20 Things You Didn't Know About Football

Summary

This video uncovers 20 lesser-known football facts, from the high earnings of mascots to the controversies surrounding player accessories and the most expensive sports trophy. It delves into the history of football, the European Super League's downfall, and the sport's global popularity. Highlighting unusual rules, the 'Ronaldo rule,' and the tragic human cost of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the video provides a unique perspective on the beautiful game.

Takeaways

• 💵 Football mascots can earn as much as $400,000 to $600,000 a year, which is more than some doctors make.
• 🚫 Football players are prohibited from wearing certain accessories like chains and Gucci headbands during games.
• 🏆 The FIFA World Cup trophy is the most expensive in sports, valued at over 20 million dollars.
• 🚗 Professional football players can receive free cars from sponsors, with Audi and BMW providing luxury vehicles to top clubs.
• 🐨 There was a controversy when a football club had a grizzly bear perform on the field, which was considered inhumane by PETA.
• 🔢 The 'Number 9 Curse' at Chelsea FC has seen players struggle after choosing this jersey number, with Aubameyang attempting to break the curse.
• 💻 EA Sports ended their partnership with FIFA to create EA Sports FC, offering new game modes and NFTs.
• ⚽ The European Super League was a failed attempt by top clubs to form a breakaway league, which was cancelled due to fan backlash.
• 🌍 Football is the most popular sport worldwide with an estimated 3.6 billion fans, overshadowing other sports like baseball and basketball.
• 🏆 The Ronaldo rule at Manchester United was implemented to prevent any player from earning more than £240,000 a week, after Ronaldo's high-earning contract caused issues within the team.
• 🎖️ Pele's rookie card became the first football card to sell for over a million dollars, reflecting his status as one of football's greatest players.

Q & A

How much money do football mascots typically make?

Football mascots can make between $400,000 to $600,000 a year.

What is the consequence for football players in California who wear accessories made from kangaroo leather?

In California, owning products made from kangaroos could result in a $5,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

What is the value of the World Cup trophy and why is it considered the most expensive in sports history?

The World Cup trophy is valued at over 20 million dollars, making it the most expensive trophy in sports history due to its solid gold composition and rare minerals.

What is the 'Ronaldo rule' in football and why was it implemented?

The 'Ronaldo rule' is a regulation in football that no player should earn more than £240,000 a week. It was implemented due to Ronaldo's high contract demands causing issues within the team and the club.

How fast was the football player Bobby when he was clocked during a goal?

Bobby was clocked at 23.61 miles per hour during a goal.

What is the estimated distance Lionel Messi covers in a single football match?

Lionel Messi covers around 8.5 kilometers or 5 miles in a single match.

What was the controversy surrounding the formation of the European Super League?

The European Super League was controversial because it involved top football clubs leaving their respective leagues to form a new, more competitive league. Fans protested as it seemed to prioritize money over tradition and fan loyalty.

How many fans does football have worldwide, and how does it compare to other sports?

Football has an estimated 3.6 billion fans worldwide, which is nearly half the world's population and significantly more than other sports like baseball, basketball, hockey, and cricket.

What is the 'two-point line' in football and how could it change the game?

The 'two-point line' in football is a proposed addition similar to the three-point line in basketball. It would encourage players to attempt more spectacular goals from further away, potentially making games more exciting and higher scoring.

What was the tragic outcome reported for migrant workers involved in the construction for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar?

It was reported that since the World Cup was announced, over 6,000 workers died due to inhumane working conditions, including extreme heat, lack of water and food, and being forced to work without breaks.

What was the bizarre haircut worn by Brazilian football player Ronaldo, and why did he adopt it?

Ronaldo adopted a bizarre haircut, sometimes referred to as the 'Illuminati haircut,' to distract from his health issues and injuries. It helped shift the focus away from his physical condition and onto his hair.