Football is much more than a sport: it's culture, tradition and passion passed down through generations. Here are 5 facts that few people really know.
1. The ball wasn't always made of leather
The first balls were made from inflated pig bladders, wrapped in raw leather. It wasn't until the 20th century that the synthetic materials we know today came into use.
2. Numbered shirts arrived late
Until the 1930s, players took to the pitch without a number on their back. It was the English league that first introduced fixed numbering, changing forever the way players were recognized on the pitch.
3. The offside rule has changed several times
The offside rule, one of the most debated in modern football, has been modified several times throughout the 20th century to make the game more exciting and less fragmented.
4. The oldest derby in the world
Some of the city derbies we still see today have roots in rivalries born more than a century ago, often tied to social, religious or geographical differences between city neighborhoods.
5. Retro jerseys tell a story
Every historic jersey carries the memory of an era: vanished sponsors, unique fabrics, logos that have changed over time. That's why collecting iconic jerseys is a unique way to keep football's memory alive.
Want to relive these pieces of history? Discover our collection of retro jerseys inspired by football's most iconic eras.