years? (9 August 2010)
... that the defunct Yugoslavia national under-20 football team still hold the FIFA U-20 World Cup scoring record they set in 1987 with an average of 2.44 goals per game? (12 August 2010)
... that more than 440 players have lived at La Masia, but only 10% have made it into the FC Barcelona first team? (13 August 2010)
... that Clifford Grossmark, chairman of Gillingham F.C. from 1961 until 1983, was widely known in football circles as simply "The Doctor"? (14 August 2010)
... that the English football club Trawden Forest never lost a home game in the FA Cup? (16 August 2010)
... that Croatian footballer Stojan Osojnak played for Dinamo Zagreb in the club's first-ever match, a friendly against the Yugoslav Air Force team in June 1945? (18 August 2010)
... that from 2010, reserve teams in Norwegian association football were barred from using more than three players aged over 21? (19 August 2010)
... that during English footballer Freddie Bunce's only season with Highlands Park FC, they won South Africa's 1964 National Football League? (21 August 2010)
... that players from the FK Sørøy Glimt football team were caught in a doping case, a rare occurrence in Northern Norwegian football? (21 August 2010)
... that Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club broke their transfer record, paying £5,000 to sign Johnny McNichol, who at the time had not played a single game in the Football League? (23 August 2010)
... that Terry Byrne was the only person to accompany David Beckham to the changing room after his red card in the 1998 World Cup, and later became his personal manager? (24 August 2010)
... that the FC Barcelona Museum attracts 1.2 million yearly visitors, making it the second most visited museum in Barcelona, only surpassed by the Museu Picasso? (25 August 2010)
... that although Rangers won the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup Final, they were banned from competing the following year because their fans started a riot? (26 August 2010)
... that the sports club Skeid, with a former top-level football team, has also won the Norwegian league in bandy? (31 August 2010)
... that when Luis Figo was taking a corner in a football match against FC Barcelona, the Boixos Nois threw a pig's head after him? (1 September 2010)
... that retired footballer Fred Else arranged to have his wedding on a Saturday morning so that he was free to play for Preston North End reserves in the afternoon? (2 September 2010)
... that Welsh half-back Jack Newnes was the only footballer ever to be capped at international level while playing for Nelson? (5 September 2010)
... that Nathan Redmond became Birmingham City Football Club's second-youngest player ever when he made his first-team debut in August 2010 at the age of 16 years and 173 days? (5 September 2010)
... that association football club Bradford City's first game at Wembley Stadium in their 93-year history was the 1996 Football League Second Division play-off Final? (11 September 2010)
... that Seattle Sounders FC will be defending their U.S. Open Cup title in their home stadium, Qwest Field, in the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final against the Columbus Crew? (16 September 2010)
... that former professional footballer George Catleugh suffered a broken leg on two different occasions? (18 September 2010)
... that after keeping a clean sheet in an FA Cup match against defending champions Manchester United, Bournemouth goalkeeper Ian Leigh was rewarded with a lifetime supply of pizzas from a local Italian restaurant? (19 September 2010)
... that even after returning to association football as a professional at age 30, Bulgarian player Nikolay Bozhov has continued to manage his late father's ironmonger's business? (24 September 2010)
... that English footballer Graham Lovett was forced to retire at the age of 26, after being involved in two serious road traffic collisions in less than three years? (28 September 2010)
... that Scottish footballer John Durkin worked at a local coal mine while playing for Gillingham F.C.? (30 September 2010)
... that Hong Kong-born Rebecca Nolin plays as a defender for the Atlanta Beat and helps coach the Kennesaw State Owls? (30 September 2010)
... that black South African footballer Darius Dhlomo went missing on his debut for Dutch club Heracles Almelo because he was unaware that blacks and whites were allowed in the same changing room? (4 October 2010)
... that within four months footballer Barry Endean went from playing for an amateur team in a public park to lining up against Manchester United at Old Trafford? (5 October 2010)
... that Peter Endrulat never played in the Fußball-Bundesliga again after conceding 12 goals for Borussia Mönchengladbach's record 12–0 league victory over Borussia Dortmund? (8 October 2010)
... that English football captain Bobby Moore was accused of stealing a bracelet in Bogotá, Colombia, during the run-up to the 1970 FIFA World Cup? (19 October 2010)
... that IOC member Olaf Ditlev-Simonsen had five caps in football, two in bandy and an Olympic silver medal in sailing? (22 October 2010)
... that English former professional footballer Jimmy Fletcher became a successful breeder of racing greyhounds and once led a consortium which won £200,000 on a single race? (23 October 2010)
... that in 1979 Taunton Town F.C. moved from the Southern section of the Southern Football League to the Midlands section due to the opening of the M5 motorway? (5 November 2010)
... that when Harry Oliver joined Watford Football Club, Benskins Brewery paid the transfer fee on the club's behalf? (9 November 2010)
... that John Stirk played every league game during Watford Football Club's 1978–79 promotion-winning season? (11 November 2010)
... that Cockfield Football Club, from the tiny "two-street pit village" of Cockfield, County Durham, was dubbed the "Village Wonder Team" after reaching the semi-finals of the FA Amateur Cup in 1923? (14 November 2010)
... that all four football venues at the 1968 Summer Olympics would be used as FIFA World Cup stadia when Mexico hosted the Cup in 1970 and 1986? (15 November 2010)
... that Teslim Balogun became the first Nigerian footballer to play in the Football League, before qualifying as the first African professional coach? (16 November 2010)
... that Thomas Hooman's obituary in The Times claimed that he scored the winning goal in the 1872 FA Cup Final, contradicting all known contemporary newspaper reports on the match? (22 November 2010)
... that in his European Cup debut, German football goalkeeper Jens Ramme conceded 6 goals in 45 minutes, turning a 5–1 lead for Dynamo Dresden into a 7–5 defeat? (24 November 2010)
... that previous winners of Wayne Rooney's Street Striker have won trips to Brazil and South Africa? (25 November 2010)
... that Commonwealth Games boxing gold medallist Simon Vallily was once a football trainee at Middlesbrough Football Club? (26 November 2010)
... that Dinamo Zagreb footballer Mateo Kovačić became the youngest ever goalscorer in the Prva HNL in November 2010 at the age of 16 years and 198 days? (27 November 2010)
... that due to the Scottish football referee strike, foreign officials from Israel, Luxembourg and Malta were used as replacements? (30 November 2010)
... that German footballer Willy Tröger began his career as a goalkeeper, but converted into a successful forward after losing his hand in World War II? (1 December 2010)
... that Welshman Dai Davies is the only person to have appeared in both the rugby league Challenge Cup final and the association football FA Cup Final? (1 December 2010)
... that despite having only one arm, Arthur Lea played international football for Wales?" (9 December 2010)
... that a documentary investigating corruption within FIFA was broadcast in the week that the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts were chosen? (11 December 2010)
... that Olympia Bucureşti was the winner of the inaugural Romanian football championship held between 1909 and 1910? (18 December 2010)
... that English-born footballer Ellis Remy made his international debut playing for the Montserrat national football team? (21 December 2010)
... that 17 years after an aircraft crash killed most of the Zambia national football team, the Zambian government is yet to release a report on the crash? (22 December 2010)
... that Francis Skeat designed over 400 stained glass windows, including memorials to the footballer Duncan Edwards and the explorer John Smith? (26 December 2010)

2011[edit]

... that Gramoz Palushi was murdered while he was celebrating the football victory of Albania over Greece? (5 January 2011)
... that Neil Young scored the winning goal in the 1969 FA Cup Final? (9 January 2011)
... that 20 years after scoring a goal in Luxembourg's first-ever football victory over France, Zénon Bernard became the first communist elected to the Luxembourgian parliament? (13 January 2011)
... that it took a replay and then eighty minutes of extra time for Brighton & Hove Albion reserves to win the 1920–21 Southern League title? (30 January 2011)
... that Charlie Webb was appointed manager of English association football club Brighton & Hove Albion while awaiting repatriation from a prisoner-of-war camp in Mainz, Germany? (1 February 2011)
... that Fred and Val Gregory were two of four brothers who were simultaneously contracted to Watford Football Club? (1 February 2011)
... that Jo Tong Sop was a member of the North Korean football team that won the 1986 King's Cup against Aarhus Gymnastikforening? (2 February 2011)
... that Tony Macedo once had his ribs broken by a backpass from Tosh Chamberlain? (5 February 2011)
... that the Musiktheater im Revier in Gelsenkirchen staged a new musical for the 100th anniversary of the soccer club FC Schalke 04 in 2004? (6 February 2011)
... that Sussex cricket captain Herbert Whitfeld also played international football for England? (10 February 2011)
... that England international footballer and twice FA Cup winner Harry Goodhart became Professor of Humanities at the University of Edinburgh? (11 February 2011)
... that Clare Taylor represented England in the World Cup at both football and cricket? (14 February 2011)
... that Aslie Pitter, founder of Stonewall F.C., Britain's first and most successful gay football club, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his work fighting homophobia in London? (15 February 2011)
... that Master of the Blankney Hunt, Edgar Lubbock played in four FA Cup Finals, twice on the winning side? (19 February 2011)
... that Sean Hughes MP got Scottish MPs to give him their free tickets to the 1986 English FA Cup Final so his constituents could watch the Everton–Liverpool Merseyside derby? (24 February 2011)
... that former Manchester City footballer Lee Crooks is soon scheduled to serve on the frontline in the War in Afghanistan? (4 March 2011)
... that British Army officer Captain Stephen Healey of the Royal Welsh regiment, used to play football for Swansea City? (14 March 2011)
... that four different English football clubs achieved promotion to the top division while Ray Train was playing for them? (15 March 2011)
... that Small Heath F.C. was not promoted to the Football League First Division after winning the inaugural Second Division title in 1892–93, while the second- and third-place teams were? (29 March 2011)
... that although Australian soccer player Kris Trajanovski only scored in three matches for his country, he scored three hat-tricks? (31 March 2011)
... that the music to the hymn "Follow On" was later adopted by Rangers F.C. as the music for their anthem, "Follow Follow"? (6 April 2011)
... that a parrot was branded sectarian after being heard whistling "Follow Follow"? (8 April 2011)
... that Sir Henry Primrose, the chairman of the board of the Inland Revenue, played two international football matches for Scotland in the 1870s? (16 April 2011)
... that footballers Denis Law, Robert Smyth McColl and Hughie Gallacher have each scored three hat-tricks for Scotland? (22 April 2011)
... that up to 200 people played a game of football on land near Brothertoft, Lincolnshire, in the 1760s as a protest against enclosure? (23 April 2011)
... that Nelson F.C. lost only one home match in the Football League Third Division North during the 1924–25 season? (24 April 2011)
... that while playing for Barrow, footballer Fred Laycock left the pitch to sign for Nelson before completing the match, and was then fined for representing Barrow while contracted to another club? (25 April 2011)
... that Small Heath F.C. went through the 1893–94 season without drawing a League match? (27 April 2011)
... that a riot after the 1980 Scottish Cup Final between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. resulted in a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at sporting events in Scotland? (28 April 2011)
... that Footes Lane is the main sporting venue in Guernsey? (5 May 2011)
... that after the 1926 FA Cup Final, Manchester City F.C. became the first team to reach the final and suffer relegation in the same season? (14 May 2011)
... that Scottish businessman Craig Whyte bought the controlling interest in Rangers Football Club from David Murray for £1? (18 May 2011)
... that English footballer Walter Anderson died of pneumonia four days after collapsing at Craven Cottage, having ignored doctors' advice to rest? (19 May 2011)
... that Peter Velappan served as General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2007? (20 May 2011)
... that some English fans, including members of Combat 18, gave the Nazi salute to the Irish national anthem before the Lansdowne Road football riot? (24 May 2011)
... that the bodyguard to the Pet Shop Boys was a leader of Arsenal FC's hooligan firm during the 1980s? (26 May 2011)
... that Welsh footballer Dickie Morris became the first Plymouth Argyle player to be capped at senior international level in April 1908? (26 May 2011)
... that a phantom goal awarded against Small Heath F.C. in the 1894–95 season led the Football League to instruct referees to inspect the goalnets before each match? (28 May 2011)
... that a football team's travelling army of supporters is often referred to as its 12th man? (29 May 2011)
... that Aníbal Pérez, a former First Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile, was also President of the O'Higgins football club? (30 May 2011)
... that professional footballer Bill Yates also played Minor Counties cricket for Buckinghamshire? (4 June 2011)
... that award-winning journalist Paul Kamara has also been a priest, a cabinet minister, and the manager of Sierra Leone's national football team? (7 June 2011)
... that Berwick Rangers 1-0 defeat of Rangers in 1967 has been described as "the most astonishing result ever returned in Scottish football"? (9 June 2011)
... that Nike, Alfa Romeo, Red Bull and Ginsters are all advertised in the first person football video game I Am Playr? (10 June 2011)
... that the retired association football player Zlatko Zahovič is the all-time top scorer for the Slovenia team? (13 June 2011)
... that the BBC used commentators for the first time at the 1936 FA Cup Final, where Sheffield United was captained by Harry Hooper? (14 June 2011)
... that, in 1969, British sports journalist Julie Welch became the first female in Fleet Street to report on a football match? (16 June 2011)
... that association footballer Chris Smith, just months after signing for York City, was assaulted by a gang in an attack while on a night out? (18 June 2011)
... that association footballer Chris Clarke and his twin brother Matthew started their careers at the same club, Wolverhampton Wanderers? (21 June 2011)
... that Ipswich Town lost 5–0 to Nottingham Forest in the 1978 FA Charity Shield, the annual competition between the previous season's FA Cup winners and Football League champions? (23 June 2011)
... that Tottenham Hotspur defeated Ipswich Town 5–1 in the 1962 FA Charity Shield played at Portman Road in Ipswich? (25 June 2011)
... that despite conceding four goals in the second leg, English club Ipswich Town beat Dutch club AZ Alkmaar 5–4 on aggregate to win the 1981 UEFA Cup Final? (25 June 2011)
... that while at the New York Cosmos, association footballer Keith Eddy captained a team which included Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer? (28 June 2011)
... that the movies Green Street Hooligans and Cass are based on West Ham United F.C. supporters? (7 July 2011)
... that 17-year-old Uruguayan footballer Juan Cruz Mascia has been hailed as the heir to 2010 FIFA World Cup star Diego Forlán in the English and South American media? (7 July 2011)
... that by making her debut in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup at the age of 16, Cecilia Santiago became the youngest-ever goalkeeper to appear in a World Cup? (7 July 2011)
... that Japanese international footballer Aya Sameshima worked at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants prior to the disaster there? (10 July 2011)
... that football club ASK Voitsberg changed both its name and team colours during the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany? (17 July 2011)
... that, while the first official suggestion of a nationwide association football league in Germany, the Reichsliga, was made in 1932, such a league was not introduced until 1963? (19 July 2011)
... that Italian Vincenzo Sarno was 11 years old when he signed to play professional football with Torino F.C.? (24 July 2011)
... that the national football teams of North Korea and South Korea have met on numerous occasions? (25 July 2011)
... that the Score the Goals comic book – featuring ten soccer players – was launched by the UN to educate children on how to help reduce poverty by 2015? (26 July 2011)
... that the 1973 second division game between Bavarian rivals FC Augsburg and TSV 1860 Munich was watched by 80,000 spectators, a record for the Olympic Stadium in Munich? (28 July 2011)
... that the Faroe Islands national football team won its first ever competitive match against Austria in 1990? (1 August 2011)
... that Eynesbury Rovers are the most westerly football club ever to play in the Eastern Counties League? (3 August 2011)
... that FIFA eligibility rules were changed in 2004, reportedly in response to a growing trend in countries such as Qatar and Togo to naturalise Brazil-born footballers? (5 August 2011)
... that the current Scotland national under-16 football team squad features players from Real Madrid and Liverpool? (6 August 2011)
... that Indian-born British soldier Edward Hay Mackenzie Elliot played association football for Scotland against England and cricket for the MCC? (8 August 2011)
... that footballer Hasan Ahmet Sari left Istanbul with his family after living through the 1999 İzmit earthquake? (18 August 2011)
... that a judge ruled that spectators were not entitled to any refund of their admission money when a match in Small Heath F.C.'s 1895–96 season was abandoned after only 37 minutes? (23 August 2011)
... that Robert Crawford, scorer of the first goal in international football, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for causing a servant to be flogged to death? (4 September 2011)
... that there were concerns that The Bouncy could derail a train? (10 September 2011)
... that twice-capped Guyana international footballer Clydie Roberts is a cousin of England international Jermain Defoe? (4 September 2011)
... that Alfred Baker, who scored England's first goal in international football, was an auctioneer by profession and died while running to catch a train? (7 September 2011)
... that Seattle Sounders FC will face the Chicago Fire in the 2011 U.S. Open Cup Final on October 4, 2011, for a chance to three-peat as champion? (14 September 2011)
... that Russell Howarth of the Minstermen had a trial with the Toffeemen in 2002? (2 October 2011)
... that in August 1990 FC Bayern Munich lost in the first round of the cup at amateur side FV 09 Weinheim? (9 October 2011)
... that Scotsmen James and Robert Smith were the first pair of brothers to play international football? (15 October 2011)
... that Ian Bankier became Celtic F.C.'s 15th chairman in the club's 123-year history? (29 October 2011)
... that Mason Bennett made his professional football debut aged just 15 years and 99 days? (6 November 2011)
... that former Everton and Wales international footballer Charlie Parry fell on hard times and was the beneficiary of three testimonial matches? (12 November 2011)
... that Wales international footballer Alexander Jones was killed in a shooting accident on board a train? (15 November 2011)
... that Welsh goalkeeper Tony Millington was "a one-man entertainment" who would take sweets, pies or chewing gum from supporters and celebrate his team's goals by performing handstands? (19 November 2011)
... that the University of Central Florida's men's soccer team won their first match by a score of 8–0? (21 November 2011)
... that the University of Central Florida's women's soccer team has had a winning record in 27 of the 30 seasons the team has played? (22 November 2011)
... that Brazil defeated Timor-Leste 76–0 in futsal in 2006, the current world record? (24 November 2011)
... that Peter Harburn was named in the Great Britain football squad for the 1956 Olympic Games, for which, as a professional, he was ineligible? (4 December 2011)
... that Denis Law, the all-time top goalscorer for the Scotland national football team, played for the Italian League against the Scottish League XI? (6 December 2011)
... that when goalkeeper Sam Gillam replaced Alf Pugh for Wales against Scotland on 15 April 1889, he became the first substitute in international football? (29 December 2011)

2012[edit]

... that in 1920, Irish footballer Jack Doran achieved the rare feat of being the top goalscorer for two English clubs in the same season? (3 January 2012)
... that Fred Barron played exactly 400 matches in The Football League for Burnley between 1898 and 1911? (6 January 2012)
... that former Burnley footballer Arthur Bell also worked as an architect and designed a new stand at the club's Turf Moor stadium in 1911? (7 January 2012)
... that in the 1889 Scottish Cup Final, conditions were so poor that the players threw snowballs at each other? (7 January 2012)
... that footballer Adam Cunnington's strike partnership with Kevin Charley produced more than 50 goals for Barwell in 2009–10, helping the club win the Midland Football Alliance? (12 January 2012)
... that Scottish footballer Dan Friel played more than 300 matches for Burnley, many of them as captain? (12 January 2012)
... that the winning nation at the UEFA European Football Championship was determined by a golden goal in two consecutive tournaments? (13 January 2012)
... that Ernie Robinson worked as a coal miner before becoming a professional footballer? (15 January 2012)
... that Bobby Cummings was the first English footballer to score a hat-trick against Rangers in theScottish League? (16 January 2012)
... that Tommy Tebb scored Nelson's last goal in the Football League? (17 January 2012)
... that a football match was won by scoring an own goal on purpose? (21 January 2012)
... that English football team Queen's Park Rangers did not introduce their current blue and white strips until 1926, some 27 seasons after they turned professional? (23 January 2012)
... that Phoenix Sports F.C. is so called as it rose from the ashes of the Blitz? (24 January 2012)
... that Jan Maroši scored directly from a corner for Sigma Olomouc in a 1992–93 UEFA Cup match against Juventus? (28 January 2012)
... that footballer Billy Barnes scored the winning goal in the 1902 FA Cup Final for Sheffield United and played in the first Charity Shield match for QPR in 1908? (30 January 2012)
... that FK Fyllingsdalen originally was named FK Varden by the board, even though a majority of the club members voted for FK Fyllingsdalen? (30 January 2012)
... that John Stone missed only three games for York City in the 1973–74 season as the club won promotion to the Second Division for the first time? (6 February 2012)
... that Lydd Town F.C. were promoted after winning their leaguefive times in a row? (10 February 2012)
... that Queens Park Rangers came from two goals down at half time in the 1967 Football League Cup Final to eventually win with a goal scored by Mark Lazarus? (11 February 2012)
... that footballer Andy Flynn played in all of York City's seven FA Cup games in the 1926–27 season, as the team reached the competition's first round for the first time? (12 February 2012)
... that despite reaching the 1985 Football League Cup Final, both Norwich and Sunderland were relegated from the First Division at the end of that season? (12 February 2012)
... that between 1968 and 1971 English non-league football team Sutton Athletic F.C. won three successive promotions whilst also winning three successive league cups? (13 February 2012)
... that despite entering York City's team after the start of the 1983–84 season, Alan Pearce became a useful member of the side that won the Fourth Division? (18 February 2012)
... that footballer Radim Nečas became the most expensive player in Czechoslovakia when Slavia Prague signed him for 25 million Czechoslovak koruna in 1992? (18 February 2012)
... that with his team HIT Gorica, football manager Edin Osmanović was runner up in theLiga Simobil Vodafone and Slovenian Football Cup and participated in the UEFA Cup? (20 February 2012)
... that Rhodesian soccer captain Bobby Chalmers, a white man, was assisted in his leadership of the mostly black national team by his proficiency in both Ndebele and Shona? (22 February 2012)
... that Old Carthusians F.C. is one of only two football clubs to have won both the FA Cup and FA Amateur Cup? (26 February 2012)
... that in August 2000, 37 people were banned from attending matches at Arsenal F.C.'s stadium because of their involvement in the Battle of Copenhagen? (3 March 2012)
... that the German Bundesliga footballer Willi Kraus was sentenced to seven years in prison for bank robbery? (20 March 2012)
... that Czech football manager Jozef Weber took part in four national cup finals as a player, but was never on the winning team? (24 March 2012)
... that when the footballer Svein Fjælberg joined Viking FK from Sola FK in 1979 for a transfer fee of 45 000 Norwegian kroner, he became the then most expensive player at the club? (2 April 2012)
... that Czech top flight footballer ‪Pavel Hašek‬ is the son of former national team player and manager Ivan ‪Hašek‬? (21 April 2012)
... that while Mauritius has a senior women's national football team, they have not played in a single FIFA sanctioned game? (23 April 2012)
... that while the Rwanda women's national football team has not played a FIFA-recognised match, a professional women's league in the country has attracted women from Uganda? (24 April 2012)
... that the Djibouti women's national football team has played in only one FIFA recognised match, a 0–7 loss to Kenya in 2006? (25 April 2012)
... that the Zanzibar women's national football team has few women's teams to play against and has beaten men's teams? (29 April 2012)
... that while FIFA inquired about the creation of a Sudanese women's national football team, the Islamic Fiqh Council in Sudan issued a fatwa forbidding it? (29 April 2012)
... that Czech international footballer Jan Suchopárek dislocated his shoulder while attempting a bicycle kick? (30 April 2012)
... that the English association football league, the Premier League, will give awards to mark the league's 20 seasons anniversary? (30 April 2012)
... that the only team Guinea-Bissau women's national football team has played a FIFA-recognised match against is Guinea (1 May 2012)
... that The Poznań was copied by Manchester City football fans after their team played Polish team Lech Poznań? (2 May 2012)
... that Czech international footballer Patrik Gedeon went to play club football in Liechtenstein in the middle of his career? (2 May 2012)
... that the Togo women's national football team participated in the 2007 Tournoi de Cinq Nations in Ouagadougou but was disqualified after the first match for sending a club team? (2 May)
... that the inventor of the FIFA World Cup, Jules Rimet, won the Croix de Guerre while fighting with the French forces during the First World War? (4 May 2012)
... that Zambia's women's national football teams include a senior women's team, under-20 team, under-17 team, an Olympic qualification team, an under-23 team and Homeless World Cup team? (4 May)
... that Norwegian footballer Thomas Holm was both champion with Molde FK and runner-up with Tromsø IL of Tippeligaen in 2011? (4 May 2012)
... that despite having few registered women players and their team never playing a FIFA-recognised match, Burundi has an under-20 women's national team? (7 May 2012)
... that the British Army fielded a battalion of professional footballers in the World War I Battle of the Somme? (7 May 2012)
... that the Central African Republic faced difficulties in playing in the Women's U-19 World Cup semi-final against South Africa because the country initially refused to grant players visas? (10 May 2012)
... that while football is the most popular women's sport in Gambia and the U-17 has played in a World Cup qualifier, the Gambia women's national football team has not played a FIFA sanctioned game? (10 May 2012)
... that the only FIFA recognised matches Anguilla women's national football team have played in were against Antigua and Barbuda, US Virgin Islands, Barbados and Grenada? (13 May 2012)
... that Ørn-Horten avoided relegation from the 2001 Norwegian First Division with a match-winning goal from the goalkeeper five minutes into stoppage time in the decisive match against Vålerenga? (14 May 2012)
... that former Indonesia national football team player Herry Kiswanto only received one yellow card during his 17-year career? (18 May 2012)
... that Netherlands Antilles women's national football team faces development challenges because football is only the sixth most popular sport in the country? (26 May 2012)
... that a game between Belfast's Big Two once led to a cockerel and a blue pig being released onto a football pitch? (28 May 2012)
... that the Norwegian footballer Steffen Hagen has played every minute of 100 consecutive league-matches for Odd Grenland in Tippeligaen? (30 May 2012)
... that during a football match between FK Bodø/Glimt and Tromsø IL in 1995, Tromsø head coach Harald Aabrekk was brought to the hospital in an ambulance, despite not being injured? (31 May 2012)
... that Arsenal went 995 minutes without conceding a goal in European football? (1 June 2012)
... that Thursday Nights, Channel 5 once almost led to a fight between Chelsea and Manchester City players? (4 June 2012)
... that Rosenborg BK's young midfielder Ole Kristian Selnæs is a big fan of the Norwegian soap opera Hotel Cæsar? (5 June 2012)
... that since the Israel national association football team played its first official game in 1934, more than 450 players have represented Israel in international matches? (8 June 2012)
... that Michael Roach, an American professional soccer player, played in college with future teammates Kevin Alston and Alec Purdie? (8 June 2012)
... that despite not playing football before he was 10 years old, Zymer Bytyqi became the youngest player in Tippeligaen aged 15 years and 261 days? (9 June 2012)
... that PSIR Rembang players attacked both referees in a match at 2008–09 Liga Indonesia Premier Division? (11 June 2012)
... that despite São Tomé and Príncipe gaining independence in 1975, the women's national football team did not play their first FIFA recognised match until 2002? (11 June 2012)
... that the Emirates Cup was cancelled from the 2012–13 Arsenal season due to the 2012 London Olympics? (13 June 2012)
... that despite finishing second in Tippeligaen with Molde FK in 2002, football coaches Kalle Björklund and Gunder Bengtsson were fired after six matches in 2003? (13 June 2012)
... that Łazienkowska Thoroughfare, the most famous road in Poland, is part of the main transportation route for UEFA Euro 2012 connecting Okęcie Airport to the National Stadium in Warsaw? (14 June 2012)
... that Marta met the Sierra Leone women's national football team in 2011 as part of the United Nations Development Programme? (15 June 2012)
... that among the challenges to developing the Niger women's national football team is shari'a law being used to ban women from the sport in some parts of the country? (16 June 2012
... that the Yemen women's national football team has four training sessions a week? (18 June 2012)
... that You're Gonna Get Your Fucking Head Kicked In is chanted at opponents of pro wrestler Bryan Danielson? (19 June 2012)
... that despite FIFA recognition and twice-weekly training sessions, the Madagascar women's national football team has yet to play in a single FIFA-recognised match? (20 June 2012)
... that while Réunion women's national football team is not recognised by FIFA, the team has played full internationals against South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe? (20 June 2012)
... that even though the Saudi Arabia women's national football team does not exist, women in the country have created, coached and played for their own club team outside the sight of men? (21 June 2012)
... that York City have recorded more league victories against Rochdale than against any other club, having beaten them 43 times from 100 attempts? (22 June 2012)
... that despite the Seychelles women's national football team having played only two games up to June 2012, a national football tournament for women has been around in the country since the late 1990s? (22 June 2012)
... that the Brunei women's national football team is forbidden from participating in the Olympic Games by its country's government? (23 June 2012)
... that Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger was recognised as the best coach of the decade despite never winning the IFFHS World's Best Club Coach award? (26 June 2012)
... that Izetta Wesley, a female football administrator, believes the government of Liberia is insincere in how they treat the Liberia women's national football team? (27 June 2012)
... that 2012–13 will be York City's first season back in the Football League since relegation in 2004? (28 June 2012)
... that the Côte d'Ivoire women's national football team is Africa's sixth best women's football team while women's football is the fourth most popular sport in the country? (28 June 2012)
... that while the Oman women's national football team has yet to play a game, a club from Oman played matches against national teams from Jordan and Syria? (30 June 2012)
... that at Euro 2012, the Pukka Pies England Band was banned from playing at England's game against France despite having UEFA approval? (1 July 2012)
... that Cambodia women's national football team faces several challenges including women's football not being popular in Cambodia and, as of 2006^[update], no teams for women to play on? (1 July 2012)
... that women in Kenya created the Kenya women's national football team independent of Football Kenya Federation? (2 July 2012)
... that Sheffield United played their first ever league fixture against Burton Wanderers on 13 September 1890? (2 July 2012)
... that Sheffield United refused to present footballer Bob Cain with an 1898 First Division winner's medal after he agreed a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur? (4 July 2012)
... that Bandung Raya football club dissolved in 1997 due to financial trouble, despite reaching the 1996–97 Liga Indonesia Premier Division finals? (5 July 2012)
... that Abdurahim Laajab is one of the key players at the Norway national futsal team? (10 July 2012)
... that in the 2010 season, in addition to playing football for Afturelding, John Andrews also coached the club's women's team, reserve team and feeder club at the same time? (14 July 2012)
... that Valon and Veton Berisha in 2011 became the first brothers to start a match together for Viking FK in 22 years since Jan and Egil Fjetland started the 1989 Norwegian Football Cup final? (14 July 2012)
... that Manchester City's Omar Elabdellaoui did not want to go on loan to football team Strømsgodset in 2012 because of the artificial turf at Marienlyst Stadion? (16 July 2012)
... that since the San Marino national football team played its first match in 1990, 97 players have represented San Marino in international matches? (18 July 2012)
... that Hartlepool United's fourteen successful attempts at re-election to the Football League are a league record? (19 July 2012)
... that if Seattle Sounders FC wins the 2012 U.S. Open Cup final on August 8, 2012, they will be the first club in the tournament's 99-year history to win four consecutive titles?(24 July 2012)
... that William & Mary women's soccer, coached by John Daly, is one of two NCAA Division I women's soccer programs that have never had a losing season? (26 July 2012)
... that Norwegian footballer Kent Bergersen left the Greek club Panionios G.S.S. because the club didn't pay his salary? (1 August 2012)
... that Jørgen Juve was captain of the Norwegian football team that won Olympic bronze medals in Berlin in 1936, after knocking out Germany in the quarter final? (9 August 2012)
... that professional goalkeeper Maladi was instrumental in the development of television in Indonesia? (11 August 2012)
... that Molde FK did not want to send Martin Høyem on loan to Hønefoss BK, because the two clubs were scheduled to meet in the semi-final of the 2005 Norwegian Football Cup? (22 August 2012)
... that Matty Blair scored the winning goal for York City in the 2012 Conference National play-off Final, which saw the club return to the Football League after an eight-year absence? (25 August 2012)
... that footballers Scott and Martin Sinclair are the first brothers to represent Great Britain at the Olympics and Paralympics in the same year? (25 August 2012)
... that Jock Collier, Tom Mitchell and Viv Busby are the only former York City F.C. players with fewer than 25 appearances to have managed the club? (27 August 2012)
... that when Sten Grytebust was selected for the Norway national under-23 football team, he didn't know that such a team existed? (31 August 2012)
... that after giving up professional football to serve in World War II, Jack Roberts escaped from a POW camp and walked 400 miles to freedom with a broken neck? (3 September 2012)
... that Sarpsborg 08 rejected Brescia's attempt to get Magnar Ødegaard on a trial, because it was in the middle of the Norwegian football season? (4 September 2012)
... that 2012 British Paralympic footballer Ibrahima Diallo was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after a physiotherapist saw him running? (5 September 2012)
... that Jamal Fyfield assisted Matty Blair's winning goal for York City in the 2011–12 FA Trophy semi-final second leg against Luton Town with a cross from the left flank? (12 September 2012)
... that George Bray's association with Burnley F.C. as a player, coach, kit man and supporter spanned seven decades? (14 September 2012)
... that Alexandros Kasmeridis saved two penalties in Thrasyvoulos' penalty shoot-out victory over Levadiakos in the fourth round of the 2011–12 Greek Football Cup? (17 September 2012)
... that Lanre Oyebanjo scored York City's second goal in their 2–0 victory over Newport County in the 2012 FA Trophy Final, hosted at Wembley Stadium? (17 September 2012)
... that Ragnar Hvidsten was the first Norwegian to play in the FA Amateur Cup? (17 September 2012)
... that Gary Pearson scored his first goal for Darlington with a 25 yard free kick against Luton Town in January 2002, although his team went on to lose 3–2 (19 September 2012)
... that even though Panajotis Dimitriadis is a midfielder, his play as a centre back got him on TV2's list as one of the five best players in the 2012 Norwegian First Division? (23 September 2012)
... that "Accrington Stanley, Who Are They?" was originally scripted to use Tottenham Hotspur instead of Accrington Stanley? (23 September 2012)
... that Norway international footballer Jarl André Storbæk captained Strømsgodset in his first match for the club? (23 September 2012)
... that Josh Falkingham scored a goal during his first match in the Scottish Football League First Division? (27 September 2012)
... that Magnus Sylling Olsen's first goal in Tippeligaen was named the best goal of the round? (28 September 2012)
... that footballer Ergys Kace was born in Albania, but moved to Greece at the age of three? (28 September 2012)
... that Norwegian footballer Michael Jamtfall retired at the age of 25? (1 October 2012)
... that Norwegian football club Kristiansund BK was founded in 2003 by local rivals Clausenengen FK and Kristiansund FK? (1 October 2012)
... that despite being a centre back, Norwegian footballer Edvard Skagestad has played most of his matches as a striker? (11 October 2012)
... that Gibraltar F.C. was one of the first civilian football clubs established in Gibraltar? (12 October 2012)
... that after Norwegian footballer Jonatan Tollås posted a nude photo of a teammate on Twitter, he said that his goal was to upload one new photo every day? (13 October 2012)
... that Port Vale goalkeeper Sam Johnson saved three penalties and then scored the winning penalty on his debut in professional football? (16 October 2012)
... that Norwegian footballer Jon Midttun Lie had Tom Nordlie as head coach in three different clubs? (22 October 2012)
... that Jørgen Tengesdal played for Viking in the 2001 Norwegian Football Cup Final despite his contract expiring five days before the final? (23 October 2012)
... that despite only playing one match for Bayer Leverkusen, the Norwegian footballer Terje Olsen does not regret moving to Germany at the age of 15? (24 October 2012)
... that Manolis Roubakis is one of the few footballers who have played for all three big clubs of Heraklion in Greece: OFI Crete, Ergotelis and Atsalenios? (26 October 2012)
... that a participant of The Tuesday Club was fined by Hong Kong and Arsenal for throwing prawn crackers at a taxi? (5 November 2012)
... that the Norwegian footballer Stefan Johansen scored a goal from a free kick that was identical to a goal he scored 11 days earlier? (6 November 2012)
... that Kettering Town goalkeeper Scott Endersby is credited with being the youngest footballer to play in the FA Cup proper at the age of 15 in 1977? (8 November 2012)
... that Brann's goalkeeper Håkon Opdal scored the goal that eliminated Bodø/Glimt from the 2004 Norwegian Football Cup? (9 November 2012)
... that after joining Vålerenga from the Norwegian Second Division team Skeid, Dawda Leigh immediately became a regular in Vålerenga's starting line-up in Tippeligaen? (10 November 2012)
... that Robin Eriksson played football in Allsvenskan after he was warned by doctors that he might not be able to walk again? (12 November 2012)
... that footballer Steve Redmond became Manchester City's youngest ever captain when appointed to the role in 1988? (12 November 2012)
... that after Alexander Nadj had played 13 minutes for Lillestrøm SK, the head coach Henning Berg decided to use the youth goalkeeper instead? (13 November 2012)
... that Welsh international footballer Joe Davies was suspended by Sheffield United for "lodging in a public house"? (16 November 2012)
... that Welsh international footballer David Powell began his career employed as groundsman by Wrexham F.C.? (17 November 2012)
... that by the 1960s female leaders of women's football in Africa began to emerge? (17 November 2012)
... that Lluís Coll scored one goal and set up another as FC Barcelona won the 1960 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Final? (19 November 2012)
... that the 1884 FA Cup Final saw Blackburn Rovers play Queen's Park from Scotland? (22 November 2012)
... that, having played 465 league matches, Jaroslav Šilhavý holds the record for the most appearances in top-flight Czech football? (3 December 2012)
... that at the age of 14, Norwegian footballer Vegar Eggen Hedenstad became the youngest-ever senior player at Elverum Fotball? (6 December 2012)

2013[edit]

... that Norwegian footballer Kurt Heggestad stepped down from professional football to become a goat farmer? (9 January 2013)
... that IL Hødd goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland was signed by Tippeligaen champions Molde after being named man of the match in the 2012 Norwegian Football Cup Final? (15 January 2013)
... that John Hemmingham was banned from Sheffield United's Bramall Lane stadium because of concerns that playing music might structurally damage the stands? (18 January 2013)
... that Kareem Joseph scored a pair of goals in the 2011 First Citizens Cup final to give Caledonia AIA their first league cup in club history with a 2–1 victory over T&TEC? (23 January 2013)
... that Norwegian footballer Kai Risholt could not sleep for 22 days? (29 January 2013)
... that professional footballer Michael Ngoo was booked for revealing a T-shirt bearing the message "96 reasons 4 Justice"? (29 January 2013)
... that Norwegian football player Henning Hauger saw less activity after moving to Germany and was ultimately left out of his national team? (30 January 2013)
... that if Welsh team Swansea City win in the 2013 Football League Cup Final, they will represent England in the Europa League? (1 February 2013)
... that "Flip" Carli, son of a soldier, went from footballer to film director? (5 February 2013)
... that Ivar Rønningen was the first goalscoring goalkeeper at Vålerenga? (6 February 2013)
... that under the management of Alex Ferguson, Aberdeen defeated Real Madrid 2–1 in the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup Final? (12 February 2013)
... that English footballer Ben Everson played for Icelandic Úrvalsdeild team Breiðablik when they qualified for the 2013–14 UEFA Europa League First qualifying round? (13 February 2013)
... that Norwegian footballer Ola Kamara was forced to move home to his mother after signing with Strømsgodset IF? (14 February 2013)
... that Malcolm Brodie reported from 14 FIFA World Cups – more than any other journalist? (24 February 2013)
... that St. Ouen once played Celtic aided by guest players from Southampton? (26 February 2013)
... that Norwegian goalkeeper Olav Dalen kept a clean sheet in his first two matches in Tippeligaen? (27 February 2013)
... that Ernest Bohr, who played field hockey for Denmark at the 1948 Summer Olympics, was the nephew of Olympic football player Harald Bohr, and the son of physicist Niels Bohr? (2 March 2013)
... that English footballer Chris Joyce rejected a contract-offer from FC Dallas and moved to Norway? (4 March 2013)
... that Norwegian footballer Stian Dyngeland participated in the singing contest Idol? (5 March 2013)
... that due to Kvik losing 8–2 against Hødd in the decisive match of the 1965 Norwegian Second Division, Kvik's rivals Rosenborg were not promoted on goal difference? (8 March 2013)
... that the Culverden Stadium was the location of the record set for most penalty kicks taken in a football match? (9 March 2013)
... that a sign of Jesus was removed from The Oval in Belfast because it hadn't earned the owner any money for a number of years? (9 March 2013)
... that the Longmead Stadium was given to Tonbridge Angels by the council as compensation for evicting them from their old ground? (10 March 2013)
... that Jon Challinor's first victory in a Conference play-off final came in 2012, after he appeared in finals in 2004, 2007, and 2009? (13 March 2013)
... that at the age of 11, footballer Corkie Blow was awarded the bronze medal of the Royal Humane Society for saving the life of a younger child? (14 March 2013)
... that Nepalese politician and conservationist Harka Gurung was honoured with a memorial football tournament after his death in a helicopter crash? (15 March 2013)
... that Newry City AFC was launched by the Northern Ireland manager after the winding-up of the former club? (15 March 2013)
... that Leeds United banned Galatasaray fans from attending the UEFA Cup semi-final at Elland Road because of the 2000 UEFA Cup semi-final violence‎? (18 March 2013)
... that after Eirik Holmen Johansen was invited for a trial with Manchester City, his brother Tobias was offered a contract with the club? (18 March 2013)
... that Mats Møller Dæhli won Manchester United's "Young Player of the Year" award in 2012? (20 March 2013)
... that according to England fans, England beat Germany in "Two World Wars and One World Cup"? (22 March 2013)
... that Erik Johannessen kept a clean sheet for 672 minutes in the 1974 Norwegian First Division? (23 March 2013)
... that Ballinamallard United's club chairman has speculated that their matches are poorly covered on TV because it is deemed too expensive to send cameras to Ferney Park? (25 March 2013)
... that Kim Deinoff was once bitten in the arm by an opponent during a football match? (29 March 2013)
... that when Ruben Yttergård Jenssen was signed by Tromsø IL in 2006, the head coach claimed it was better in some respects than signing Ronaldinho? (29 March 2013)
... that a Norwegian organization established a women's fart team? (1 April 2013)
... that Tom Platt was a member of the Harrogate Town team that reached the FA Cup second round in the 2012–13 season? (2 April 2013)
... that Norwegian footballer Espen Hægeland scored more than 50 goals for Lyngdal IL in 2012? (5 April 2013)
... that it is hoped that Arsenal's game against Indonesia, to be played as a warm up match for Arsenal's 2013–14 season, will help ease an internal dispute between the PSSI and KPSI? (6 April 2013)
... that German footballer Michael Petry made his professional debut aged 36, and scored within two minutes of coming on the pitch? (9 April 2013)
... that Norwegian football club Egersunds IK won promotion to the third tier in 2011 because IK Start was relegated from the top flight? (12 April 2013)
... that football player Ebenezer Assifuah scored in all of Ghana's 2013 African U-20 Championship group matches en route to the finals? (14 April 2013)
... that after Flamur Kastrati was injured in a match between MSV Duisburg and Energie Cottbus, both teams stopped playing football? (15 April 2013)
... that Arsenal became known as the Bank of England club after gaining the largest amount of income from match days and being cautious with money while also breaking British transfer records? (18 April 2013)
... that William O. Cushing, writer of the words of the hymn that inspired Rangers' Follow Follow anthem, gave his entire life savings to a blind girl for her to receive an education? (20 April 2013)
... that Norwegian footballer Erik Midtgarden won the Estonian Meistriliiga with Flora Tallinn in 2011? (23 April 2013)
... that Alex Valencia was named "player of the year" when IK Start won silver in the 2005 Norwegian Premier League? (29 April 2013)
... that Leon Boullemier, the son of a French artist, was (under another name) Northamptonshire County Cricket Club's official scorer for 50 years? (30 April 2013)
... that Andreas Tegström and Andreas Augustsson scored the goals when Norwegian football club Sandefjord secured promotion to Tippeligaen for the first time? (3 May 2013)
... that Tunbridge Wells sold over 2,600 tickets in 24 hours for the 2013 FA Vase Final against Spennymoor Town, contrasting with regular crowds of 138? (4 May 2013)
... that Bård Finne scored four goals when SK Brann won 14–0 in the 2013 Norwegian Football Cup? (5 May 2013)
... that Magnus Stamnestrø scored the goal that made his club have the worst season-opener by a defending champion in Norwegian football? (6 May 2013)
... that Horacio Cartes, president-elect of Paraguay, has been president of the Libertad football club since 2001? (9 May 2013)
... that Wigan Athletic have already qualified for the Europa League regardless of the result against Manchester City in the 2013 FA Cup Final today? (11 May 2013)
... that the reality television poetry competition Prince of Poets is more popular than football in countries of the Arab world, where it airs? (15 May 2013)
... that stolen beer bottles once led to the postponement of a football cup semi-final at Stangmore Park? (17 May 2013)
... that Norwegian referee Einar Halle has admitted that some clubs have tried to bribe him ahead of matches? (20 May 2013)
... that Mario Bichón Cáceres was the president of the Pichilemu Football Association during a time of "football rejuvenation"? (24 May 2013)
... that Benjamin Odeje was the first black footballer to represent England at any level? (28 May 2013)
... that Major League Soccer franchise New York City FC is co-owned by Manchester City FC and the New York Yankees? (29 May 2013)
... that Jack Manning played for four different football clubs during their debut seasons in the Football League? (31 May 2013)
... that Stefan Strandberg was the captain of the Norwegian team that qualified for the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship? (6 June 2013)
... that of the five early grounds of Manchester City F.C., four were originally unused wasteland, most had no stands or facilities, and none served for more than two seasons? (11 June 2013)
... that footballer John Mitchell not only played in Doncaster Rovers' first match in 1879, but also played for Bolton Wanderers on the first day of the inaugural Football League season in 1888? (12 June 2013)
... that Czech manager Leoš Kalvoda led Slovak football club MŠK Žilina to their first ever league title in 2002? (14 June 2013)
... that Norway under-21 international footballer Anders Konradsen is the most expensive player ever sold by Strømsgodset IF? (16 June 2013)
... that Günter Bittengel was named as the new manager of FK Chmel Blšany after the club had lost seven games in a row? (20 June 2013)
... that Robert Žák was the first manager to lose his job in the 2009–10 Gambrinus liga? (21 June 2013)
... that a lottery winner paid some of his prize money to prevent the Norwegian football club Odd from selling Fredrik Semb Berge? (22 June 2013)
... that Günter Pröpper scored a total of 52 goals in 34 league games – a record in German professional football for most goals in one season? (22 June 2013)
... that Arena Corinthians will have the largest video screen in the world? (27 June 2013)
... that German goalkeeper Jürgen Rynio is the only player to have been relegated from the Bundesliga with five different clubs? (30 June 2013)
... that Emilia Appelqvist was the captain of the Swedish team at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup? (8 July 2013)
... that Bulgarian footballer Boris Nikolov was the Turkish club Galatasaray S.K.'s first captain and manager? (15 July 2013)
... that Vegard Lysvoll scored 30 goals in the same season that his club set a new Norwegian record when he scored their 100th goal? (18 July 2013)
... that Norwegian footballer Aleksander Solli did not want to celebrate his match-winning goal against Vålerenga, his former team? (25 July 2013)
... that after suddenly losing his vision at age 17, Gustavo Nieves Campello left football to compete in athletics? (21 August 2013)
... that Michael Anaba won silver and bronze with the Ghana-U20 team in 2013? (23 August 2013)
... that Tottenham Hotspur L.F.C. were originally called Broxbourne Ladies? (25 August 2013)
... that the Oxford United and Reading football clubs nearly merged in 1983 to form "Thames Valley Royals"? (6 September 2013)
... that Malin Diaz scored the game-winning goal during extra time for Sweden to win the 2012 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship? (18 September 2013)
... that sisters Ada and Andrine Hegerberg scored one goal each when the Norwegian team won 2–1 against Canada in the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup? (27 September 2013)
... that in 2011, Cauley Woodrow became the first non-League footballer to play for England at youth level since Bob Oates 37 years earlier? (1 October 2013)
... that during the 1984 European Cup Semi-Final between Liverpool and Dinamo Bucharest, Graeme Souness punched Lică Movilă in the face, breaking his jaw, but it wasn't seen by the referee? (3 October 2013)
... that Kristoffer Olsson was offered a trial at Chelsea, but failed to attend, and later went through two trials before signing for Arsenal? (8 October 2013)
... that Maribel Domínguez is captain and all-time leading scorer of the Mexico women's national football team and plays for the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women's Soccer League? (9 October 2013)
... that American professional soccer player Camille Levin helped Swedish club Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC win the 2013 Svenska Supercupen Women? (12 October 2013)
... that Barry Wellings was Rochdale's top scorer in the 1980–81 season, with 14 goals? (30 October 2013)
... that footballer Petr Vrabec won six Czechoslovak league titles with Sparta Prague? (4 November 2013)
... that Alan Kirby won the FAI Cup four times? (4 November 2013)
... that Kjell Moe and Reidar Olsen, the two oldest footballers to make their debut for the Norwegian national team, made their debut in the same match? (10 November 2013)
... that in the 2013 Tippeligaen season, Strømsgodset IF won their first Norwegian football league title in 43 years? (25 November 2013)
... that Norwegian footballer Stian Ohr was relegated with four different clubs in seven years? (25 November 2013)
... that 2004 and 2012 5-a-side football Paralympic bronze medalist Adolfo Samuel Acosta Rodríguez was elected to the Spanish national governing body for blind sport in July 2010? (27 November 2013)
... that during the 2013 UFL Cup, Loyola Meralco Sparks outscored Blue Guards in an association football match by a margin of 33 goals? (1 December 2013)
... that English football presenter Darren Tulett – "the Austin Powers of French television" – is almost unknown in England? (8 December 2013)
... that Mathis Bolly is the fastest football player in the video game FIFA 14, but in real life is not as fast as Luton Shelton? (10 December 2013)
... that the female footballer Bilgin Defterli decided to go to Germany because she saw no chance to play football in Turkey due to the dissolution of women's football leagues in 2003? (19 December 2013)
... that 2012 Spanish Paralympic blind footballer Antonio Jesús Martín Gaitán scored his team's bronze medal winning goal in a shootout watched by the Duchess of Lugo? (20 December 2013)
... that Raja Casablanca will be the first host nation champion to play in a FIFA Club World Cup final since 2000 when they play Bayern Munich in the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup Final? (21 December 2013)
... that Tommy Graham scored one of the goals that inflicted "one of the most humiliating Cup defeats" in Chelsea's history? (22 December 2013)
... that Leyla Güngör scored a goal against Spain in her first game as a member of the Turkey women's national football team? (24 December 2013)
... that Arthur Hulme was the first Brighton & Hove Albion footballer to be awarded a benefit match? (24 December 2013)
... that William Wilkinson and Lincoln City teammates Arthur Hulme and William Ross were three of numerous new signings for Gravesend United in the 1898–99 Southern Football League season? (31 December 2013)

2014[edit]

... that goalkeeper Dean Lyness, an unused substitute for his first three league clubs as a teenager, finally made his Football League debut with his fourth? (4 January 2014)
... that footballer Ian Bennyworth paid his own transfer fee to move from Nuneaton Borough to Scarborough? (4 January 2014)
... that Arne Pedersen, the most successful player in Fredrikstad FK history, won six league titles and three cups with the club? (5 January 2014)
... that Jürgen Klinsmann disliked the parody song "Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Jurgen Klinsmann?" because he felt it compared him to Hitler? (7 January 2014)
... that Frank Macey scored two of the Amateurs' six goals against the Professionals in both the 1925 and 1926 FA Charity Shields? (7 January 2014)
... that Arzu Karabulut currently plays for both German and Turkish football teams? (7 January 2014)
... that Stewart Mell scored Scarborough's first goal in the Football League? (9 January 2014)
... that England national football team colleagues Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart with "Diamond Lights"? (11 January 2014)
... that the Fermanagh Mallards were thrown out of the Women's Premier League after failing to travel to Belfast for an association football match? (12 January 2014)
... that Norwegian footballer Jon Inge Høiland scored the decisive goal when Malmö FF secured the 2004 Allsvenskan title? (17 January 2014)
... that friends of Dan Tan, the Singaporean accused of fixing soccer matches on four continents, say he rarely watches the game? (17 January 2014)
... that a penalty scored by Patrik Berger in the final of Euro 96 gave the Czech Republic a 1–0 lead over Germany, but the Czechs lost to a golden goal in extra time? (18 January 2014)
... that Arsenal exited the FA Cup and Football League Cup, and lost the UEFA Cup Final, on penalties in the 1999–2000 season? (20 January 2014)
... that the owners of The Showgrounds refused to allow Warrenpoint Town F.C. to play there because of a projected rise in insurance costs? (20 January 2014)
... that Bill Hooper scored Darlington's first Football League goal, which was "in all probability" the first goal scored in the Third Division North? (21 January 2014)
... that a Scotland national football team manager was first appointed in 1954, before which the team was chosen by a Scottish Football Association selection committee? (23 January 2014)
... that women's football forward Seyhan Gündüz was capped 32 times internationally, scoring 12 goals, a rate of 0.375 a match? (28 January 2014)
... that a Ghanaian, John Antwi, is the current top scorer in the Egyptian Premier League? (31 January 2014)
... that the proceeds of the 1913 FA Charity Shield football match were donated to the Senghenydd Colliery Disaster Fund? (3 February 2014)
... that the professional footballer Helge Haugen was a medallist in orienteering during his youth? (3 February 2014)
... that Pepe Reina and Joe Hart have won the most Premier League Golden Glove awards – both overall and consecutively – with three each? (3 February 2014)
... that former French football international Jean-Pierre Adams has been in a deep coma since 1982? (4 February 2014)
... that the Staffordshire County League (South) was originally formed as the Walsall & District Junior League after a meeting of football club representatives at the People's Coffee House in Walsall? (4 February 2014)
... that during the term of Kwesi Nyantakyi, Ghana has qualified for three successive FIFA World Cups? (7 February 2014)
... that in five years First Capital Plus has moved from a micro finance company to the headline sponsor of the Ghana Premier League? (16 February 2014)
... that Sydney Leroux represented Canada before deciding to play for the United States women's national soccer team? (16 February 2014)
... that Norwegian footballer Håkon Lorentzen is the youngest-ever goalscorer in Tippeligaen? (21 February 2014)
... that Mattias Moström is the foreign player with the most matches for the Norwegian football club Molde FK? (27 February 2014)
... that Sunderland's semi-final penalty shootout win against Manchester United in order to reach the 2014 Football League Cup Final had no English players scoring any of the penalties? (2 March 2014)
... that two-time Olympic gold medalist Carli Lloyd is the only player to score the game-winning goal in two consecutive Olympic gold medal soccer matches? (4 March 2014)
... that Gibraltar is not allowed to play Spain at the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers due to political reasons? (5 March 2014)
... that the first football match in the Philippines was held in 1907? (6 March 2014)
... that the 1878 FA Cup Final did have a Bastard in the black? (7 March 2014)
... that Megan Rapinoe is the first soccer player, male or female, to score a rare Goal Olimpico at the Olympic Games? (11 March 2014)
... that Prince of Wales F.C. was one of the first civilian football clubs in Gibraltar? (12 March 2014)
... that Milan Baroš was the top scorer at UEFA Euro 2004? (26 March 2014)
... that, during the 1929–30 English football season, at a point when only one other Watford F.C. player had scored more than one goal, Frank McPherson had already scored 22 of Watford's 29 total goals? (4 April 2014)
... that the design of Stadio della Roma, the newly proposed stadium for Italian Serie A team A.S. Roma, was inspired by the Roman Colosseum? (6 April 2014)
... that Manchester United–Arsenal brawl in 1990 is the only instance in English league football history in which a team has been docked points due to player misconduct? (10 April 2014)
... that Pike's Lane was the venue of the first-ever goal scored in league football? (14 April 2014)
... that the proposed UEFA Nations League will largely replace friendly matches for UEFA member nations? (15 April 2014)
... that in 1953, Port Vale had a Steele Curtain? (16 April 2014)
... that Adolphus Jones has represented Saint Kitts and Nevis internationally in soccer, high jump, track running, and decathlon? (20 April 2014)
... that top-scoring Singaporean footballer Aleksandar Đurić represented Bosnia & Herzegovina in canoeing at the 1992 Summer Olympics? (22 April 2014)
... that in the 2003–04 season, Arsenal won the Premier League at White Hart Lane, home of their rivals Tottenham Hotspur? (25 April 2014)
... that Bulgarian footballer Mihail Lozanov, nicknamed The Tank, captained FC Bayern Munich in the 1930s and reportedly shattered the crossbar with a powerful shot? (27 April 2014)
... that Jack Charlton was the first foreigner to manage the Republic of Ireland national football team? (28 April 2014)
... that both teams in the 2014 Coppa Italia Final lost the first leg of their semi-finals? (3 May 2014)
... that football coach Choo Seng Quee was a British agent during World War II? (4 May 2014)
... that Antonín Kinský was part of the Czech Republic squad at UEFA Euro 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup, although he played at neither tournament? (11 May 2014)
... that the "Billy Boys" was ruled as a tolerated historic song by UEFA despite it being banned in Scottish football grounds due to sectarianism? (15 May 2014)
... that footballer František Rajtoral was one of two players sent off in the inaugural Czech Supercup? (16 May 2014)
... that "Good Old Arsenal" was the first FA Cup Final record released? (17 May 2014)
... that Arsenal reached the 2014 FA Cup Final today without leaving London? (18 May 2014)
... that the 2014–15 FA Cup will be the first time that artificial pitches are allowed in all rounds of the competition, after they were banned in 1995? (21 May 2014)
... that footballer René Bolf won the Gambrinus Liga with Sparta in his first season with the club, but returned to his former club, Ostrava, during the following season? (25 May 2014)
... that the annual "Fatties versus Skinnies" soccer match in San Pedro de Santa Bárbara, Costa Rica, was started so people could identify each team's players, since they had no uniforms? (26 May 2014)
... that Czech footballer Roman Týce captained his country in the 2000 Summer Olympics football tournament? (27 May 2014)
... that footballer Vratislav Lokvenc won five league titles in six seasons with Sparta Prague? (1 June 2014)
... that in James Wilson's first senior football match for Manchester United, he scored two goals that won the game? (2 June 2014)
... that some England players allegedly sang "Aye Aye Ippy The Germans Bombed Our Chippy", despite the FA not wanting to support any anti-German songs? (14 June 2014)
... that Fawlty Towers character Basil Fawlty sang "Don't Mention the World Cup" to dissuade fans of England's 2006 FIFA World Cup team from mentioning the Second World War while in Germany? (14 June 2014)
... that footballer Pavel Mareš played for the Czech Republic at UEFA Euro 2004? (24 June 2014)
... that Cristiano Ronaldo won the Premier League Player of the Season award as well as the European Golden Shoe and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008? (3 July 2014)
... that Tomáš Rosický won his first trophy in English football in 2014, eight years after joining Arsenal? (7 July 2014)
... that Swedish sport journalist Johanna Frändén had the special task of following Zlatan Ibrahimović's career for SVT? (10 July 2014)
... that the Arsenal–Stoke City rivalry started in earnest as a result of a tackle which broke an Arsenal player's leg? (12 July 2014)
... that after Arsenal's defeat in the 2005 FA Community Shield, manager Arsène Wenger stated, "no-one regards it as a trophy so I do not mind anymore"? (22 July 2014)
... that Lindon Meikle signed for Eastwood Town following a trial, after his father suggested he join his brother Deon at the club? (24 July 2014)
... that the 2000 CECAFA Cup final was between Uganda and Uganda? (26 July 2014)
... that Paco Campos scored 127 goals in La Liga – the most by any player from the Canary Islands? (29 July 2014)
... that in 2013–14, Norwich City were relegated from the Premier League, yet earned more in broadcast payments than Manchester United earned in winning the previous season's League title? (30 July 2014)
... that the first FA Charity Shield match, held in 1908, saw Manchester United draw 1–1 with Queens Park Rangers? (11 August 2014)
... that walking football has become a fashionable form of exercise for over-50s with mobility difficulties? (12 August 2014)
... that Olympic footballer Kristian Krefting served as a liaison officer with British forces fighting in the 1940 Norwegian Campaign? (28 August 2014)
... that by winning the 2000 UEFA Cup Final, Galatasaray became Turkey's first football team to win a European competition? (4 September 2014)
... that Kingstonian F.C. have had six different names? (5 September 2014)
... that Sir Alex Ferguson in 1992 called the Premier League's decision to move its live games on satellite television as "the most ludicrous and backward decision football has taken"? (8 September 2014)
... that Arthur Drewry chose the England football team that lost 1–0 to the United States in a shock defeat? (20 October 2014)
... that the National Football Museum described Paul Gascoigne as "the most naturally gifted English midfielder of his generation"? (25 October 2014)
... that Diego Costa scored a record seven goals in his first four Premier League matches? (1 December 2014)

2015[edit]

... that football club Dukla Prague achieved their record win, 10–0, under the management of Jiří Lopata? (17 January 2015)
... that footballer Evan Dimas scored on his debut for Indonesia? (19 January 2015)
... that the Northern Ireland Women's Football Association is the governing body of women's football in Northern Ireland? (22 January 2015)
... that Manchester United F.C.'s victory in the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final came 40 years after the team's first European Cup title and 50 years after the Munich air disaster? (23 January 2015)
... that Arsenal won the 2014 FA Community Shield despite resting their three German internationals who had won the World Cup Final earlier that year? (26 January 2015)
... that Gary Mills became the youngest player to appear in a European Cup final when playing in Nottingham Forest's 1–0 win over Hamburger SV in the 1980 final? (27 January 2015)
... that Seattle Sounders FC's trip to the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was their fifth in six years? (1 February 2015)
... that the Lisburn Distillery Predators were the first Northern Irish team to play in the UEFA Women's Cup? (3 February 2015)
... that despite breaking a collarbone after only ten minutes, Lieut. Edmund Creswell played the whole of the first FA Cup Final? (5 February 2015)
... that the 2015 Scottish League Cup Final will be Celtic's 30th appearance in the final and Dundee United's 7th? (18 February 2015)
... that Paris Saint-Germain and SC Bastia, the two teams in the 2015 Coupe de la Ligue Final, also played the tournament's first ever final? (19 February 2015)
... that in 2014 Martin Ødegaard became the youngest footballer to play in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match? (24 February 2015)
... that after Matt Macey was rejected by Bristol Rovers, he turned down their later contract offer to join Arsenal? (27 February 2015)
... that the 2015 Football League Cup Final is a repeat of the 2008 Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur? (2 March 2015)
... that a football cup final was moved to Holm Park after one of the teams involved had allegedly received threats? (3 March 2015)
... that Reece Grego-Cox scored a goal from a distance of 50 yards for the Queens Park Rangers under-19 team, which the Daily Mirror compared to one by David Beckham? (12 March 2015)
... that although both teams were strong in The Football League between 1976 and 1981, West Bromwich Albion only won once against Aston Villa in that period? (16 March 2015)
... that Brazilian footballer Alan expressed a desire to play for Austria? (16 March 2015)
... that Brazilian footballer Caio Rangel signed for Italian club Cagliari in 2014? (29 March 2015)
... that until 2008 there was no men's football officially played on Sundays in Northern Ireland? (30 March 2015)
... that Brazilian footballer Digão signed for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in 2013? (2 April 2015)
... that rival fans of Bristol City and Bristol Rovers walked 100 miles to the 2015 Football League Trophy Final to raise money for a young fan's surgery? (5 April 2015)
... that Zézé was the first-ever Brazilian player in the Bundesliga but left when he was diagnosed with a snow allergy (6 April 2015)
... that Rudolf Kučera was joint top scorer of the 1960–61 Czechoslovak First League? (9 April 2015)
... that the German footballer Jeremy Dudziak is eligible to represent Tunisia, Germany, and Ghana at the senior international level? (11 April 2015)
... that Billy Bremner was inducted into both the English Football Hall of Fame and the Scottish Football Hall of Fame? (12 April 2015)
... that after scoring a goal, Costa Rican footballer Wendy Acosta points to the sky in remembrance of her deceased father? (13 April 2015)
... that the England women's national team played its first official association football match in 1972, 100 years after the men's team's first match? (13 April 2015)
... that 265 million people kick a football in association football matches every year? (14 April 2015)
... that the board of FC Barcelona requested for the 2015 Copa del Rey Final to be held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of their rivals Real Madrid? (15 April 2015)
... that Zlatan Ibrahimović scored three goals in a semi-final to help Paris Saint-Germain reach the 2015 Coupe de France Final, starting with a penalty kick which was his 100th goal for the club? (17 April 2015)
... that the early DVD release of The Last Proletarians of Football was shipped with a pennant claiming that Hamburger SV won the 1982 UEFA Cup Final, even though that team lost the final? (25 April 2015)
... that the English footballer Tim Chow was to be released by Wigan Athletic in 2015, but after a change of manager he was given a new contract? (26 April 2015)
... that Lazio's run to the 2015 Coppa Italia Final began with a 7–0 victory over Bassano Virtus? (26 April 2015)
... that the 2015 Scottish Cup Final will be the first appearance in the final for Inverness Caledonian Thistle? (29 April 2015)
... that Fran Kirby scored nine goals for Reading in her first two 2015 Women's Super League appearances? (29 April 2015)
... that Hugo Moutinho became the first Portuguese footballer to score a hat-trick in Romania? (7 May 2015)
... that the 2015 DFB-Pokal Final will be Jürgen Klopp's final match as manager of Borussia Dortmund? (9 May 2015)
... that Brazilian footballer Wanderley Machado played alongside his brother Waldo for Spanish club Hércules CF? (11 May 2015)
... that Benjamin Verbič scored for NK Celje in the 2011–12 Slovenian Football Cup final, but missed in the penalty shootout as they lost the match to NK Maribor? (12 May 2015)
... that a beer, brewed in honour of former Derby County footballer Dave Mackay, is raising funds for radio presenter Colin Bloomfield's melanoma appeal? (13 May 2015)
... that the Celta de Vigo footballer Santiago Mina is the father of the Celta de Vigo footballer Santiago Mina? (14 May 2015)
... that the physician John Macdonald was the first person to represent Scotland at both cricket and football? (15 May 2015)
... that Saido Berahino scored his first Premier League goal against Manchester United, the team which he supports? (16 May 2015)
... that the footballer Raphael Rossi Branco's favourite player is fellow Brazilian defender David Luiz? (26 May 2015)
... that footballer Erik Lima won the best newcomer award at the end of the 2014 Brasileirão season? (28 May 2015)
... that Abdoulaye Demba was playing football in England's fifth division for Yeovil Town in October 2002, but in January 2004 was playing at the Africa Cup of Nations? (29 May 2015)
... that at the 2015 FA Cup Final, a 64-person choir, comprising one fan for each team which reached the third round of competition, sang "Abide with Me" before kick-off? (30 May 2015)
... that 245 teams entered the 2009–10 FA Women's Cup, which was eventually won by Everton? (3 June 2015)
... that Cillian Sheridan, who currently plays for APOEL in Cyprus, started his professional career with Scottish club Celtic? (5 June 2015)
... that Eric Bakie combined his football career with his job as a civil servant, and only saw his teammates once a week? (12 June 2015)
... that Don Revie changed the playing strip of Leeds United from blue and yellow to all-white, to mimic Real Madrid? (12 June 2015)
... that York City were knocked out of the first round of the FA Cup in their 2014–15 season? (14 June 2015)
... that Martha Harris was the winner of the first-ever PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award? (15 June 2015)
... that in Arsenal's 2015–16 season, they will compete in the UEFA Champions League for the 18th consecutive year? (16 June 2015)
... that Hachim Mastour is the youngest person to play international association football for Morocco? (22 July 2015)
... that after signing a professional contract with Italian club Palermo, Norwegian footballer Arne Kotte injured his knee five minutes into his first training match, and was out of action for six months? (25 July 2015)
... that in 1874, Konrad Koch and August Hermann organized what is believed to be the first football match in Germany? (26 July 2015)
... that Hastie Weir played for a Motherwell team described as "probably the finest pure footballing side that Scotland has ever produced"? (29 July 2015)
... that Daniel McBreen won the A-League Golden Boot in the 2012–13 season after scoring 17 goals for the Central Coast Mariners? (3 August 2015)
... that Palokë Nika, who founded the oldest Albanian football club, KF Vllaznia Shkodër, was the first coach of KF Tirana? (21 August 2015)
... that the County Cricket Ground in Hove has hosted football, lawn tennis and rugby? (3 August 2015)
... that Miroslav Klose's record 71 goals for the Germany national football team included 16 at the FIFA World Cup? (14 August 2015)
... that at age 16, Ivan Toney became the youngest player to represent Northampton Town Football Club? (18 August 2015)
... that Nigerian footballer Uchechi Sunday scored five goals for FC Minsk in her debut at the UEFA Women's Champions League in 2015? (23 August 2015)
... that one of goalkeeper Jimmy Whitehouse's 59 league appearances for Manchester United F.C. (then Newton Heath) was as an inside left? (2 September 2015)
... that the Scottish footballer Colin Hamilton joined Heart of Midlothian as a teenager in 2009, alongside his younger brother Jack? (3 September 2015)
... that the footballer Adam Stansfield, who died in 2010, is featured on banknotes local to the English city of Exeter? (5 September 2015)
... that Kévin Malcuit was named by France Football magazine as the best outfield player in Ligue 2 for the 2014–15 season? (5 September 2015)
... that Bill Harvey was one of many British footballers denied unemployment benefit in the 1930s? (6 September 2015)
... that the Scottish footballer Omar Kader was signed by Alloa Athletic after playing against them in a play-off game for Forfar? (8 September 2015)
... that the Scottish footballer Darren Brownlie was signed to Queen of the South by his former Cowdenbeath teammate James Fowler? (10 September 2015)
... that York City F.C. and York City Knights RLFC are expected to move into the York Community Stadium in 2017? (11 September 2015)
... that Wayne Rooney's goal against Macedonia in September 2003 made him the youngest-ever scorer for England, aged 17 years? (13 September 2015)
... that the Belgium national association football team has won more games against its rival France, a former world champion, than it has lost? (15 September 2015)
... that footballer James Crumley was one of more than a thousand passengers rescued when the SS California ran aground in 1914? (20 September 2015)
... that the Spanish footballer Cristian Bustos has moved to India to play for Mumbai City FC after playing over 270 games for six Spanish clubs? (27 September 2015)
... that until recently, Bobby Charlton had scored more international goals than any other English footballer? (3 October 2015)
... that although he only moved to English football in 2015, Everton's Leandro Rodríguez scored in a league match against Liverpool three years earlier? (5 October 2015)
... that New Logie Green is the only stadium outside Glasgow to have hosted a Scottish Cup final? (10 October 2015)
... that English association football referee Scott Duncan officiated a League Two play-off match between Fleetwood Town and York City at Highbury Stadium on 16 May 2014? (30 October 2015)
... that Maikel Kieftenbeld captained FC Groningen to victory in the 2014–15 KNVB Cup Final to win the first major trophy in the club's history? (30 October 2015)
... that the BBC's pre-match coverage of the 2002 FA Cup Final included a sketch featuring Ricky Gervais? (3 November 2015)
... that the 2015 FA Women's Cup Final was the first edition to be staged at Wembley Stadium? (7 November 2015)
... that Borja Mayoral was the top scorer at the 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship? (12 November 2015)
... that Arsenal F.C. broke Nottingham Forest's record of league matches undefeated during the 2004–05 season? (13 November 2015)
... that after winning the 1979 FA Charity Shield, manager Bob Paisley quipped, "I am just sorry we didn't get two points for it!"? (15 November 2015)
... that the first-ever goal in the Scottish Football League was scored at the original Celtic Park? (17 November 2015)
... that Liverpool's 2–1 win over Bolton Wanderers in the 1995 Football League Cup Final was their fifth League Cup victory? (19 November 2015)
... that German referee Wolf-Dieter Ahlenfelder once called half-time after 32 minutes in a Bundesliga match? (22 November 2015)
... that Arsenal's victory in the 2015 FA Community Shield was manager Arsène Wenger's first win over his opponent José Mourinho in 14 attempts? (28 November 2015)
... that Spanish footballer Jorge Alonso studied civil engineering? (1 December 2015)
... that SC Union 06 Berlin was formed in 1950 when players of the East Berlin club SG Oberschöneweide moved to the western half of the city? (9 December 2015)
... that following his death, Norwegian footballer Bjørn Borgen was described by former team-mate Per Kristoffersen as the greatest right winger the country had ever produced? (9 December 2015)
... that the latest promotion in York City's recent history came in 2012, when they beat Luton Town at Wembley Stadium in the Conference Premier play-off final? (17 December 2015)
... that the Colombian footballer Stiven Mendoza signed in 2013 for América de Cali, the team which he supports? (22 December 2015)
... that the bicycle kick is one of association football's most celebrated skills? (23 December 2015)
... that Heðin á Lakjuni scored his 100th goal in the Faroe Islands Premier League in May 2015, while playing for KÍ Klaksvík? (26 December 2015)
... that the Spanish footballer Francisco Sutil offered to play for a reduced salary at a team nearer to his girlfriend? (27 December 2015)
... that Spanish footballer Alejandro Zamora's only La Liga match was also the last match of Héctor Cúper as the Real Betis manager? (28 December 2015)

2016[edit]

... that the Venezuelan footballer Edder Farías scored against Honduras in February 2015, his country's first victory since September 2013? (1 January 2016)
... that British media have compared the Scottish footballer Ryan Gauld to Lionel Messi? (3 January 2016)
... that Polish football player Łukasz Cieślewicz was named player of the year in the Faroe Islands in 2011 and 2015? (4 January 2016)
... that Turkish-German women's footballer Melike Pekel was top scorer of the German Regionalliga Süd in the 2013–14 season, and became a member of the Turkey women's national team in 2015? (9 January 2016)
... that American Samoan association football team Utulei Youth had a perfect season in 2014, winning every game in the Senior League and taking home the President's Cup? (15 January 2016)
... that Rapid Vienna won the 1941 German football championship on the same day that Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union? (16 January 2016)
... that Turkish football referee Yeliz Topaloğlu is the first FIFA-listed female beach soccer official? (18 January 2016)
... that the footballer Rafa Jordà scored six goals in the 2007–08 season, which saw his side being promoted to La Liga? (20 January 2016)
... that Newry City Ladies F.C. were the first team for 14 years to win the Women's Premier League outside of Belfast? (22 January 2016)
... that Turkish-German women's footballer Filiz Koç acted as a model, performed in a TV-series episode and worked as a sideline reporter? (29 January 2016)
... that Zesh Rehman is the first Pakistani international footballer to play in the AFC Cup? (31 January 2016)
... that F.C. United of Manchester's Broadhurst Park stadium includes a recycled stand previously used at another football ground? (31 January 2016)
... that Rempo Urip played football for a theatre company? (4 February 2016)
... that Mid-Ulster Ladies F.C. were founded by a future NIWFA chairwoman to stop local football players leaving Cookstown? (7 February 2016)
... that the association footballer Dick Pudan was banned from the sport in 1907 after he walked out on his club, which had refused to let him play professional cricket too? (22 February 2016)
... that when Liverpool played in the Football League Cup Final today, they did so for a record 12th time? (29 February 2016)
... that Roman Kukleta was top scorer of the 1990–91 Czechoslovak First League? (29 February 2016)
... that German footballer Antoine Raab was imprisoned for refusing to give the Nazi salute at a football game? (2 March 2016)
... that in 2003 the women's football club Ballymena United Allstars were forced to play on a "disgraceful and embarrassing" park pitch during council renovations at their new ground? (5 March 2016)
... that Ali Brownlee covered over 1,000 Middlesbrough Football Club matches for BBC Tees and Century FM? (6 March 2016)
... that FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC, who will contest this year's Copa del Rey Final, also played in the 2015 UEFA Super Cup? (16 March 2016)
... that Charles Wollaston was the first person to win five FA Cup winners medals? (17 March 2016)
... that the first migrant worker football club in Germany, ISC Lupo, was formed in 1962 by Italians? (25 March 2016)
... that Czech footballer Alois Grussmann played more than 300 times in the top football leagues of his country? (25 March 2016)
... that José Antonio Gallardo was a posthumous winner of the Ricardo Zamora Trophy for best goalkeeper in Spain's Segunda División? (26 March 2016)
... that Christianity played a role in the founding of several British football clubs, including Celtic, Manchester City, and Everton?(28 March 2016)
... that Brazilian footballer Éder Monteiro Fernandes, who plays for the Indian club Salgaocar, has played alongside World Cup winner Romário at Vasco da Gama? (28 March 2016)
... that a dispute over hacking led to the split between rugby and association football? (1 April 2016)
... that the Spanish footballer Airam López once scored three penalty kicks in the same game? (8 April 2016)
... that Alex Ferguson gave Danny Higginbotham a four-year professional contract whilst Higginbotham was serving a year-long ban from football? (9 April 2016)
... that Ralph Milne worked as a casual labourer in the same season that he played for Dundee United in the semi-final of the European Cup? (17 April 2016)
... that despite indicating willingness to renew his contract with a Portuguese club, Portuguese footballer Rúben Fernandes signed with a newly promoted Belgian one instead? (18 April 2016)
... that Boudewijn Zenden scored a penalty kick for Middlesbrough in the 2004 Football League Cup Final, despite slipping over in the process? (24 April 2016)
... that Denis Smith suffered so many broken bones, he was named in the Guinness Book of Records as the most injured man in association football? (24 April 2016)
... that the Brazilian football defender Marquinhos was surprised by how many goals he scored after joining Paris Saint-Germain? (27 April 2016)
... that "If I wanted you to understand it, I'd explain it better" is a favorite expression in Cruijffiaans, the idiolect of Dutch soccer coach Johan Cruyff? (30 April 2016)
... that Liverpool F.C. striker Paul Walsh received months of treatment from a broken ultrasound machine? (2 May 2016)
... that the Premier League manager Sam Allardyce learned many training methods from observing the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers? (5 May 2016)
... that when she was 11, Emily Hollinshead challenged an FA ban on girls and boys playing football together? (5 May 2016)
... that Rhyl & Prestatyn Ladies F.C. picked up a number of Wrexham players following the latter club's dissolution? (7 May 2016)
... that Romanian footballer Ioan Hora spent "two beautiful years" at Gloria Bistrița? (8 May 2016)
... that the footballer Emily Allen once scored 15 goals in one match? (9 May 2016)
... that Brazilian footballer Eduardo Sasha is nicknamed after the model and actress Sasha Meneghel? (9 May 2016)
... that the Recreation Ground in Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain formerly had to be cleared of cow dung before each football match? (12 May 2016)
... that the idols of English goalkeeper Callum Burton include his German counterparts Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen? (13 May 2016)
... that the Cheltenham Town footballer Daniel Wright gave his son the number 9 as a middle name? (13 May 2016)
... that during the Welsh Premier Women's Football League 2015–16 season, Llandudno Ladies were one of only two North Wales teams in the league? (20 May 2016)
... that Arsenal goalkeeper Dan Lewis blamed a greasy shirt for letting in the only goal of the 1927 FA Cup Final, gifting victory to Cardiff City? (21 May 2016)
... that Trefelin BGC's women's football team broke away from the club after two years in the Welsh women's top division? (21 May 2016)
... that Manchester United equalled Arsenal's FA Cup winners record with a win in the 2016 FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace today? (21 May 2016)
... that today's Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Hibernian is the first contested by two teams not in the top division? (21 May 2016)
... that the Welsh footballer Trevor Ford once stepped in as a replacement fielder for Glamorgan County Cricket Club during a match? (23 May 2016)
... that Stade Arsène Wenger used to be a potato field? (25 May 2016)
... that current Liga de Fútbol Profesional president Javier Tebas is a Real Madrid supporter? (27 May 2016)
... that businessman Xia Jiantong went to university at the age of 14? (28 May 2016)
... that the website Football Leaks reveals transfer fee, wage and contract information about famous footballers? (28 May 2016)
... that a recent Major League Soccer match between two teams in New York City was nicknamed the Hudson River Massacre? (5 June 2016)
... that the 2016–17 Football League Cup will be the first since The Football League was renamed the English Football League? (13 June 2016)
... that Bishop's Castle Town F.C. was banned by the Football Association of Wales from playing in affiliated leagues because they were not Welsh? (16 June 2016)
... that when growing up in Ireland, Terry Conroy was sentenced to probation for playing football in the street? (18 June 2016)
... that the first ever FA Women's Premier League Plate was won by Preston North End in 2015? (20 June 2016)
... that Moses Toata won the Solomon Islands S-League in his first season as a manager? (21 June 2016)
... that the footballer Gary Bennett was one of the first players to become involved with the Show Racism the Red Card campaign? (22 June 2016)
... that Liverpool F.C. manager Bill Shankly resigned on the same day he spent a club record £200,000 to sign Ray Kennedy? (22 June 2016)
... that Tommy Lawton held the record as the youngest player to score on his England debut for 78 years? (23 June 2016)
... that S.C. Braga's record in European football includes 6–0 losses to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur? (24 June 2016)
... that Daniel Nivel, victim of an assault by German football hooligans in 1998, was the guest of honour at a 2006 match also marred by hooliganism? (24 June 2016)
... that after joining the club in 1947, Tommy Best became the first black player to represent Chester City in the Football League in a match against Oldham Athletic? (26 June 2016)
... that Portadown F.C. will start the 2016–17 NIFL Premiership on −12 points for paying an amateur player? (1 July 2016)
... that the 2016 OFC Nations Cup Final was the first such final to be decided on penalties? (1 July 2016)
... that in February 2016, fake documents were sent to Companies House claiming that Katrien Meire had resigned as chief executive of Charlton Athletic F.C.? (3 July 2016)
... that Peter Taylor and Brian Clough once sacked a tea lady because she "laughed after a bad defeat"? (4 July 2016)
... that the footballer Mark Bonner was forced to retire after suffering a broken arm during a league match against Port Vale in September 2005? (11 July 2016)
... that Governor-elect of Tamaulipas, Mexico, Francisco Javier García Cabeza de Vaca was born in McAllen, Texas, and played soccer at Houston Baptist University? (13 July 2016)
... that Patrick Vieira won the 2005 FA Cup Final for Arsenal with his last kick in his final appearance? (13 July 2016)
... that Landon Donovan scored 57 goals in 157 appearances for the United States men's national soccer team from 2000 to 2014, becoming the team's all-time top goalscorer? (14 July 2016)
... that Canadian international soccer goalkeeper Erin McLeod held her first solo art exhibit, entitled "Limitless", in 2013? (19 July 2016)
... that due to the French football bribery scandal, no team is classed as winning the 1992–93 French Division 1 title? (20 July 2016)
... that the footballer Frédéric Gounongbe originally regarded tennis as his preferred sport? (26 July 2016)
... that the Football (Disorder) Act 2000 was pushed through Parliament in the United Kingdom in a month following hooliganism during Euro 2000? (1 August 2016)
... that while working as the commercial manager at Chesterfield, the footballer Jim Brown collected financial records that were eventually used to prosecute club chairman Darren Brown for fraud? (4 August 2016)
... that the football manager Isaac McDowell led Linfield to seven trophies in the 1961–62 season? (4 August 2016)
... that a team called Europa has represented Gibraltar in the UEFA Europa League? (4 August 2016)
... that Luton Town Football Club won their first major trophy in 1988? (9 August 2016)
... that the footballer Joe Cassidy lost 22 lb (10 kg) during the 1924–25 season, due to a severe case of influenza? (15 August 2016)
... that Elwin Cockett was chaplain to West Ham United F.C. for 20 years? (15 August 2016)
... that Norwich City F.C. joint majority shareholder Michael Wynn-Jones attended his first Norwich match in 1953? (18 August 2016)
... that the association footballer Fred Keenor captained the only non-English team to win the FA Cup Final? (20 August 2016)
... that the footballer Jordan Green worked as a supermarket shelf-stacker before earning his first professional contract? (23 August 2016)
... that in 2015 Stéphane Sparagna captained the France national under-20 football team to their first Toulon Tournament title in seven years? (24 August 2016)
... that the association footballer Willie Carlin accepted a transfer to Derby County after his wife declared that she wanted to move away from Sheffield? (25 August 2016)
... that in 1949, the Bristol Rovers footballer Vic Lambden married one of his team's fans? (28 August 2016)
... that the footballer Derek Dougan handed in a transfer request the day before he played in the 1960 FA Cup Final? (31 August 2016)
... that Millwall's only campaign in European football was marred by hooliganism? (1 September 2016)
... that after Billy Bremner and Kevin Keegan were sent off for fighting in the 1974 FA Charity Shield, an attempt was made to charge them with breach of the peace? (5 September 2016)
... that Rangers F.C. did not knowingly sign any Catholic players between the 1920s and 1980s? (10 September 2016)
... that in 1967, at the age of 16 years and 102 days, Stanley Bish became the youngest player ever to represent PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie? (15 September 2016)
... that an administrative error by New Zealand Football prevented Alex Jones from completing his loan move to Wellington Phoenix? (28 September 2016)
... that Moise Poida, the Vanuatuan national football team manager, has played against World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane? (6 October 2016)
... that Guiseley A.F.C. were accused of "disgraceful unsporting behaviour" when a player broke an unwritten fair-play convention to score past goalkeeper Tom King? (9 October 2016)
... that in 1985, China–Hong Kong football rivalry resulted in China's first recorded case of football hooliganism? (10 October 2016)
... that since 1912, Spanish association football club Athletic Bilbao only fields players with ancestry from the Basque Country?
... that Ralph Jean-Louis managed the Seychelles national football team to a gold medal at the 2011 Indian Ocean Island Games? (20 October 2016)
... that Akigin Stadium sits next to a field of dreams? (21 October 2016)
... that the Irish footballer Jeff Chandler was "never the same player" after suffering a knee injury in Bolton Wanderers' fourth game of their 1987–88 season? (26 October 2016)
... that despite having been formed in 1932, the Lesotho Football Association did not gain FIFA membership until 1964? (4 November 2016)
... that Australian W-League association footballer Gabe Marzano was appointed to the Professional Footballers Australia executive committee in May 2016? (4 November 2016)
... that the English footballer Roy Jennings scored 60 goals during his career, 51 of which were penalties? (14 November 2016)
... that the South Sudan National Cup has been won more times by Al-Malakia FC than by any other team? (29 November 2016)
... that the €11 million reported to have been spent by AS Monaco FC in 2012 to sign Lucas Ocampos, was the most ever for a Ligue 2 player? (21 December 2016)
... that in 2010, the association footballer Neil Alexander came on as a substitute for Queen of the South in a friendly against his own team, Rangers? (24 December 2016)
... that on 29 November 2016, Ben Woodburn became Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer when he scored against Leeds United in the EFL Cup? (30 December 2016)

2017[edit]

... that Alphonse Areola saved two penalties during a penalty shoot-out in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup final, to help France win their first title in the competition? (2 January 2017)
... that the footballer Billy James was forced to retire after playing just six league games due to the physical effects of his time in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp? (11 January 2017)
... that Jesé won the Golden Boot Award at the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship? (18 January 2017)
... that Derry City Ladies F.C. play football in the Northern Irish leagues while their men's team play in the Republic of Ireland's? (22 January 2017)
... that Spanish association footballer Xiker joined Athletic Bilbao's academy when he was just ten years old? (24 January 2017)
... that English association footballer Yasin Ben El-Mhanni made his name as a YouTube sensation? (20 February 2017)
... that the association footballer Albert Barnett was one of five brothers who played for Altrincham F.C.? (24 February 2017)
... that Southampton reached the 2017 EFL Cup Final against Manchester United today without conceding a goal? (26 February 2017)
... that Tony Collins became the first black manager in the English Football League when he was appointed by Rochdale in 1960? (5 March 2017)
... that Lincoln City's win over Burnley meant that they became the first non-league football club to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals in 103 years? (11 March 2017)
... that in 2016, footballer Dries Mertens became the first player to score seven goals in two matches in Serie A since Antonio Valentín Angelillo (1958)? (20 March 2017)
... that the Roly Poly Goalie ate all the pies? (1 April 2017)
... that Ipswich Town goalkeeper Paul Cooper saved eight out of the ten penalties he faced during the 1979–80 season? (7 April 2017)
... that Chris Marron jointly holds the record for the most goals scored in an FA Cup match, having scored 10 in one game? (13 April 2017)
... that Alf Ramsey (pictured) led Ipswich Town to become English football champions four years before leading England to win the 1966 FIFA World Cup? (29 April 2017)
... that in 2007, some UEFA members voted against allowing Gibraltar membership because Victoria Stadium was built on disputed land? (20 May 2017)
... that Arsenal are looking to win a record 13th FA Cup at the FA Cup Final against Chelsea today? (27 May 2017)
... that the association footballer Harry Beadles was awarded the Serbian gold medal for bravery during World War I? (31 May 2017)
... that Venezuelan footballer Sergio Córdova scored on his professional debut for Caracas FC? (8 June 2017)
... that German footballer Lewis Holtby was eligible to represent England through his paternal lineage? (28 June 2017)
... that French footballer Alban Lafont is the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in Ligue 1, having made his debut at the age of 16 years and 310 days? (29 June 2017)
... that ArsenalFanTV was designed to give football supporters a chance to have their opinions heard? (30 June 2017)
... that Jordyn Huitema scored her first goal for the Canadian women's national soccer team in an exhibition game against Costa Rica, and scored her second goal less than a minute later? (1 July 2017)
... that Spanish footballer Álvaro Domínguez was forced to retire at the age of 27 due to persistent back injuries? (4 July 2017)
... that Spanish footballer Nahikari García signed for Real Sociedad when she was 16 years old? (9 July 2017)
... that the first-round draw for the English 2017–18 EFL Cup was held in Thailand? (13 July 2017)
... that as a teenager, association footballer Frank Dudley gave up on turning professional due to his height—and then experienced a 6-inch (15 cm) growth spurt? (21 July 2017)
... that Clint Dempsey (pictured) has 57 international goals, ranking third among active male footballers behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi? (15 August 2017)
... that Cardiff City F.C. is the only non-English team to have won the FA Cup? (7 September 2017)
... that the French Football Federation issued a reversal of a league win after Amiens SC disputed Olympique Noisy-le-Sec player Frédéric Boniface's eligibility to play in the match? (20 September 2017)
... that South African footballer Lorenzo Gordinho joined the Kaizer Chiefs academy at the age of 15? (23 September 2017)
... that Antonio Conte (pictured) is the only person to win the Serie A Coach of the Year award three times in a row? (10 October 2017)
... that the footballer George Poland was rejected by Cardiff City F.C. as an outfield player before making his debut two years later as a goalkeeper? (10 October 2017)
... that Ashley Hatch was named 2017 NWSL Rookie of the Year and helped the North Carolina Courage win the 2017 NWSL Shield, scoring seven goals in 24 games? (25 October 2017)
... that footballer Laura O'Sullivan made her international debut for Wales as a goalkeeper less than 18 months after converting to the position? (5 November 2017)
... that Lindsay Peat has represented Ireland internationally at association football, basketball, and rugby union? (8 November 2017)
... that the 2009 Sky Blue FC team that won the Women's Professional Soccer title employed three different head coaches during the season? (18 November 2017)
... that Tyler Toland became the Republic of Ireland's youngest women's senior international footballer in September 2017? (22 November 2017)
... that Estelle Cascarino represented France at the under-19 and under-20 levels in international tournaments in the same year? (25 November 2017)
... that an administrative error when appointing W. G. Grace as referee for a Gloucestershire Cup tie during the Eastville Rovers' 1888–89 season voided the result and forced a rematch? (29 November 2017)
... that today's MLS Cup 2017 soccer final between Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders FC is a rematch of the 2016 Cup, and will be played at the same venue? (9 December 2017)
... that Colombian footballer Luis Muriel became Sevilla's most expensive-ever signing when he joined the club for a reported fee of €20 million? (13 December 2017)
... that the Northern Ireland women's national football team captain Marissa Callaghan went to university in the United States on a football scholarship? (17 December 2017)
... that North Korean footballer Sung Hyang-sim was the top scorer at the 2017 AFC U-19 Women's Championship and named Most Valuable Player? (18 December 2017)
... that the Estadio Universitario Alberto "Chivo" Córdoba incorporates a mural by Leopoldo Flores in the stands on the west side of the stadium? (26 December 2017)

2018[edit]

... that at age 16, Remy Siemsen was the top goalscorer for Sydney FC in the 2016–17 W-League season? (5 January 2018)
... that the first Columbus Crew soccer match attended by future owner Anthony Precourt was delayed after the stadium's scoreboard caught fire? (9 January 2018)
... that Arsenal Ladies player Clare Wheatley took over as the club's development officer and general manager from Vic Akers, who once told her, "Arsenal Ladies is not a social club"? (11 January 2018)
... that footballer Gordon Coleman scored the winning goal in a match against Blackpool in 1982 while sitting on the ground? (12 January 2018)
... that the footballer Howard Spencer was the first Aston Villa player to captain England? (13 January 2018)
... that Didier Drogba scored twice for the Ivory Coast in a match which was abandoned after fans rioted, throwing food and drinks onto the pitch? (14 January 2018)
... that footballer Callum Hendry gave up playing for a year before turning professional? (16 January 2018)
... that the footballer Stanley Kane gave up playing in order to join the Liverpool City Police? (18 January 2018)
... that Dellatorre, who currently plays for Cypriot club APOEL FC, was the top scorer of the 2011 São Paulo Junior Football Cup? (22 January 2018)
... that footballer John Robson was forced to retire after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 28? (25 January 2018)
... that the English footballer Tammy Abraham was the first player to win Bristol City's Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Top Goalscorer awards in the same season? (26 January 2018)
... that the English footballer Danny Lloyd sold bins for a waste management company before turning professional in 2017? (26 January 2018)
... that Ninian Park, the home stadium of Cardiff City F.C. for 99 years, was built on the site of a former rubbish tip? (27 January 2018)
... that the Welsh footballer Syd Thomas impressed Fulham so much in a trial match that he was offered a contract at half-time? (28 January 2018)
... that the footballer Robin Turner scored twice on his home debut for Swansea City, equalling the number of league goals he scored for former club Ipswich Town in nine seasons? (31 January 2018)
... that the Seattle Sounders FC were second-to-last when they hired coach Brian Schmetzer, but finished the season by winning the MLS Cup? (1 February 2018)
... that the night before the 2003 Football League Second Division play-off Final, the Queens Park Rangers' team hotel was targeted by a malicious false fire alarm? (2 February 2018)
... that Savannah Jordan was the first soccer player in the history of the Southeastern Conference to be named SEC Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman? (3 February 2018)
... that fourteen players have scored an international hat-trick for the Wales national football team? (7 February 2018)
... that at age 12, Edin Šehić became the youngest footballer to sign a scholarship contract with NK Zagreb? (9 February 2018)
... that French politician Ian Boucard was the announcer at ASM Belfort home matches? (15 February 2018)
... that Arsenal reached today's 2018 EFL Cup Final against Manchester City without playing a game outside London? (25 February 2018)
... that after failing to get playing time at ABC Futebol Clube, footballer Rodriguinho Marinho considered becoming a futsal player? (5 March 2018)
... that EastEnders filmed three mini episodes in Paris to coincide with the 1998 FIFA World Cup? (6 March 2018)
... that between 1992 and 2016, Scottish football club Aberdeen did not win a single match at Ibrox Stadium, home of their rivals Rangers F.C., in 41 attempts? (9 March 2018)
... that in 2006, footballer Steve Flack scored the fastest hat-trick in Exeter City's history? (12 March 2018)
... that footballer Paul Giles suffered an injury during a match in March 1982 after being fouled by his brother? (17 March 2018)
... that footballer Chris Stringer made his professional debut as a substitute after the starting goalkeeper received the fastest red card in English Football League history? (19 March 2018)
... that footballer Alex Raisbeck joined Liverpool after Stoke manager Horace Austerberry failed to arrive at an arranged meeting? (9 April 2018)
... that Liberian president George Weah's son Timothy plays for the United States men's national soccer team? (10 April 2018)
... that Canadian association footballer Liam Millar scored a hat-trick in his debut for Liverpool U18s against Blackburn Rovers U18s? (20 April 2018)
... that footballer Hugh Lester was the first non-British player to represent Liverpool? (22 April 2018)
... that tonight's second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final is the second occasion on which a Canadian team has featured? (25 April 2018)
... that Neville Southall is the most capped Welsh footballer of all time? (26 April 2018)
... that Blackpool were described as the "smallest club to reach the Premier League" after they were promoted by virtue of winning the 2010 Football League Championship play-off Final? (27 April 2018)
... that the current rivalry between Major League Soccer teams in the Los Angeles area is named El Tráfico? (27 April 2018)
... that at the time of his appointment at Stockport County in 1999, footballer Andy Kilner was the youngest manager in the Football League? (28 April 2018)
... that footballer Chris Sander was the first Cardiff City player to save two penalties during the same match? (2 May 2018)
... that in 1956–57, footballer Ray Straw equalled Derby County's club record for most league goals in a single season? (4 May 2018)
... that footballer Wayne Entwistle played for more FA Cup-winning clubs than any other player? (5 May 2018)
... that footballer Joe Mayo "never really thought about" turning professional, and was training as an accountant when offered his first professional contract? (6 May 2018)
... that the Turkish international Dilara Özlem Sucuoğlu started to play football in Germany at the age of five inspired by her father, a football coach? (9 May 2018)
... that the Portuguese international footballers Matilde Fidalgo and Bernardo Silva are cousins? (10 May 2018)
... that Ahmed Jahouh is the first Moroccan footballer to play in India? (11 May 2018)
... that the footballer Ken Hodgkisson was the first player ever to be used as a substitute by Walsall? (13 May 2018)
... that the Welsh footballer Nathan Wigg retired from playing after a scan of his knee was described as looking like it could have "been in a car crash"? (13 May 2018)
... that the footballer Gary Gill suffered a broken leg during a match in 1989 but carried on playing after being given the magic sponge? (14 May 2018)
... that the footballer Irvine Thornley's benefit match raised £1036, a record at the time? (15 May 2018)
... that footballer Ian Feuer played a Predator in the 2007 film Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem? (16 May 2018)
... that the Welsh footballer John Toshack authored a book of poems entitled Gosh, it's Tosh? (18 May 2018)
... that contrary to popular belief, the use of triangular corner flags in English football is not a right reserved only for FA Cup winners? (19 May 2018)
... that Manchester United are looking to match Arsenal's FA Cup winner's record in today's 2018 FA Cup Final against Chelsea? (19 May 2018)
... that the footballer Albert Shepherd was the first player to score a penalty in an FA Cup final? (19 May 2018)
... that the Turkish-Cypriot women's footballer Zehra Borazancı has played international football tennis for her country? (25 May 2018)
... that the 1902 Ibrox disaster was partly blamed on the crowd surging forward in excitement at seeing Bobby Templeton dribble with the ball? (26 May 2018)
... that Ivor Allchurch was known as the "Golden Boy of Welsh football"? (27 May 2018)
... that Güzide Alçu and her two teammates were referred to the disciplinary board for displaying V signs that were interpreted by the Turkish Football Federation as insulting? (6 June 2018)
... that the design of Cincinnati's new soccer stadium features homages to Allianz Arena in Munich? (14 June 2018)
... that the 2018–19 EFL Cup will not feature ABBA and will have no extra time to ensure the winner takes it all? (14 June 2018)
... that Tony Christie asked whether this was the way to The World Cup and then declared it "crap"? (18 June 2018)
... that funding for Celia Brackenridge's research into child protection in football was ended because the sport "was not ready for a gay former lacrosse international rummaging through its dirty linen"? (28 June 2018)
... that footballer Hossam Ashour is the most decorated Al Ahly player in the club's history? (29 June 2018)
... that during the 2017–18 season, Moroccan-born footballer Walid Azaro broke the Egyptian Premier League record for the most goals scored by a foreign player? (1 July 2018)
... that footballer Youssef "Obama" Ibrahim was given his nickname due to his likeness to Barack Obama? (7 July 2018)
... that footballer Ali Ghazal was the first Egyptian player to be appointed permanent captain of a top-division European club? (11 July 2018)
... that Welsh international footballer Darcy Blake left the professional game at the age of 25 and later played amateur rugby? (13 July 2018)
... that "Go England" was written as an adaptation of The Jam's "Going Underground" to support England at the 2002 FIFA World Cup? (14 July 2018)
... that Javier "Chicharito" Hernández (pictured) is the first Mexican footballer to score 50 international goals? (15 July 2018)
... that footballer Mohamed El-Shenawy declined to accept his man of the match award after Egypt's opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup? (15 July 2018)
... that a new soccer team in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will schedule its home games around the Albuquerque Isotopes baseball team, with whom it will share a stadium? (15 July 2018)
... that footballer Adrian Alston performed the Cruyff Turn at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, before Johan Cruyff made the move famous? (15 July 2018)
... that Rashad Sadygov is the most capped Azerbaijani international footballer of all time? (15 July 2018)
... that in 2018 Trent Alexander-Arnold became only the fourth teenager to start a match for England at the FIFA World Cup? (15 July 2018)
... that the footballer Kahraba ("Electricity") was given his nickname due to his pace and energy? (15 July 2018)
... that the jerseys of American soccer team Las Vegas Lights FC feature a smiley face on the underside for use in goal celebrations? (15 July 2018)
... that the Egyptian footballer Trézéguet was given his nickname due to his resemblance to former footballer David Trezeguet? (21 July 2018)
... that footballer Colin Hudson scored in a 6–1 victory for Cardiff City on the same day he was married? (25 July 2018)
... that footballer Eddie Jenkins turned down a move to Tottenham Hotspur because he thought that "there were better prospects in the milk business"? (29 July 2018)
... that brass bands have been a feature of Vale Park since its opening in 1899, when one played the crowd in through the gates? (9 August 2018)
... that the footballer Mark Aizlewood once celebrated scoring a goal by flicking the V at fans of his own team? (9 August 2018)
... that the Belgium international player Leander Dendoncker is one of three footballer brothers from a pig-farming family? (11 August 2018)
... that Manchester City player Claudio Gomes won a trophy at Wembley Stadium one second into his professional debut? (4 September 2018)
... that Belgian footballer Romelu Lukaku (pictured) has scored two international hat-tricks, but only one is recognised by FIFA? (18 September 2018)
... that despite Alexis Sánchez's seven goals in qualification, Chile failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup? (3 October 2018)
... that most of footballer Laurence Abrams's transfer fee for his move from Hearts was never paid, after Chelsea claimed it would force them to fold? (7 October 2018)
... that to receive a work permit to play in Luxembourg, Bosnian footballer Sanel Ibrahimović had to pretend to be a specialist in his country's cuisine? (9 October 2018)
... that footballer Willie Anderson agreed to join the Portland Timbers despite not knowing where the team was based? (11 October 2018)
... that footballer Sandy Allan was the first player to score a headed hat-trick in a European club competition? (13 October 2018)
... that the fee in excess of £2,000 paid by Blackburn Rovers in 1921 for the footballer Fergie Aitken was the record that Bury had received for a player? (15 October 2018)
... that the English amateur footballer Reg Anderson was killed during World War II when his aircraft was shot down? (25 October 2018)
... that footballer Óscar Sonejee scored the goal that won the Andorra national football team their first-ever point in an international fixture? (3 November 2018)
... that despite playing as a defender, Ildefons Lima is the leading goalscorer in the history of the Andorra national football team? (5 November 2018)
... that in the UEFA matches played by Athletic Bilbao in European football, the club used only one player who was a full international for a country other than Spain? (9 November 2018)
... that footballer Bob Jones was signed by Everton as a goalkeeper, despite originally playing as a left half, after the original goalkeeper failed to arrive at a trial? (12 November 2018)
... that Welsh footballer Stan Griffiths was given a medical discharge during World War II due to injuries suffered during his playing career? (12 November 2018)
... that following his retirement from playing, footballer Andy Kerr became a financial advisor in the Far East? (15 November 2018)
... that when footballer Wyn Griffiths suffered an injury during a 1945 friendly match for Arsenal, he was replaced by a player from another club who had attended the game as a spectator? (20 November 2018)
... that Iris Kadrić played international football for Sweden under-17s, before switching to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina? (22 November 2018)
... that footballer Neil Matthews was the first Rochdale player to win an international cap at any level? (27 November 2018)
... that the footballer Kevin Beattie was described by former England manager Bobby Robson as the best England player he had ever seen? (4 December 2018)
... that Filipino footballer Neil Etheridge is the first Southeast Asian to play in the Premier League? (6 December 2018)
... that Bryn Davies was one of the first footballers to enlist during World War II? (6 December 2018)
... that in only its second season, Atlanta United FC has reached the MLS Cup, which will be played tonight? (8 December 2018)
... that the footballer Ted Gorin scored Scunthorpe United's first goal in the Football League? (10 December 2018)
... that the footballer Sammy Ameobi scored the fastest goal by a substitute in Premier League history? (11 December 2018)
... that MLS Cup 2002 was the first of five MLS Cups lost by the New England Revolution and the first of five won by the LA Galaxy? (11 December 2018)
... that Cardiff City lost £200 from a deal signed with Joe Hillier's transfer to Middlesbrough in 1930 after the club's manager wrote down the wrong sum? (14 December 2018)
... that gymnast Pierre Payssé, who won two gold medals at the 1906 Intercalated Games, later helped organise women's football matches? (16 December 2018)
... that Tom Adeyemi turned down a place at Cambridge University in order to become a professional footballer? (17 December 2018)
... that Lorik Cana is the most capped Albanian footballer of all time? (17 December 2018)
... that the first own goal and penalty kick in MLS Cup history were caused by the same player at MLS Cup 2003? (18 December 2018)
... that Karabo Mathang-Tshabuse is South Africa's first female FIFA-accredited soccer agent? (20 December 2018)
... that the MLS Cup 2009 was the first major sports championship won by a team from Utah in nearly 40 years? (22 December 2018)
... that former footballer Charlie McGeever is principal of a Gaelcholáiste? (22 December 2018)
... that Clémentine Touré coached the Ivory Coast women's national football team in their first matches outside Africa at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup? (24 December 2018)
... that the footballer Owen McNally scored eight goals in a single match, which remains a joint record for the Scottish Football League? (25 December 2018)

2019[edit]

... that Roberto Tobar officiated the 2017 Segunda División final, in which only one team took part in the penalty shootout? (4 January 2019)
... that Trinidadian football player and coach Michael McComie died from a brain tumour 24 hours after being diagnosed? (5 January 2019)
... that Denmark won the 1971 Women's World Cup, an unofficial association football tournament, after 15-year-old Susanne Augustesen scored all three goals in the final? (8 January 2019)
... that Al-Ain was the first Emirati team to qualify for a Club World Cup final? (11 January 2019)
... that Portugal international footballer Melissa Antunes teaches at a university and started a sports agency? (14 January 2019)
... that Jean-Pierre Bernès, former general manager of Olympique de Marseille, started out selling membership cards for the club? (23 January 2019)
... that the video game This Is Football 2002 had the controversial feature of allowing players to deliberately dive? (27 January 2019)
... that actress Naomi Watts is honorary president of the Welsh football club Glantraeth F.C.? (29 January 2019)
... that MLS Cup 2005 featured the same teams and ended with the same scoreline as MLS Cup 2002? (9 February 2019)
... that Cemile Timur founded, played for, and now coaches a football club recently promoted to the Turkish Women's First League? (1 February 2019)
... that Henrikh Mkhitaryan was the first player to score a hat-trick for the Armenia national football team? (20 February 2019)
... that footballer Emiliano Sala is the most expensive signing in the history of Cardiff City F.C.? (21 February 2019)
... that Manchester City conceded only one goal in regular time en route to the 2019 EFL Cup Final against Chelsea today? (24 February 2019)
... that Alberto Jorge is the only association football manager to have won the Liga MX title as caretaker, doing so with Toluca in 2003? (28 February 2019)
... that before becoming a football coach, Neil Dewsnip worked as a teacher and taught future professional players and managers including Karl Robinson, Jim Bentley, and Steven Gerrard? (28 February 2019)
... that MLS Cup 2007 was the first Major League Soccer championship rematch to be played in consecutive years? (3 March 2019)
... that the San Jose Earthquakes won MLS Cup 2001 only one season after finishing at the bottom of the league table? (4 March 2019)
... that "Old Woden" Frederick Hackwood founded the Wednesbury Strollers football club? (9 March 2019)
... that Dutch footballer Leon de Kogel's playing career ended following a car accident in which he had to be cut out of his vehicle by the fire service? (9 March 2019)
... that footballer Pádraig Amond represented Carlow at hurling under a false name to avoid being discovered by his club? (14 March 2019)
... that by winning promotion during the 1920–21 season, Cardiff City F.C. became the first Welsh club to reach the top tier of English football? (9 April 2019)
... that, inspired at the age of five by her football-playing brother, Dilan Ağgül became a footballer in Germany and later played for the Turkey women's national team?(16 April 2019)
... that during Cardiff City F.C.'s 1921–22 season, trainer George Latham became the oldest player in club history when called into action after members of the first team fell ill (20 April 2019)
... that footballer Chris Summers set a Welsh Premier League record during the 2003–04 season by scoring in 11 consecutive matches? (22 April 2019)
... that the inaugural MLS Cup was played in heavy rain in the aftermath of Hurricane Lili? (4 May 2019)
... that collegiate soccer coach Pete Fewing has also officiated at the weddings of two of his former players? (10 May 2019)
... that, inspired at a young age by Polish footballer Roman Kosecki of Galatasaray S.K. in Turkey, Nurcan Çelik became a player and later established her own football club (11 May 2019)
... that Watford's appearance in today's FA Cup Final is their first since 1984? (18 May 2019)
... that three players for the U.S. women's national soccer team have scored hat-tricks in the FIFA Women's World Cup, including Carli Lloyd in the 2015 final (7 June 2019)
... that during the 1923–24 season, Cardiff City F.C. finished as runners-up in the closest title race in First Division history? (14 June 2019)
... that in 1948, footballer George Hazlett was punched in the face after fans invaded the pitch? (16 June 2019)
... that the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, which began 20 years ago today, was moved to large American football stadiums after the success of the 1996 Olympics soccer tournament? (19 June 2019)
... that Leicester City F.C. manager Norman Bullock banned his players from riding motorbikes? (21 June 2019)
... that ten years ago today, the United States played in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final after ending Spain's 35-match unbeaten streak? (28 June 2019)
... that Turkish women's footballer Aslı Canan Sabırlı was appointed technical director of her team while she was still a member of the squad? (2 July 2019)
... that the Leagues Cup, an upcoming four-team soccer competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs, was panned by critics as soon as it was announced? (5 July 2019)
... that Germany defeated Sweden in the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Final (pictured) with a golden goal, the last time this method of deciding the final was approved? (7 July 2019)
... that Im Eun-ju was the first South Korean woman to referee at the international level of association football? (7 July 2019)
... that Florrie Redford played football with other women during her lunch break at a World War I munitions factory prior to becoming a leading goal scorer for Dick, Kerr Ladies F.C.? (7 July 2019)
... that in 2001, Bury Football Club's first mascot, "Robbie the Bobby", was sent off three times by referees for bad behaviour? (16 July 2019)
... that Rhys Griffiths has won the Welsh Premier League Golden Boot more times than any other player, winning for seven consecutive seasons between 2006 and 2012? (19 July 2019)
... that during the 1924–25 season, Cardiff City F.C. became the first Welsh team to reach an FA Cup final? (20 July 2019)
... that footballer Alice Griffiths represented Wales for the first time after playing as the only girl in an otherwise all-boys league? (7 August 2019)
... that Harold Forsyth, the Peruvian ambassador to Japan, is the father of a professional football player and husband of a beauty pageant queen? (12 August 2019)
... that Alice Evans was the first British female professional futsal player? (15 August 2019)
... that Welsh international footballer Peyton Vincze discovered she was eligible to represent the nation only when a Welsh football club visited her town in the United States? (18 August 2019)
... that the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup was moved to the United States after the SARS outbreak in China, the original host? (21 August 2019)
... that footballer Rachel Rowe made her international debut for Wales while still working as a guard in the prison service? (22 August 2019)
... that footballer Craig Bellamy was the first player to score for seven different teams in the Premier League? (24 August 2019)
... that the finalists in tonight's U.S. Open Cup Final both joined Major League Soccer as expansion teams during the 2017 season? (27 August 2019)
... that Turkish television and film actress Serenay Aktaş was once a women's footballer? (28 August 2019)
... that the Lebanon women's national football team's first official qualification campaign took place eight years after their inception? (3 September 2019)
... that the Women's World Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup finals both involved the United States and were played on the same day? (5 September 2019)
... that with 20 goals, Hassan Maatouk is the Lebanon national football team's joint top-scorer? (7 September 2019)
... that Andi Herzog is the most capped footballer in Austrian history and the only player to win more than 100 caps? (9 September 2019)
... that footballer Jordon Garrick nearly gave up the game as a teenager to pursue a career in rugby league before being persuaded to change his mind by his mother and his coach? (9 September 2019)
... that footballer Carrie Jones made her international debut for Wales despite being too young to play for her club side? (13 September 2019)
... that footballer Megan Wynne played for Tottenham Hotspur while also working full-time in the club's human resources department? (17 September 2019)
... that footballer Josh Yorwerth received what is believed to be the longest doping-related ban in English football history? (18 September 2019)
... that footballer Sean Morrison was described as being "45 minutes from death" before undergoing emergency surgery? (27 September 2019)
... that Cardiff City F.C. founder Bartley Wilson's headstone was discovered in bushes near his grave, which had lain unmarked for more than 40 years? (2 October 2019)
... that footballer Tom Farquharson was believed to carry a gun in his kitbag? (3 October 2019)
... that today's MLS Cup 2019 will be the third cup final in four years to feature Seattle Sounders FC and Toronto FC? (10 November 2019)
... that the Racecourse Ground, which has hosted more Wales home international matches than any other stadium, is the oldest stadium in the world still hosting international football fixtures? (19 November 2019)
... that with 21 goals, Hassan Maatouk is the Lebanon national football team's all-time top goalscorer? (20 November 2019)
... that in 2019, Ivorian footballer Amad Traoré became the first player born in 2002 to score in the Serie A? (24 November 2019)
... that Berna Gözbaşı is the first woman president of a football club playing in the Turkish top-level men's league? (17 December 2019)
... that Lynn Family Stadium shares its namesake with another stadium in the same city? (30 December 2019)

2020[edit]

... that the 2020 MLS All-Star Game will be the first to be played against an all-star team from another soccer league? (3 January 2020)
... that Frank Soo has been the only person of East Asian descent to play for the England national football team? (7 January 2020)
... that the Charlotte MLS team signed a kit sponsorship deal months before being officially awarded an expansion franchise? (13 January 2020)
... that Liverpool F.C. became the first team allowed to wear the FIFA Champions Badge in the English Premier League, but only for one game against Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. on 29 December 2019? (21 January 2020)
... that English footballer Tyreece John-Jules's uncle is Red Dwarf's Cat? (28 January 2020)
... that prior to becoming Google India's manager, Sanjay Gupta was credited for expanding Star India's sports business by launching Pro Kabaddi League and Indian Super League? (17 February 2020)
... that English footballer Mark Bright was a foster child, started on wages of £10 a week, and has gone on to earn £1.2 million during his career? (17 February 2020)
... that Ted Robbins was the longest-serving secretary in the history of the Football Association of Wales? (18 February 2020)
... that Al Ahed FC became the first Lebanese association football club to win the AFC Cup? (23 February 2020)
... that in today's 2020 EFL Cup Final at Wembley, Manchester City retained the EFL Cup for the third consecutive year with a 2–1 victory against Aston Villa? (1 March 2020)
... that the first football match held after the renovation of Milltown stadium in Northern Ireland was abandoned due to a floodlight failure? (20 March 2020)
... that Chelsea chairman Ken Bates attempted to hang a joke medal around the neck of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson as a peace offering after the 2000 FA Charity Shield? (2 April 2020)
... that the Jersey Football Association applied for UEFA membership after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that UEFA must allow them to do so? (10 April 2020)
... that Coventry City defeated Football League Cup holders Nottingham Forest 5–4 in 1990, with a player from each team scoring a hat-trick before half-time? (14 April 2020)
... that Manchester United became the first English football team to win the European Cup by defeating Benfica in the 1968 final? (19 April 2020)
... that Carol Shanahan bought Port Vale F.C. because she felt that "a loved one was held hostage and someone had to pay the ransom"? (25 April 2020)
... that footballer Jamal Farhan, who was banned for life by FIFA after punching a referee in the head, later expressed remorse and advised fans not to imitate him? (26 April 2020)
... that the Lebanon national football team played their first official match in Tel Aviv 80 years ago today? (27 April 2020)
... that England international footballer Colin Grainger was also a professional singer and shared a bill with the Beatles? (29 April 2020)
... that Manchester United opened Manchester City's former training ground after floodlights were installed? (2 May 2020)
... that the history of the Wales national football team includes the first substitution ever used in international football? (10 May 2020)
... that Jeff Butler was sacked as head coach of the South Africa national football team after it was discovered that he had passed off the playing career of another Geoff Butler as his own? (11 May 2020)
... that MLS Cup 1997 finalists Colorado Rapids had finished the regular season with a losing record? (15 May 2020)
... that Jordan Henderson is the first Liverpool captain to win the FIFA Club World Cup? (17 May 2020)
... that Noureddine Diwa was one of the first Tunisian footballers to play abroad? (18 May 2020)
... that Grégoire Margotton replaced Christian Jeanpierre as the main presenter of the French football programme Téléfoot in 2018? (18 May 2020)
... that Hege Lanes Steinlund is believed to have officiated more international football matches than any other Norwegian referee? (20 May 2020)
... that after his side defeated Leeds United in the FA Cup, Cardiff City chairman Sam Hammam had two BBC reporters forcibly removed and had an altercation with the opposing manager? (25 May 2020)
... that Chelsea F.C.'s loss in the 1988 Football League Second Division play-off Final triggered football hooliganism that injured 45 people? (16 June 2020)
... that the 1925 FA Cup Final was the first in the competition's history to feature a Welsh team? (16 June 2020)
... that Northern Irish goalkeeper Alan Mannus refused to face the flag of the Republic of Ireland at the 2019 FAI Cup Final because he is not Irish? (21 June 2020)
... that Canadian soccer player Christabel Oduro is the cousin of Dominic Oduro, who has played for Ghana? (23 June 2020)
... that Rangers fans at the 2000 Scottish Cup Final wore orange shirts in tribute to their Dutch manager and players, despite suggestions of Protestant undertones? (26 June 2020)
... that some of Dungiven Celtic F.C.'s players play association football and Gaelic football concurrently? (2 July 2020)
... that the Football Association has asked England fans to stop singing "No Surrender to the IRA"? (8 July 2020)
... that Stanley Matthews vowed to never work in management again after one year as Port Vale F.C. manager? (13 July 2020)
... that Arsenal are looking to extend their FA Cup winners record at the 2020 FA Cup Final against Chelsea at Wembley today? (1 August 2020)
... that after Port Vale F.C. were liquidated in 1907, a local church team took on the name and returned to the Football League by October 1919? (3 August 2020)
... that Luton Town F.C. chairman John Gurney organised a "Manager Idol" phone-vote in order to find the club's new manager? (5 August 2020)
... that the name of the women's soccer team Racing Louisville FC is inspired by Louisville's famous horse races? (6 August 2020)
... that the 2002 Football League First Division play-off Final was played under a closed roof at the Millennium Stadium because it was too sunny? (9 August 2020)
... that when footballer Przemysław Płacheta signed for Norwich City from Śląsk Wrocław in 2020, he was Śląsk's record sale and Norwich's first-ever Polish player? (10 August 2020)
... that during their 1925–26 season, Cardiff City suffered the heaviest league defeat in the club's history, losing 11–2 to Sheffield United? (11 August 2020)
... that the 1993 Football League First Division play-off Final was estimated to be worth £20 million to the winners Swindon Town? (13 August 2020)
... that the Turkish women's league seasons of 2019–20 football and 2020 rugby sevens were named to commemorate Özge Kanbay, a football referee and rugby player, who died in 2019 at age 22 from cancer? (14 August 2020)
... that the 2020 EFL League One play-off Final was played at Wembley Stadium in front of zero paying spectators? (14 August 2020)
... that South African forward Letago Madiba started playing football at the age of five in the streets of her hometown, and was the only female footballer in her school? (15 August 2020)
... that, despite a history as a reserve Gaelic football goalkeeper, Paul Callaghan played in association football matches against English clubs Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United? (20 August 2020)
... that Leon Legge became a professional footballer despite suffering from epilepsy from the age of 16? (31 August 2020)
... that Carl Linde, a Swedish football Hall of Fame inductee, also participated in the founding of the International Table Tennis Federation? (1 September 2020)
... that Coventry City's promotion following the 2018 EFL League Two play-off Final was their first for 51 years, since they were guided into the 1967–68 Football League First Division by Jimmy Hill? (4 September 2020)
... that, during their 1928–29 season, Cardiff City F.C. were relegated from the First Division of the Football League despite conceding the fewest amount of goals in the league? (6 September 2020)
... that Alfredo Di Stéfano scored 6 international goals for Argentina and 23 for Spain? (7 September 2020)
... that Cristian Montaño spent 18 months out of English football after being sacked and arrested on criminal charges that were never proven? (10 September 2020)
... that Cheye Alexander became a professional footballer despite suffering acute knee pain as a teenager due to Osgood–Schlatter disease? (14 September 2020)
... that professional athletes protested by refusing to play in response to high-profile police shootings of Black people in 2020? (17 September 2020)
... that Coventry City won the 2017 EFL Trophy Final, earning their first major trophy since winning the 1987 FA Cup Final, despite being relegated from League One to League Two that season? (18 September 2020)
... that the Arsenal footballer Matt Smith won an FA Cup winners medal without having made his debut for Arsenal? (19 September 2020)
... that during the 1903 FA Cup Final, a cinematograph was sited on top of one of the stands? (23 September 2020)
... that Essop Moosa, who was of Indian origin, became the first non-white player to play for an all-white soccer team in South Africa, appearing under a pseudonym? (23 September 2020)
... that in 1995, French journalist Didier Roustan helped set up a world footballers union with Eric Cantona and Diego Maradona? (29 September 2020)
... that Austrian-born Turkish footballer Dilan Yeşim Taşkın became a member of the Turkey women's national team although she initially wanted to play for the Austrian nationals? (7 October 2020)
... that Büşra Kuru, who began playing football every day at age six encouraged by her footballer brother, is a member of a German club and of the Turkey national team? (11 October 2020)
... that Turkey women's national footballer Berivan İçen scored 11 goals in a girls' under-13 league match that ended 15–0 for her team? (14 October 2020)
... that Tom Pope became the second-highest goalscorer in Port Vale's history after twice being rejected by the club as a teenager? (2 November 2020)
... that Bury F.C. converted its debts of £1,230 into a credit balance of £1,329 by winning the 1900 FA Cup Final? (3 November 2020)
... that Michael Jackson's manager expected him to return from an injury and perform in the 2001 Football League First Division play-off Final? (5 November 2020)
... that in a speech after the 1901 FA Cup Final, General Sir Redvers Buller compared football to the Army by saying that the winning side is usually the one best practised at shooting? (8 November 2020)
... that Harold Jarman scored in the first match ever played in the EFL Cup? (10 November 2020)
... that after awarding a controversial goal in the 1902 FA Cup Final, referee Tom Kirkham took refuge in a broom cupboard to evade angry goalkeeper William "Fatty" Foulke? (18 November 2020)
... that Rui Pinto uncovered four terabytes of confidential information about association football finances despite having no formal education in computer science? (22 November 2020)
... that Chris Lines has won five promotions during his professional football career? (26 November 2020)
... that Arsenal Women's 11–1 win over Bristol City at Meadow Park in 2019 was the widest margin of victory in the history of the FA Women's Super League? (4 December 2020)
... that Arsenal footballer Vivianne Miedema is the all-time leading scorer in the FA Women's Super League and has scored more goals at the international level than any other Dutch player? (5 December 2020)
... that professional footballer Shaun Brisley scored for Peterborough United in the 2014 Football League Trophy Final after initially turning down a move to the club due to homesickness? (9 December 2020)
... that MLS Cup 2020 will feature Seattle Sounders FC for the fourth time in five years? (13 December 2020)
... that shortly after winning a conference tournament championship with Vanderbilt's soccer team, Sarah Fuller became the first woman to play football in a Power Five conference game? (20 December 2020)
... that a football club in Finland called FC Santa Claus has competed as high as the third tier? (24 December 2020)

2021[edit]

... that Atalanta reached the semifinals of the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1988 while playing in the Italian second tier? (12 January 2021)
... that the 2020 EFL League Two play-off Final is believed to be the first competitive match played behind closed doors at Wembley Stadium? (13 January 2021)
... that the 2008 FA Cup Final between Cardiff City and Portsmouth holds the record for the highest attendance for a football match at the new Wembley Stadium, with 89,874? (16 January 2021)
... that Blackburn Rovers won the Premier League three seasons after winning the 1992 Football League Second Division play-off Final? (18 January 2021)
... that Manjappada, a supporters' group of Kerala Blasters FC, coordinated and brought forty-one busloads of their fans across Kerala to the venue for the opening match of the 2019–20 season? (26 January 2021)
... that Ipswich Town won the Football League First Division in their 1961–62 season having been promoted from the Second Division the previous season? (26 January 2021)
... that Coventry City's winning goal in the 1987 FA Cup Final was an own goal scored in extra time off Gary Mabbutt's knee? (30 January 2021)
... that AFC Wimbledon were promoted for a sixth time since their formation in 2002 when they won the 2016 Football League Two play-off Final? (6 February 2021)
... that thousands of football players are trafficked every year? (7 February 2021)
... that Blackpool became the most successful club in the history of English Football League play-offs when they won the 2017 EFL League Two play-off Final against Exeter City? (8 February 2021)
... that after his side won the 2008 Football League One play-off Final, Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll said he could "murder a cup of tea"? (9 February 2021)
... that Billy Kee was going to include "Wembley" in the name of his child who was being born during the 2014 Football League Two play-off Final if he scored? (11 February 2021)
... that after winning the 2013 Football League One play-off Final, Yeovil Town were promoted to the second tier of English football just ten years after being a non-League club? (12 February 2021)
... that some of the Sheffield Wednesday team participated in a conga on the M4 motorway after winning the 2005 Football League One play-off Final? (19 February 2021)
... that the owner of Walsall F.C. described victory at the 2001 Football League Second Division play-off Final as the greatest day in the club's history? (20 February 2021)
... that Bradford City scored three goals in 13 minutes to secure promotion in the 2013 Football League Two play-off Final? (21 February 2021)
... that the 2010 Football League Two play-off Final at Wembley Stadium was won by "a pub team from Essex"? (25 February 2021)
... that the opening goal of the 1992 Football League Third Division play-off Final was described as a "Russian linesman job"? (28 February 2021)
... that after winning the 2004 Football League Second Division play-off Final, some of the Brighton & Hove Albion players dropped the trophy while celebrating and damaged it? (2 March 2021)
... that at the conclusion of the 2006 Football League Two play-off Final, the losing manager said his side did not deserve to win and the winning goalscorer said he did not mean to score? (3 March 2021)
... that Cheltenham Town lost the 2012 Football League Two play-off Final, their first defeat in nine play-off matches? (6 March 2021)
... that Chichester & Selsey Ladies F.C. broke away from Chichester City for an undisclosed reason but retained their colours and football league position? (8 March 2021)
... that South African association footballer Amanda Sister has played for clubs in Hungary and Italy? (9 March 2021)
... that 23-year-old Michael Oliver refereed the 2009 Football League One play-off Final at Wembley Stadium the day after his father had officiated the 2009 Football League Two play-off Final? (11 March 2021)
... that Wycombe Wanderers secured back-to-back promotions when they won the 1994 Football League Third Division play-off Final? (11 March 2021)
... that the 1991 Football League Fourth Division play-off Final was the first Football League play-off to be decided by a penalty shoot-out? (13 March 2021)
... that Swansea City made two appearances at the Millennium Stadium in 2006, winning the Football League Trophy but losing the Football League One play-off Final? (14 March 2021)
... that while at Fiorentina, Mohamed Salah chose the shirt number 74 in honour of the victims of the Port Said Stadium riot (15 March 2021)
... that footballer Billy Hardy is Cardiff City F.C.'s record appearance holder, having played in 590 matches between 1911 and 1932? (16 March 2021)
... that Irish sportswoman Carol Breen has played internationally in both association and Australian rules football? (17 March 2021)
... that Icelandic footballer Þórdís Hrönn Sigfúsdóttir has had to self-isolate on four occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic? (18 March 2021)
... that the 1998 Football League Third Division play-off Final was the first play-off final to feature two brothers when Neil and David Gregory played for Colchester United? (20 March 2021)
... that Neil Warnock left Huddersfield Town shortly after they gained promotion by winning the 1995 Football League Second Division play-off Final because he said the club chairman had told him a "porky pie"? (21 March 2021)
... that Dwayne De Rosario is Canada's all-time leading male soccer goalscorer, with 22 international goals? (22 March 2021)
... that both Robbie Williams and Michael Jackson played for Blackpool in the 2007 Football League One play-off Final? (24 March 2021)
... that the 2002 Football League Third Division play-off Final was one of the last matches shown on the ITV Sport Channel? (24 March 2021)
... that Phil Chisnall moved from Manchester United to Liverpool in April 1964, becoming the last player to be transferred directly between the two clubs? (26 March 2021)
... that the Cambridge United team took a cold shower before winning the 1990 Football League Fourth Division play-off Final? (26 March 2021)
... that Crewe Alexandra were promoted back to the second tier of English football for the first time in 101 years when they won the 1997 Football League Second Division play-off Final? (27 March 2021)
... that, during his time in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, footballer Ernie Curtis would obtain extra food by teaching his captors how to play with a ball made of paper? (27 March 2021)
... that MLS Cup 1999 was played with new rule changes that were approved days before the game? (28 March 2021)
... that professional goalkeeper Scott Brown lost his father to Parkinson's, witnessed the birth of his son, and then signed with Aberdeen in the space of ten days? (29 March 2021)
... that the East Bengal Ultras, founded in 2013, became India's first ultras group? (29 March 2021)
... that when Fred Stewart was appointed the manager of Cardiff City F.C., he paid the transfer fee of his first signing himself? (30 March 2021)
... that Andy Crosby captained Scunthorpe United to victory in the 2009 League One play-off Final, the last match of his 715-game career? (31 March 2021)
... that, such was his popularity with the club's supporters, when footballer Hughie Ferguson was sold by Motherwell F.C., the local steel works closed to allow workers to wave him off? (31 March 2021)
... that Duncan Jupp scored his first league goal for more than a decade in the 2005 Football League Two play-off Final? (2 April 2021)
... that Mark Cullen was named as League Two Player of the Month for October 2014 after scoring a perfect hat-trick? (3 April 2021)
... that a team including bricklayers, assistant bank managers and insurance clerks defeated Coventry City in the third round of the FA Cup in 1989? (5 April 2021)
... that the French football club GPSO 92 Issy was founded by three Peruvian sisters in 1997? (8 April 2021)
... that Port Vale F.C. captain Tom Conlon's grandfather's father-in-law played for the club more than a century ago? (9 April 2021)
... that Tranmere Rovers players were each promised a £10,000 bonus for winning the 1991 Football League Third Division play-off Final? (12 April 2021)
... that MLS Cup 2000 was the first championship game in league history not to feature D.C. United? (13 April 2021)
... that Burnley won the 1994 Football League Second Division play-off Final after two opposition players were sent off? (15 April 2021)
... that despite his side winning the 1998 Football League Second Division play-off Final, Grimsby's Alan Buckley said "Anybody who says they enjoy play-offs aren't football managers"? (19 April 2021)
... that both of Scunthorpe United's substitutes failed to score their penalties in the shootout, which saw them lose the 1992 Football League Fourth Division play-off Final? (21 April 2021)
... that Claude Callegari gained cult-hero status among English football fans for his speeches about Arsenal? (24 April 2021)
... that the year after going into administration, Huddersfield Town gained promotion to the Second Division by winning the 2004 Football League Third Division play-off Final? (27 April 2021)
... that Brett Ormerod scored five goals for Blackpool in the 2001 Football League play-offs including one in the 2001 Football League Third Division play-off Final? (28 April 2021)
... that when Irene del Río was called up to the Spain women's national football team squad, she was the only player who did not compete in the country's top division? (28 April 2021)
... that despite losing the 1990 Football League Third Division play-off Final, Tranmere Rovers were temporarily promoted to the Second Division? (29 April 2021)
... that Camillo Vaz managed Paris Saint-Germain Féminine when they qualified for the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time? (1 May 2021)
... that Emma Mullin, who won four Gaelic football championships, was also the first player from her association football club to play for the Republic of Ireland? (6 May 2021)
... that the 2000 Football League Third Division play-off Final was played at Wembley Stadium on a Friday night to accommodate a friendly between England and Brazil? (7 May 2021}
... that Alejandro Calvo García's mother overcame her fear of flying to see him score the winning goal in the 1999 Football League Third Division play-off Final? (9 May 2021)
... that the breakaway club Dial Square F.C. was founded under the original name of Arsenal as a protest against Stan Kroenke's ownership of the contemporary club? (9 May 2021}
... that Alan Comfort caught a helicopter to Heathrow then a flight to Ireland to get married hours after winning the 1989 Football League Fourth Division play-off Final? (10 May 2021)
... that Norwegian footballer Sissel Grude retired aged 22, but returned for a one-off appearance 22 years later? (13 May 2021)
... that Alan Little led York City to victory in the 1993 Football League Third Division play-off Final two days before his brother's side played in the First Division play-off Final? (14 May 2021)
... that the 2021 FA Cup Final between Leicester City and Chelsea today will be the first football match in England with more than 8,000 supporters since March 2020? (15 May 2021)
... that in 2012, French women's football club Arras FCF were promoted to the country's top division and reached the semi-finals of the French Cup? (16 May 2021)
... that a penalty shootout was used to determine which side would host the replay of the 1988 Football League Third Division play-off Final? (21 May 2021)
... that Hampden Park's square wooden goalposts, which were used at Scotland's national football stadium between 1903 and 1987, were later placed on the roof of an English pub? (22 May 2021)
... that Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. became the first football club in England to have father and son goalkeepers when they signed Steve Cherry in 2003? (23 May 2021)
... that Republic of Ireland youth-team international footballer Jaden Charles is the son of former England international Gary Charles? (29 May 2021)
... that Irish association footballer Margaret Saurin later worked as a coach in the US? (30 May 2021)
... that the video game Football Glory features its developers in the Croatia national football team? (30 May 2021)
... that SC East Bengal became the first club in Indian football to activate the force majeure clause in their 2020–21 season? (1 June 2021)
... that the last five minutes of a 1977 game between Coventry City and Bristol City were played with neither team attempting to score? (4 June 2021)
... that when the European Super League was proposed, UEFA threatened to ban any footballers who took part from playing international football? (8 June 2021)
... that Peter Swan became only the third Englishman to be sent off at Wembley Stadium when he was dismissed in the 1993 Second Division play-off final? (9 June 2021)
... that Macclesfield F.C. was founded as a phoenix club after their stadium was purchased from a property website? (10 June 2021)
... that Brentford were promoted via the English Football League play-offs for the first time in ten attempts when they won the 2021 EFL Championship play-off Final? (11 June 2021)
... that despite smoking in football formerly being popular, it has since been banned from the touchline by UEFA? (17 June 2021)
... that three Aldershot players were involved in a road traffic accident after winning the 1987 Football League Fourth Division play-off Final? (20 June 2021)
... that Northampton Town manager Ian Atkins declared that the "whole town has gone barmy" after his side won the 1997 Football League Third Division play-off Final? (24 June 2021)
... that despite going behind in less than one minute courtesy of an own goal, Blackpool secured a record sixth post-season final when they won the 2021 EFL League One play-off Final? (24 June 2021)
... that the 1987 FA Charity Shield was played one week early to allow Diego Maradona, Gary Lineker, Michel Platini and Josimar to play alongside one another at Wembley Stadium? (26 June 2021)
... that Morecambe secured promotion to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history when they won the 2021 EFL League Two play-off Final? (29 June 2021)
... that Belgian international association footballer Anaëlle Wiard, who started playing beach soccer in 2020, was the top scorer in a competition that year? (6 July 2021)
... that Simon Mills had to postpone his honeymoon to play in the 1989 Third Division play-off final? (6 July 2021)
... that police officer Abdulrachman Setjowibowo was appointed the acting chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia following a conflict between the association and the Persija Jakarta club? (8 July 2021)
... that prior to winning their first of nine consecutive titles in the 1965–66 season, Celtic had not been champions of the Scottish Football League for 12 years? (10 July 2021)
... that the meagre attendance at the 1960 European Nations' Cup Final in Paris was blamed on crowds who "wanted western European glamour, not mysterious teams from the other side of Europe"? (11 July 2021)
... that Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Covolan scored an equalising goal in injury time during the 2021 National League play-off Final? (18 July 2021)
... that Italy won the UEFA Euro 1968 Final but only after winning a coin toss and a replay? (20 July 2021)
... that Derby County F.C. chairman Sam Longson gave impromptu press conferences in his pyjamas in the aftermath of Brian Clough's resignation as manager? (21 July 2021)
... that after the Soviet Union lost to Spain in the 1964 European Nations' Cup Final, their manager Konstantin Beskov was dismissed upon his return to Moscow following a meeting with Nikita Khrushchev? (22 July 2021)
... that Ivory Coast won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Final when their goalkeeper scored a penalty and Ghana's goalkeeper missed? (22 July 2021)
... that Drahşan Arda is the world's first female association football referee confirmed by FIFA? (26 July 2021)
... that West Germany's Gerd Müller scored six goals in two games against the Soviet Union, including two in the UEFA Euro 1972 Final? (27 July 2021)
... that Antonín Panenka's namesake penalty kick secured victory for Czechoslovakia in the UEFA Euro 1976 Final? (29 July 2021)
... that Spain's win in the UEFA Euro 2008 Final was the first of three successive major tournament victories? (2 August 2021)
... that Crewe Alexandra finished last in the Football League eight times between 1894 and 1982, more than any other league club? (3 August 2021)
... that as a youth, Hartlepool United player Brad Walker would travel the 12-mile (19 km) round trip to the club on his bicycle? (4 August 2021)
... that West Germany won their second UEFA European Championship in three editions when they defeated Belgium in the UEFA Euro 1980 Final? (4 August 2021)
... that George Curtis played football for a Royal Air Force base during his time as a Coventry City player, but he "scarcely broke sweat"? (7 August 2021)
... that Michel Platini scored his ninth goal of the tournament when France won the UEFA Euro 1984 Final? (10 August 2021)
... that Marco van Basten's strike in the UEFA Euro 1988 Final was described as "perhaps the most iconic goal in UEFA European Championship history"? (12 August 2021)
... that former football midfielder Marcelo Gallardo became the first River Plate player to achieve an international title as a player and a coach after leading the team to win the 2014 Copa Sudamericana? (15 August 2021)
... that of the 16 teams to enter the inaugural Scottish Cup, only Dumbarton, Kilmarnock and Queen's Park still regularly compete in the competition? (16 August 2021)
... that France won the UEFA Euro 2000 Final with a golden goal? (1 September 2021)
... that Germany's players sang "Three Lions" after winning the UEFA Euro 1996 Final? (3 September 2021)
... that Greece won the UEFA Euro 2004 Final despite never having previously won a match at a major tournament? (16 September 2021)
... that Aaron Martin missed his penalty kick in the longest penalty shoot-out in English professional football history? (22 September 2021)
... that Mal Benning is one of only 0.25 per cent of professional footballers in England to be British Asian? (22 September 2021)
... that James Milner once held the title of the Premier League's youngest goal scorer? (7 October 2021)
... that Ryan Johnson became Stevenage's youngest player in the club's English Football League history in May 2014, debuting at 17 years and 215 days old? (12 October 2021)
... that after the footballer Romeo Beckham was released by Arsenal, he trained in tennis before returning to football five years later? (15 October 2021)
... that the lions supporting the coat of arms of the Football Association are half-blue and half-white in imitation of the blue shorts and white shirts worn by the national teams? (29 October 2021)
... that New Zealand association football coach Olli Harder has worked in the US, China, Norway and England? (13 November 2021)
... that Osman Çakmak won the European Amputee Football Championship as a player in 2017 and as a manager in 2021 with the Turkey national team? (14 November 2021)
... that Miray Cin played for the Germany women's national U15, U16 and U17 football teams before she became a member of the Turkey women's national football team? (18 November 2021)
... that in 2009, Doreen Nabwire (pictured) became the first Kenyan woman to play professional football in Europe? (26 November 2021)
... that today's MLS Cup 2021 will mark the seventh consecutive final to feature either the Portland Timbers or Seattle Sounders FC? (11 December 2021)
... that English women's footballer Shameeka Fishley scored a hat-trick in her newly-established Turkish team's first match? (23 December 2021)

2022[edit]

... that according to George Orwell, "serious sport has nothing to do with fair play ... it is war minus the shooting"? (4 January 2022)
... that the immigrant-background narration of I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović has been compared to that of Philip Roth's novel Portnoy's Complaint? (22 January 2022)
... that David Flitcroft was appointed as director of football at Port Vale after initially applying to be the club's manager? (26 January 2022)
... that Dave Dryburgh began a journalism career while reporting on the soccer games in which he played? (4 February 2022)
... that footballer Dean Whitehead was compared to Roy Keane a year before Keane was appointed as his manager? (5 February 2022)
... that while many Premier League clubs were sponsored by alcohol companies, no such sponsors remained by the 2017–18 season? (6 February 2022)
... that footballer Chris Hussey studied part-time to gain a first-class honours degree after overcoming anxiety and obsessive–compulsive disorders? (13 February 2022)
... that the 2012 Olympic women's soccer semifinal between the Canadian and the American national soccer teams was called "the greatest knockout match in major-tournament football" since 1982? (18 February 2022)
... that Bianca Baptiste was Tottenham Hotspur's top goal scorer during their promotion—and then they dropped her from the team? (27 February 2022)
... that Tatiana Saunders is now goalkeeper for the equal pay team Lewes Football Club Women after playing for U.S., Icelandic and French teams? (11 March 2022)
... that Indian footballer Surajit Sengupta was called Sócrates because of his beard and varied interests? (23 March 2022)
... that in May 2021, Alisson became the sixth goalkeeper to score in the Premier League? (6 April 2022)
... that floodlights were first used at Gigg Lane in 1889? (13 April 2022)
... that Carlton Town F.C., now competing at the eighth tier of the English football pyramid, was once denied promotion by a hat-trick scored by future England international Jamie Vardy? (23 April 2022)
... that Port Vale F.C. is the only club to have beaten all 91 other clubs in the top four divisions of the current English football league system in a competitive league fixture? (3 May 2022)
... that the short-lived English football club Dingley Dell F.C. was named after a fictitious village in The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens? (19 May 2022)
... that by winning the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Final, Seattle Sounders FC became the first Major League Soccer team to win the competition? (22 May 2022)
... that the Ottmar Hitzfeld Arena is the highest football pitch in Europe with the competing teams accessing it by cable car? (23 May 2022)
... that after his soccer career, Steve Palacios enlisted in the United States Army and played for the United States Armed Forces soccer team? (28 May 2022)
... that Adam Murray became the youngest manager in the English Football League when he was appointed at Mansfield Town at the age of 33? (5 June 2022)
... that Darrell Clarke led Bristol Rovers to two successive promotions after having to remove "Clarke Out" posters that disgruntled fans had posted outside of the club's training ground? (9 June 2022)
... that Sofía Sánchez loved soccer and she played for a leading Spanish side, but her mother said "study" and she now sits in Ecuador's National Assembly? (14 June 2022)
... that Maria Olsvik was called up to the Norway national football team for the first time one year after giving birth? (15 June 2022)
... that football goalkeepers dive too much during penalty kicks? (21 June 2022)
... that some women have left professional soccer because of the French Football Federation's ban on playing in hijab? (27 June 2022)
... that Şevket Yorulmaz scored 99 goals in 173 matches whilst playing for Beşiktaş? (29 June 2022)
... that Italian football club A.C. Monza played 40 seasons in Serie B before securing promotion to Serie A – more than any other club? (2 July 2022)
... that Norwegian footballer Tuva Hansen and her dog have received millions of views on several TikTok videos? (6 July 2022)
... that in 2020, Ukrainian association football referee Maryna Striletska was part of the first all-woman officiating team for a men's international football match? (16 July 2022)
... that Ellaisa Marquis has been called the "marquis player" of women's football in Saint Lucia? (18 July 2022)
... that Dan Jones discovered that he was talented at taking throw-ins after having been a javelin thrower at school? (27 July 2022)
... that Fabio Miretti received a standing ovation from Juventus fans after his Serie A debut as a starter? (24 August 2022)
... that Federico Gatti went from playing in the Italian sixth division and doing menial jobs to joining Juventus and playing for the Italy national team? (27 August 2022)
... that Indian footballer Narender Thapa played for both of Calcutta's football clubs Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting at different times in his career? (4 September 2022}
... that Tala Bashmi played on the Bahrain women's national football team for seven years before opening a restaurant in a Manama hotel? (17 September 2022}
... that in the lead-up to the 1919 Copa del Rey Final between FC Barcelona and Arenas Club de Getxo, fans broke the fencing twice to watch the sold-out match? (21 September 2022}
... that Jamie Proctor won Port Vale's Goal of the Season award after scoring a scissor-kick volley against Sutton United? (30 September 2022}
... that former Atalanta player Andrea Rinaldi died of an aneurysm aged 19 in 2020? (1 October 2022)
... that the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Final was the first in 14 years to feature a non-Major League Soccer team? (4 October 2022)
... that Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi is the first woman to referee a Serie A football match? (21 October 2022)
... that athletic trainer Gian Piero Ventrone, nicknamed "marine" for his very hard and tiring training sessions, made his players ring a "bell of shame" when they were too exhausted to continue? (26 October 2022)
... that Welsh footballer Jon Morgan went on to become a college principal after retiring? (27 October 2022)
.... that Andrea Bonetti was Juventus U16's most prolific player of the 2018–19 season, with 16 goals? (4 November 2022)
... that Graham Hawkins coached the Wolverhampton Wanderers to the top division in his first season as a manager? (4 November 2022)
... that Carol Wilson had to pretend that she was a schoolteacher when unofficially representing England at the 1971 Women's World Cup? (6 November 2022)
... that the top goalscorer of the 1957 Latin Cup scored all three goals in the same match? (10 November 2022)
... that the most valuable player of MLS Cup 2022, John McCarthy, only played once in the regular season? (14 November 2022)
... that Nathan Smith made 110 consecutive appearances for Port Vale after his 2016 English Football League debut? (15 November 2022)
... that owner Matthew Benham influenced both Brentford FC in the UK and FC Midtjylland in Denmark to use mathematical modelling to recruit undervalued football players? (22 November 2022)
... that as a child, Turkey national amputee footballer Şeyhmus Erdinç played football with balls he made out of crumpled paper? (26 November 2022)
... that giant bucket hats were placed around Wales and in Qatar to mark Wales' football team reaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup? (28 November 2022)
... that the Dutch campaign OneLove inspired football captains to wear rainbow armbands at the 2020 and 2022 European Championships? (18 December 2022)
... that Ecuadorian footballer Hernán Galíndez won a bicycle for beating a team featuring Lionel Messi when they were children? (19 December 2022)
... that the attendance record for a women's club football game that was set on Boxing Day 1920 would not be exceeded for 99 years? (27 December 2022)

2023[edit]

... that the Seattle SeaDogs won the final Continental Indoor Soccer League championship before the league folded? (13 January 2023)
... that Soony Saad scored on his Major League Soccer debut on his 19th birthday? (15 January 2023)
... that the Argentina and Netherlands national football teams have played each other at every other FIFA World Cup since 1998? (16 January 2023)
... that Group A of the 2006 FIFA World Cup featured the highest-scoring opening game in World Cup history since the competition began using a single match opening format? (23 January 2023)
... that Valentín Carboni played in the same three youth teams as his brother Franco before they both received their first call-up to the Argentine senior national team in March 2022? (3 February 2023)
... that Lucien Laurent scored the first goal in FIFA World Cup history during the inaugural game of Group 1 of the 1930 World Cup? (15 February 2023)
... that Dean Huijsen went from scoring seven goals in one season for Juventus's under-17 squad to playing for their professional reserve team in just half a year? (7 March 2023)
... that footballer Samuel Iling-Junior was involved in two goals for Juventus within eight minutes of debuting in the UEFA Champions League? (13 March 2023)
=... that soccer player Danielle Marcano scored four goals in back-to-back games that helped to send the University of Tennessee to the NCAA tournament quarterfinals for the first time in history? (21 March 2023)
... that Tobi Oluwayemi and his older brother Josh are both goalkeepers who played for Tottenham's youth academy? (29 March 2023)
... that Nottingham Forest's victory in the 2022 EFL Championship play-off final gained them promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years? (3 April 2023)
... that in February 2023, Samuele Parlati became one of the few professional outfield footballers to save a penalty kick while playing in goal? (8 April 2023)
... that Swedish footballer Taha Ayari made his Allsvenskan debut by coming on as a substitute for his older brother? (18 April 2023)
... that goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse, who has lived in England, Africa and the US, has been chosen to play soccer for the Republic of Ireland? (30 April 2023)
... that Geoff Bent, one of Manchester United's Busby Babes, saved a child from drowning in a canal? (7 June 2023)
... that the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League final was a rematch of a 2020 series played by Club León and Los Angeles FC? (22 June 2023)
... that on 1 March 2023, Lorenzo Carfora became the first player born in 2006 to feature in a Serie B match? (22 June 2023)
... that María Pérez was signed to FC Barcelona Femení's B team in 2020 but started for the first team by the end of the season? (2 July 2023)
... that after Indonesian football club PSMS Medan won three consecutive national championships, Medan's mayor Sjoerkani granted the club a stadium? (2 July 2023)
... that the United States won the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League final and extended a home unbeaten streak against Canada that dates back to 1957? (18 July 2023)
... that in July 2023, Giulia Dragoni became the youngest person to represent any Italian senior national football team – including both men and women – in the 21st century? (20 July 2023)
... that when TVBoy's daughter said she wanted to be a footballer like Alexia Putellas, he painted a mural of Alexia as a superhero to inspire other girls? (21 July 2023)
... that Carol Thomas began her football career at the age of 11, while the sport was still banned for women? (22 July 2023)
... that Michaela Foster, a New Zealand footballer playing in the 2023 World Cup, is known for her mana? (23 July 2023)
... that at age 14, footballer Lara Esponda was the youngest goalkeeper to debut in the top division of women's football in Argentina? (24 July 2023)
... that after Spanish footballer Elene Lete had to leave Spain's under-20 football team with an injury in 2022, she returned to join the senior World Cup squad in 2023? (26 July 2023)
... that in August 2021 Sheika Scott became the youngest player to score in the Costa Rican Women's Premier Division, at just 14 years old? (27 July 2023)
... that New Zealand footballer Grace Wisnewski's bottom-ranked team upset the defending league champions when she scored what an A-League statistician called an "acrobatic" 99th-minute equalising goal? (28 July 2023)
... that Heba Saadia, the first Palestinian referee at a World Cup, only took up the profession when she noticed there were no women among a group of referees she saw training? (30 July 2023)
... that footballer Alexandra Pinell scored the Costa Rica U20 team's only goal at the FIFA tournament hosted by their country? (31 July 2023)
... that Catalina Estrada and two of her thirteen siblings played as forwards on the same men's football team? (1 August 2023)
... that New Zealand footballer Milly Clegg was called "an absolute unicorn" after appearing at three FIFA World Cups in under twelve months? (4 August 2023)
... that footballer Kameron Simmonds, who plays for Jamaica, only took up the sport after a gymnastics injury? (18 August 2023)
... that that sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson are the first high school students to sign a name, image, and likeness deal with Nike? (24 August 2023)
... Gavin Massey (pictured) made his professional debut for Watford Football Club after growing up within 300 yards (270 m) of its stadium, Vicarage Road? (25 August 2023)
... that the hometown newspaper of soccer player Olivia Wingate named her "Female Athlete of the Decade" for the 2010s? (26 August 2023)
... that that when Felicia Schroeder signed to play soccer for the University of South Carolina, the school did not have a sign-language interpreter available for her? (26 August 2023)
... that Juventus's reserve team, Juventus U23, won their first trophy after only two years in existence? (28 August 2023)
... that goalkeeper Daniela Solera had the most touches of any Costa Rican player in their opening match of the 2023 World Cup, saving all but two of Spain's 46 shots? (30 August 2023)
... that Daniela Ceballos worked with the Football Federation of Chile to supervise safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic while playing football herself? (9 September 2023)
... that despite being the first women's football team in Northern Ireland to sign players on professional contracts, Cliftonville Ladies F.C. were not the first club to register them? (11 September 2023)

... that in 2023, footballer Funso Ojo was named as Port Vale's PFA community player of the year for his efforts at becoming more environmentally friendly? (14 September 2023)
... that according to sportswriter Jon Henderson, the 1943 Football League War Cup final was "widely regarded as the greatest club football match of the war"? (16 September 2023)
... that Dear England tells the story of how manager Gareth Southgate helped change notions of masculinity for the men's national football team? (17 September 2023)
... that Seattle Sounders FC players held their practices over Zoom during part of their 2020 season? (26 September 2023)
... that tickets on secondary markets for the 2023 Leagues Cup final ranged from $484 to $12,000 within a day of release? (28 September 2023)

Did you know? from Portal:Association football[edit]

The following are undated DYK's that appeared on Portal:Association football prior to the re-format in December 2007. The portal now automatically displays the last five entries in the section above.

...that India withdrew from the 1950 World Cup because their team was not allowed to play barefoot?
...that the first player to score a hat-trick during the final of a World Cup was Geoff Hurst in England's 4–2 win against Germany in the 1966 World Cup? Two of his goals scored within 120 minutes are controversial, though.
...that Frenchman Just Fontaine set a world record for goals scored in the finals of a World Cup with 13 in the 1958 tournament, with a hat-trick against Paraguay and four against Germany?
...that the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland was the first time that the tournament was televised worldwide?
...that the German brothers Fritz and Ottmar Walter shared four goals between themselves in the team's 6–1 defeat of Austria in the 1954 World Cup which the Germans eventually won, too?
...that the Dutch East Indies were the first Asian representatives in the World Cup, qualifying for the 1938 tournament?
...that Uruguay declined to defend their title in the 1934 FIFA World Cup in Italy, as a protest against the meagre European participation in the previous competition held in Uruguay in 1930 during the Great depression?
...that France beat Mexico 4–1 in the first ever World Cup match, with Frenchman Lucien Laurent scoring the first ever goal?
...that Canada striker Christine Sinclair was named one of the 25 most influential people in Canadian sports before she turned 20?
...that Sophus "Krølben" Nielsen of Denmark was the first player to score ten goals in an international match, doing so against France in the 1908 Summer Olympics?
...that Barbados scored an own goal on purpose in order to move ahead of Grenada in the 1994 Caribbean Cup?
...that Malmö FF was degraded from Allsvenskan the 1933–34 season since their nemesis IFK Malmö had reported the club for paying their players, which was against rules at that time?
...that numbers were worn on the back of football shirts for the first time on August 25, 1928?
...that the first corner kick was taken in the 1870s?
...the first ever football tournament was the Youdan Cup in 1867. The final took place at Bramall Lane and was won by Hallam F.C..