1863 — 1929
The rules take shape
The Football Association codifies the laws in London. The game spreads through British sailors, engineers and students, and by the 1920s it is the most-played sport on four continents.
22
World Cup finals played
70
European Cup finals played
24
Different European champions
Four eras
1930 — 1958
A world tournament
Jules Rimet's World Cup kicks off in Uruguay. War interrupts it twice; Hungary's Golden Team reinvents movement; a teenage Pelé arrives in Sweden.
1955 — 1992
Europe builds its own
The European Cup begins as a straight knockout for national champions. Real Madrid win the first five, Ajax and Bayern build dynasties, English clubs dominate a decade.
1992 — today
The modern game
The Champions League format and global broadcast money reshape the club game, while the World Cup grows into the largest single-sport event on earth.