Why Is It Called Football? Origins & History Explained

By Emma Wilson · June 5, 2027

Football is called football because the game was historically played primarily with the feet, distinguishing it from sports like rugby that involved more handling. Despite modern variations involving hands (e.g., American football), the name has persisted due to tradition and historical continuity.

Why Is It Called Football?

The term "football" originated in 15th-century England, where various regional games involving kicking a ball were collectively referred to as "football." These early forms had no standardized rules but shared the common feature of using the feet to propel the ball. The name stuck even as organized versions evolved, including association football (soccer) and gridiron football (American football).

Historical Origins of the Name

Medieval games in England often involved moving a ball with the feet.
The earliest recorded use of "football" dates back to 1409, when King Henry IV of England banned the game for being disruptive.
By the 19th century, public schools in England began formalizing rules, leading to the creation of distinct codes.

Different Types of Football

Today, "football" refers to multiple sports worldwide, primarily due to regional naming conventions and historical development.

Global Variations

Association Football (Soccer): Known as football in most countries; emphasizes foot use.
American Football: Primarily uses hands but retains "football" due to its roots in rugby football.
Rugby Football: Direct predecessor to both American and association football; split into Rugby Union and Rugby League.
Australian Rules Football: Combines elements of running, kicking, and hand-passing.

Sport	Primary Ball Movement	Region Where Called "Football"	Year Codified	Estimated Global Fans (millions)
Association Football	Feet	Europe, South America, Africa, Asia	1863	3,500
American Football	Hands	United States	1876	400
Rugby Union	Hands and Feet	UK, New Zealand, South Africa	1871	80
Australian Rules	Hands and Feet	Australia	1858	5

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4

The data shows that association football dominates global popularity, with over 3.5 billion fans, largely due to its universal accessibility and minimal equipment needs. Despite American football relying more on hands, it still carries the "football" name due to its evolution from rugby football. Regional naming preferences reflect historical and cultural influences rather than gameplay mechanics.

Evolution of the Game Names

The divergence in naming arose during the 19th century as different institutions codified their own versions of football. In 1863, the Football Association in England established rules favoring kicking, leading to "association football." Meanwhile, schools like Rugby developed handling-based variants, later known as "rugby football." In the U.S., colleges adapted rugby rules into American football, retaining "football" in the title.

Linguistic Persistence

Even when gameplay shifts, names often remain for brand recognition and cultural identity. For example, "soccer"—a British-originated slang from "association"—became the dominant term in the U.S. to avoid confusion, while the rest of the world continued calling it football.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why Football Is Called Football

Why is football called football if players use their hands?

In sports like American football, the name persists due to historical lineage from rugby football, even though hands are used more frequently. The original term "football" referred broadly to field games played on foot, not exclusively with feet.

Did the word "football" originally refer to kicking?

Yes, early uses of "football" described games where the ball was kicked, distinguishing them from equestrian or handball games. Over time, the term expanded to include related sports played on foot.

Why do Americans call it soccer instead of football?

To differentiate from American football, which became dominant in the U.S., the term "soccer" (derived from "association football") remained in use. In most other countries, "football" refers to soccer.

Is there a sport that only uses feet?

Yes, association football (soccer) strictly limits hand use to goalkeepers within their penalty area. This adherence to foot-based play reinforces why it's globally recognized as "football."

When was the first official football match played?

The first official match under association football rules was played in 1863 between Barnes and Richmond in England. For American football, the first intercollegiate game occurred in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton, based on modified soccer rules at the time.