While the rest of the world passionately debates whether to call it soccer or football, the history behind these terms reveals a fascinating story of language, culture, and colonialism. The term “soccer” actually originated in England as slang for “Association Football,” yet today it is primarily used in countries where another dominant sport already claims the name “football.”
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Historical Origins of Soccer vs. Football
In late 19th-century England, the sport was officially called “Association Football” to distinguish it from Rugby Football. University students created the slang term “soccer” by taking the “soc” from association and adding the “-er” suffix (a common practice known as Oxford “-er” slang). Though the British eventually abandoned the term in the late 20th century, favoring “football,” the word “soccer” had already been exported to other English-speaking nations.
Countries That Say “Soccer”
- United States: Uses “soccer” to differentiate it from American gridiron football.
- Canada: Uses “soccer” as Canadian football is the dominant domestic sport.
- Australia: Uses “soccer” due to the popularity of Australian Rules Football (Aussie Rules) and Rugby League.
- New Zealand: Uses “soccer” to distinguish it from Rugby Union, the national sport, though “football” is gaining ground.
- South Africa: Frequently uses “soccer,” which was deeply rooted in the country’s early football history and remains dominant today.
- Ireland: “Soccer” is widely used to differentiate the sport from Gaelic football.
Countries That Say “Football” (Or Translations)
The vast majority of the globe uses a direct translation or transliteration of “football”.
- Spain & Hispanic America: Fútbol
- Brazil & Portugal: Futebol
- Germany: Fußball
- France: Football (often shortened to Foot)
- Russia: Футбол (Futbol)
- Japan: Both サッカー (Sakkā – from soccer) and フットボール (Futtobōru) are used, but Sakkā is more common domestically.
The Italian Exception: Calcio
Italy stands out among major footballing nations by using neither “football” nor “soccer.” Instead, the sport is called Calcio, which translates to “kick.” This term derives from Calcio Storico, an early form of football played in 16th-century Florence.
Impacts on International Competitions
The global governing body is named FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), reflecting the sport’s formal name. Despite regional differences in terminology, the global community is united in its passion for the game. Media and globalization continue to bridge the gap, with terms like “football” becoming increasingly understood even in soccer-dominant regions during international events like the World Cup.
