The History and Legacy of the Oldest Football Clubs in the World

Decode & Discover
In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of the oldest football clubs both in Great Britain and in the world.

Football is more than just a game. It is a passion, a culture, a way of life. For millions of fans around the world, football is a source of joy, pride, and identity. But how did this sport become so popular and influential? How did it evolve from its humble beginnings to its modern form? And who are the pioneers and innovators who shaped history and legacy of the old football club in the world? In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of the oldest football clubs in the world.

Top 10 of the Oldest Football Clubs in England (UK): Where Are They Now?

England is the birthplace of football, and the home of some of oldest football clubs in the world. These are old football clubs in England that have been playing since the 19th century, and have witnessed and contributed to the development and transformation of the sport. These are the oldest football teams in England that have established themselves as icons and legends of English football, and have won countless trophies and honors. These are the oldest football clubs that have inspired generations of players and fans, and have left their mark on the world of football. But where are these clubs now? How have they fared in the modern era of football? Have they maintained their status and glory, or have they fallen from grace and obscurity? In this section, we will look at the top 10 oldest football clubs in England, according to FIFA, and find out their current situation, league, and achievements. Here is the list of them:

ClubFoundedCountryDescription
Sheffield FC1857EnglandThe oldest club in the world, according to FIFA. Also the oldest club in Britain. Founded by two cricket players, Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest, who wanted to create a winter sport for their cricket club. The oldest English football club played its first match against Hallam FC, the 2nd oldest football club in the world, in 1860, which is considered the first local derby in football history.
Note, that Sheffield FC is widely considered to be the first football club in England, which was founded on October 24.
Notts County1862EnglandOne of the oldest clubs in the world. Founded by a group of Nottingham schoolboys who wanted to play football instead of cricket. The club joined the Football League in 1888, becoming one of its founding members. Surprisingly, the club’s origins predate the establishment of the Football Association, and initially, they engaged in a self-invented game.
Stoke City1863EnglandThe oldest club currently playing in the Football League. Founded by former pupils of Charterhouse School who formed a rugby club called Stoke Ramblers. The club switched to football in 1878, and joined the Football League in 1888.
Civil Service FC1863ScotlandThe oldest football club in Scotland, and the only surviving club from the original eleven members of The Football Association. Founded by civil servants who worked for various government departments in London.
Crusaders FC1863Northern IrelandThe oldest club in Northern Ireland, and one of the most successful clubs in Irish football history. Founded by a group of young men from Belfast who wanted to play football as a recreational activity. The club joined the Irish Football League in 1890, becoming one of its founding members.
Wanderers FC1864EnglandThe first winners of the FA Cup, and one of the most successful amateur clubs in England. Founded by former pupils of Harrow School who wanted to form a football club for gentlemen. The club played in six FA Cup finals between 1872 and 1880, winning five of them.
Nottingham Forest1865EnglandOne of the oldest and most successful clubs in England, and one of only five English clubs to have won the European Cup. Founded by a group of shinney players who wanted to play football instead. The club joined the Football League in 1892, becoming one of its founding members.
Sheffield Wednesday1867EnglandOne of the oldest and most historic clubs in England, and one of only eight English clubs to have played more than 100 seasons in the top flight. Founded by members of The Wednesday Cricket Club who wanted to play football in the winter. The club joined the Football League in 1892, becoming one of its founding members.
Reading FC1871EnglandThe oldest club in the south of England, and one of the most successful clubs outside the top flight. Founded by a group of young men from Reading who wanted to play football as a hobby. The club joined the Football League in 1920, becoming one of its founding members.
Oxford University AFC1872EnglandThe oldest university football club in the world, and one of the most influential clubs in the early history of football. Founded by students of Oxford University who wanted to play football as a sport. The club played in the first ever FA Cup in 1871, reaching the final. The club also produced several notable players and officials who shaped the rules and administration of football.

Top 10 Oldest Football Clubs in the World

And now, let’s take our eyes off Britain, and get acquainted with the oldest club in football from other parts of the world:

Club NameFoundedCountryDescription
Gymnasia y Esgrima de La Plata1887ArgentinaThe oldest football club in Argentina, and one of the most successful clubs in South American football. Founded by a group of students who wanted to practice gymnastics and fencing. The club later added other sports, including football in 1897. The club joined the Argentine Football Association in 1903, becoming one of its founding members. The club also has a fierce rivalry with Estudiantes de La Plata, another old club from La Plata. Currently plays in Primera División, the top tier of Argentine football. Has won four Primera División titles, one Copa Centenario de la AFA, and one Copa de Honor Municipalidad de Buenos Aires.
Genoa CFC1893ItalyThe oldest football club in Italy, and one of the founding members of the Italian Football Federation. Founded by a group of British expatriates who wanted to play cricket and football. The club played its first official match against Internazionale Torino FC in 1898, which they won 3-1. The club also played in the first ever Italian Football Championship in 1898, which they won after beating Torinese FC 2-1 in the final. The club also has a long-standing rivalry with Sampdoria, another old club from Genoa. Currently plays in Serie A, the top tier of Italian football. Has won nine Serie A titles and one Coppa Italia.
Kjøbenhavns Boldklub1876DenmarkThe oldest football club in Denmark, and one of the most successful clubs in Danish football history. Founded by a group of students who wanted to play rugby. The club later switched to association football in 1889, after being introduced to the game by English sailors. The club played its first official match against Akademisk Boldklub in 1891, which they lost 5-0. The club also played in the first ever Danish Football Championship in 1913, which they won after beating B93 Copenhagen 5-1 in the final. The club also has a historic connection with FC Copenhagen, another old club from Copenhagen. Currently plays in Danish 2nd Division Group 1, the third tier of Danish football. Has won 15 Danish Football Championships and eight Danish Cups.
Koninklijke HFC1879NetherlandsThe oldest football club in the Netherlands, and one of the most prestigious amateur clubs in Dutch football. Founded by Pim Mulier, a pioneer of sports in the Netherlands who also introduced tennis, hockey, ice skating, and athletics to the country. The club played its first official match against HFC Haarlem in 1886, which they won 4-0. The club also played in the first ever Dutch Football Championship in 1890, which they won after beating Concordia Rotterdam 2-1 in a replayed final. The club also has a historic connection with AFC Ajax, another old club from Amsterdam. Currently plays in Tweede Divisie, the third tier of Dutch football. Has won three Dutch Football Championships and one KNVB Amateur Cup.
Marlow FC1870EnglandThe oldest football club in England to have applied for entry into the FA Cup every season since its inception in 1871. Founded by a group of young men who wanted to play association football. The club played its first official match against Windsor Home Park at Bond’s Meadow. They were one of the fifteen clubs to play in the inaugural FA Cup competition in 1871–72, reaching the semi-finals twice. They were also founder members of the Southern League in 1894. They have a historic rivalry with Maidenhead United. Currently plays in Isthmian League South Central Division, the eighth tier of English football. Has won one Spartan League title and one Isthmian League Division One title.
Maidenhead United FC1870EnglandOne of the oldest football clubs in England and one of the most successful semi-professional clubs in English football. Founded by a group of cricketers who wanted to play association football. The club played its first official match against Marlow FC at York Road, which is the ‘oldest senior football ground continuously used by the same club’. They were one of the fifteen clubs to play in the inaugural FA Cup competition in 1871–72, reaching the third round twice. They were also founder members of the Southern League in 1894. They have a long-standing rivalry with Marlow FC. Currently plays in National League, the fifth tier of English football. Has won three Spartan League titles and one Isthmian League Premier Division title.
Oldest english football clubs list

Which of the Oldest Clubs Are Still Enjoying Success to This Day?

Among the oldest football clubs in the world, some have managed to maintain their status and glory, while others have fallen from grace and obscurity. In this section, we will compare the oldest clubs in terms of their recent performance, popularity, and influence. We will also look at what are the secrets of their longevity and success. Here are some examples:

Liverpool

The History and Legacy of the Oldest Football Clubs in the World

One of the most successful and popular clubs in the world, with a global fan base and a rich history. Founded in 1892, Liverpool is one of the two oldest football teams in the Premiership (Premier League) currently playing, the top tier of English football. The club has won 19 First Division titles, 7 FA Cups, 8 League Cups, 6 European Cups, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.

Notts County

One of the most historic and oldest professional football clubs in England, but also one of the most troubled. Founded in 1862, Notts County is the oldest professional football club in the world. The club has won 1 FA Cup and 4 Second Division titles.

Did Football Have Different Rules in the 1800s?

Football is a sport that has evolved and changed over time, and its rules are no exception. In fact, the rules of football in the 19th century were quite different from the modern rules we are familiar with today. Here are some examples:

  • The offside rule was more complicated and restrictive, as a player was offside if he was ahead of the ball and had fewer than three opponents between him and the goal. This meant that forward passes were rare and difficult to execute, and that most of the game was played in a scrum-like formation. The modern offside rule was introduced in 1925.
  • The duration of the match was not fixed, and could vary from 60 to 120 minutes depending on the agreement of the teams. This meant that some matches could be very long and exhausting, and that some teams could try to delay or extend the game to their advantage. The standard duration of 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, was established in 1897.
  • The number of players on each team was not fixed, and could range from 10 to 20 depending on the agreement of the teams. This meant that some matches could be very crowded and chaotic, and that some teams could try to outnumber or overpower their opponents. The standard number of 11 players on each team was established in 1870.
  • The size and shape of the ball was not standardized, and could vary from a round to an oval shape depending on the manufacturer. This meant that some balls could be easier or harder to control, kick, or catch than others, and that some teams could try to use a ball that suited their style or strategy. The standard size and shape of the ball was established in 1872.
  • The size and shape of the goal was not standardized, and could vary from a simple tape or rope to a crossbar or posts depending on the availability of materials. This meant that some goals could be easier or harder to score than others, and that some teams could try to use a goal that favored their attack or defense. The standard size and shape of the goal was established in 1866.
  • The referee was not involved until 1871, and before that the captains of both teams were assigned to keep order. This meant that some matches could be very violent and brutal, and that some teams could try to cheat or intimidate their opponents. The referee was introduced in 1871 to enforce the rules and settle disputes.

The Curious Case of the History of Football Badge

A football badge is more than just a logo or a symbol. It is a sign of identity and pride for clubs and fans. It is a representation of the history and culture of the club and its community. It is a statement of the values and aspirations of the club and its supporters. A football badge can tell a lot about a club, and can also evoke a lot of emotions and memories for those who wear it or see it.

But where did the football badge come from? How did it evolve from its humble beginnings to its modern form? And what are the meanings and stories behind some of the most famous and iconic football badges in the world? In this section, we will explore the origin and evolution of the football badge, and reveal why the badges look as they do. Here are some facts and trivia about the history of football badge:

  • The first football badges were simple initials or monograms of the club names, such as SFC for Sheffield FC or MUFC for Manchester United FC. These badges were usually embroidered or stitched on the shirts or caps of the players, and were not very distinctive or recognizable.
  • The first club to use a crest or coat of arms as a badge was Arsenal FC, who adopted the emblem of the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich in 1888. The crest featured a cannon, symbolizing the military heritage of Woolwich, where the club was founded. The crest also included the Latin motto “Victoria Concordia Crescit”, meaning “Victory Through Harmony”.
  • The first club to use an animal or a mascot as a badge was Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, who adopted the wolf head in 1893. The wolf was chosen as a reference to the legend of Lady Wulfruna, who founded the town of Wolverhampton in 985 AD. The wolf also represented strength, courage, and loyalty.
  • The first club to use a circular or shield-shaped badge was Celtic FC, who adopted the four-leaf clover in 1897. The clover was chosen as a symbol of Irish identity and heritage, as most of the club’s founders and players were Irish immigrants. The clover also represented luck, faith, hope, and love.
  • The first club to use a star as a badge was Juventus FC, who added a gold star above their crest in 1958. The star was awarded to commemorate their tenth Serie A title, as per the Italian tradition. The star also symbolized excellence, glory, and prestige.
  • The first club to use an abstract or geometric shape as a badge was Ajax FC, who adopted the red-and-white shield with three black stripes in 1928. The shield was inspired by the coat of arms of Amsterdam, where the club is based. The three stripes represented the three principles of Ajax: technique, intelligence, and speed.
  • The first club to use an internet domain name as a badge was Valencia CF, who added “.com” to their crest in 2001. The domain name was part of a sponsorship deal with Terra Networks, an internet service provider. The deal also included changing the club’s name to Valencia Club de Fútbol.com for one season.

The 10 Oldest NFL Teams

American football is a popular sport that dates back to the late 19th century, when it evolved from rugby and soccer. The National Football League (NFL) is the highest level of professional football in the United States, and it was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). The NFL currently consists of 32 teams, divided into two conferences and eight divisions. Some of these teams have a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of the league or even before. Here is a table of the 10 oldest NFL teams, based on their year of foundation:

Team NameYear of FoundationStateDescription
Arizona Cardinals1898ArizonaThe Arizona Cardinals are the oldest team in the NFL and along with the Chicago Bears, is one of only two teams that were part of the inaugural NFL roster. While the franchise has been based out of Arizona since 1988, the Cardinals trace their history all the way back to 1898, when they were founded as a neighborhood team in Chicago. The Cardinals have won two NFL championships, in 1925 and 1947, but have yet to win a Super Bowl.
Chicago Bears1919IllinoisThe Chicago Bears are the second-oldest team in the NFL and one of the most successful franchises in league history. The Bears were founded in 1919 as the Decatur Staleys, a company team sponsored by the A. E. Staley food starch company. In 1920, they joined the APFA as a charter member and moved to Chicago in 1921. The Bears have won nine NFL championships, including one Super Bowl in 1985. They also hold the record for the most players enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with 28.
Green Bay Packers1919WisconsinThe Green Bay Packers are the third-oldest team in the NFL and the only one that is owned by its fans. The Packers were founded in 1919 by Earl “Curly” Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun, who secured funds for uniforms from Lambeau’s employer, the Indian Packing Company. The Packers joined the APFA in 1921 and have been based in Green Bay ever since. The Packers have won 13 NFL championships, more than any other team, including four Super Bowls. They are also known for their loyal fan base, nicknamed ‘Cheeseheads’.
New York Giants1925New YorkThe New York Giants are the fourth-oldest team in the NFL and one of the most storied franchises in sports. The Giants were founded in 1925 by Tim Mara, a bookmaker who bought the team for $500. The Giants joined the NFL that same year and have been playing in New York ever since, except for a brief period from 1974 to 1975 when they shared a stadium with the New York Jets in New Jersey. The Giants have won eight NFL championships, including four Super Bowls. They are also known for their fierce rivalry with the Philadelphia Eagles, which dates back to 1933.
Detroit Lions1930MichiganThe Detroit Lions are the fifth-oldest team in the NFL and one of four teams that have never played in a Super Bowl. The Lions were founded in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans, a professional team based in Portsmouth, Ohio. In 1934, they moved to Detroit and adopted their current name. The Lions joined the NFL that same year and have been playing in Detroit ever since. The Lions have won four NFL championships, but none since 1957. They are also known for hosting the annual Thanksgiving Day game since 1934, with few exceptions.
Washington Football Team1932MarylandThe Washington Football Team is the sixth-oldest team in the NFL and one of three teams that have changed their name recently due to controversy. The team was founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, a reference to the city’s baseball team. In 1933, they changed their name to the Boston Redskins, and in 1937, they moved to Washington D.C., where they have been playing ever since. The team has won five NFL championships, including three Super Bowls. In 2020, after years of pressure from Native American groups and others, they dropped their original name and adopted a temporary name until they find a new one.
Pittsburgh Steelers1933PennsylvaniaThe Pittsburgh Steelers are the seventh-oldest team in the NFL and one of the most successful franchises in modern history. The Steelers were founded in 1933 as the Pittsburgh Pirates, named after the city’s baseball team. They joined the NFL that same year and have been playing in Pittsburgh ever since. The Steelers have won six Super Bowls, more than any other team, and have appeared in eight. They are also known for their loyal fan base, nicknamed the “Steelers Nation”, and their iconic logo, which features three colored stars representing the steel industry.
Philadelphia Eagles1933PennsylvaniaThe Philadelphia Eagles are the eighth-oldest team in the NFL and one of the most passionate franchises in sports. The Eagles were founded in 1933 as a replacement for the bankrupt Frankford Yellow Jackets, who had won the NFL championship in 1926. The Eagles joined the NFL that same year and have been playing in Philadelphia ever since. The Eagles have won four NFL championships, including one Super Bowl in 2018. They are also known for their intense rivalry with the New York Giants, which is considered one of the oldest and best in the league.
Los Angeles Rams1936CaliforniaThe Los Angeles Rams are the ninth-oldest team in the NFL and one of the most nomadic franchises in sports. The Rams were founded in 1936 as the Cleveland Rams, a second-tier professional team based in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1937, they joined the NFL and played in Cleveland until 1945. In 1946, they moved to Los Angeles, where they became the first major professional sports team on the West Coast. In 1980, they moved to Anaheim, a suburb of Los Angeles, and in 1995, they moved to St. Louis, Missouri. In 2016, they moved back to Los Angeles, where they have been playing ever since. The Rams have won three NFL championships, including one Super Bowl in 2000. They are also known for their innovative offense, nicknamed “The Greatest Show on Turf”, which featured stars like Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt.
Cleveland Browns1944OhioThe Cleveland Browns are the tenth-oldest team in the NFL and one of the most storied franchises in football history. The Browns were founded in 1944 by local businessman Arthur B. McBride and legendary coach Paul Brown, who named the team after himself. The Browns joined the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946 and dominated the league, winning all four championships. In 1950, they joined the NFL and continued their success, winning four more championships between 1950 and 1964. However, since then, the Browns have not won any titles and have suffered many misfortunes, including losing their original team to Baltimore in 1996 (the current Browns are an expansion team that started playing in 1999) and going winless in 2017.

Top 20 oldest football club in the world

Here is the list of top 20 oldest teams in the world of football.

Old football club namesCountryYear FoundedCurrent Stadium
Sheffield FCEngland1857Coach and Horses Ground
Cray WanderersEngland1860Flamingo Park
Notts County FCEngland1862Meadow Lane
Royal Engineers AFCEngland1863The RE Stadium
Queen’s ParkScotland1867Hampden Park
Clapham RoversEngland1869Not applicable (Defunct)
Nottingham ForestEngland1865City Ground
Shrewsbury SchoolEngland1877The Schools’ Fields
Edinburgh UniversityScotland1878Peffermill Playing Fields
Old CarthusiansEngland1876John Lyon Playing Fields
Wanderers FCEngland1859Not applicable (Defunct)
Aston Villa FCEngland1874Villa Park
Hibernian FCScotland1875Easter Road Stadium
Bolton Wanderers FCEngland1874University of Bolton Stadium
Heart of Midlothian FCScotland1874Tynecastle Park
Blackburn Rovers FCEngland1875Ewood Park
Rangers FCScotland1872Ibrox Stadium
Preston North End FCEngland1880Deepdale
Partick Thistle FCScotland1876Firhill Stadium
Derby County FCEngland1884Pride Park Stadium
List of oldest football clubs in england

Top 5 oldest football club in the world

Old football club namesCountryYear FoundedCurrent Stadium
Sheffield FCEngland1857Coach and Horses Ground
Cray WanderersEngland1860Flamingo Park
Notts County FCEngland1862Meadow Lane
Royal Engineers AFCEngland1863The RE Stadium
Queen’s ParkScotland1867Hampden Park
List of top 5 oldest football clubs in the world

FAQ

What is the Oldest Football Club in England?
What is the Oldest Football Club in the World?
What is the Second Oldest Football Club in the World?
What is the Third Oldest Football Club in the World?
What is the Oldest Football Club in London?
Rate article
( No ratings yet )
Share to friends
Habra Sports Journal