Greetings, Lykkers! Football has been around for centuries, and throughout its history, countless remarkable moments and intriguing details have shaped the game.

Some of the facts about this global sport might surprise even the most dedicated fans.

Whether it's about incredible records, little-known traditions, or the unsung heroes of the sport, football has more than a few unbelievable facts to share!

1. The World's Longest Football Match Ever Played

In 1981, the longest recorded football match was played in the UK, lasting a staggering 3 days, 2 hours, and 30 minutes. The game, known as the "World's Longest Football Match," was organized to raise money for charity, and involved teams playing in shifts. The match only ended when a team scored the winning goal.

2. The Fastest Goal Ever Scored in Professional Football

Football is known for its unpredictable nature, and it doesn't get more unpredictable than the fastest goal ever scored in professional football. In 2009, a player by the name of Nawaf Al-Abed scored just 2.4 seconds after the match began! This jaw-dropping goal was scored during a Saudi Arabian domestic league match, and it shattered previous records for the fastest goal.

3. The Richest Football Club in the World

Manchester City is often considered the richest football club globally, but did you know that their wealth is not just a result of successful matches? The club's owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, purchased Manchester City in 2008, and since then, the club's financial fortune has skyrocketed. With an estimated worth exceeding $4 billion, they continue to make massive investments both on and off the field.

4. A Match Played with 22 Men and No Referee

In 1911, a bizarre and rather humorous incident took place in a match between two English football teams. The game between Leicester Fosse and Notts County was played without a referee. Due to a last-minute mix-up, the appointed referee failed to show up, and the match proceeded with no official overseeing the game.

5. The Only Football Player to Play in Five World Cups

Brazil's legendary player, Marta, is the only football player—male or female—to participate in five FIFA World Cups. Not only has she represented her country in every tournament since 2003, but she is also regarded as one of the greatest female football players of all time. Her incredible career achievements have inspired millions, and her ability to perform at the highest level across five World Cup editions is a testament to her consistency and longevity in the game.

6. The Fastest Red Card in Football History

Football is no stranger to controversy, but one incident stands out above the rest. In just the 2nd second of a match between Liverpool and Manchester United, a player named Lee Bowyer received a red card for an alleged violent tackle. This made Bowyer's red card the fastest in the history of professional football.

7. The First Football Match Played in Space

It may sound unbelievable, but in 1995, the first-ever football match was played in space. Mir space station, kicked a small ball around in the micro-gravity environment. While the game was far from a competitive match, it was a fun, symbolic event that showed how football could even transcend the boundaries of Earth. Imagine the challenge of trying to kick a ball without gravity!

8. The World's Oldest Football Club

The oldest football club in the world is Sheffield Football Club, founded in 1857 in England. What makes this club even more extraordinary is that it is still active today. Known as "The World's First Football Club," Sheffield FC played an important role in the development of the modern football rules, laying the foundation for the sport as we know it today. With over 160 years of history, they have witnessed the evolution of the game firsthand.

9. The Largest Football Stadium in the World

The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, is the largest football stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 114,000. Unlike many stadiums that are primarily built for international competitions, this massive venue is used for various events, including local football games and national celebrations.

10. The First Use of VAR Technology

In 2016, the first-ever live trial of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was conducted during a match between the German teams FC Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach. VAR, which is now a standard feature in major football tournaments, was initially met with skepticism. However, its successful use in this trial match proved its potential to assist referees in making more accurate decisions, and it quickly became an integral part of modern football.

Football is a sport rich in history, and these unbelievable facts merely scratch the surface of its fascinating world. From the fastest goals to the longest matches, football continues to astonish fans worldwide with its records, anomalies, and incredible moments. With each new season, football fans can expect more jaw-dropping stories to add to this long list of remarkable achievements!