Fascinating Origin Histories

Uncover the roots of football—how clubs got their names, why teams wear certain colors, and the traditions that shaped the game we love today.

Uncover the roots of football—how clubs got their names, why teams wear certain colors, and the traditions that shaped the game we love today.

SPOTLIGHT: FOOTBALL'S GREATEST ORIGINS

Why Is It Called a Dugout? Picture this: it’s 1999, and the cameras are snapping like mad at the City […]

For many, the Brazilian national football team is synonymous with their vibrant yellow jerseys, a symbol of their storied football […]

Why a Bat Appears on Valencia’s Football Badge As dusk settled one evening in 1238, King James I of Aragon […]

The story of two of England’s most iconic football clubs is rooted in an unlikely dispute that happened over a […]

The Journey Behind a Legendary Nickname It is the year 1620, and a bearded man yells, “That will do!”He stands […]

The Name the River Delivered The sound of Toot! Toot! echoes through the busy port as a large steamship eases […]

The Pub Where Football Was Invented “Another pint, Ebenezer? Time to celebrate!”A finely dressed gentleman grins as he raises his […]

How a Single Match Cost Boca Juniors Its Identity The year was 1906. A large cargo ship glided toward the […]

How Juventus Got Its Stripes “Crank.” The crowbar lodged into the lid of a wooden box.“Crank” again. The wood creaked […]

Why Are Watford Called The Hornets? “Harry the Hornet, who I presume is the mascot, should dive in that way… […]

What Links a Warrior to a Football Club? “Ajax! Ajax! Ajax!” The crowd roars, their hands raised high, some waving […]

Why Arsenal Football Club’s Badge Has a Cannon “Slowly, slowly… easy now.”A man in a yellow hard hat stands watching, […]

Why Crystal Palace Are Called The Eagles “WHAT?!!” the chairman exploded.“What did you just say?” Malcolm Allison, calm as ever, […]

The club with a Fishy Nickname “Addick! Addick! Addick and Chips!” Arthur shouted above the bustle. “Cheer yourself up with […]