How Britain Brought Football to the World

The Vienna Cricket Club won the first-ever football game played in Austria, according to a new book by Tom Holland. The book explores how football spread from Britain to all corners of the world, with players and coaches from different countries learning the game and bringing it to their own countries. It is also a book about shared passion and shared humanity, highlighting how football has brought people together from different backgrounds and cultures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Delighted to discover from this captivating new book that the Vienna Cricket Club emerged victorious in the very first football match ever played in Austria.

- Tom Holland, Historian and Broadcaster

Have we replicated the historic Wembley victories of 1966 and 2022, or suffered another heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat? As a passionate football fan residing in the Home Nations, there is one certainty that remains unwavering. Regardless of whether other countries surpass us in football prowess, they will forever owe a debt of gratitude to Britain for the unparalleled joy, excitement, tragedy, triumph, pain, pleasure, and sheer magnificence that defines the greatest sport in the world.

Spanning from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, it was Britain that pioneered the global spread of football. Cornish miners carried the sport's skills alongside their pasties to Mexico, where Iraqi football legend Ammo Baba honed his talents at an RAF base. The Buenos Aires Cricket Club introduced the world to Argentine football, while Romanian dentist Iuliu Weiner not only received an English education but also developed a deep passion for the game.

This book, while primarily focused on football, encompasses a broader narrative that explores the diverse countries of the world and celebrates the shared passion and humanity that unites us all. It is a testament to the profound impact that football has had on cultures and societies across the globe, forging connections and fostering unity among people from different backgrounds.

So, let us embark on this journey through the pages of "How Britain Brought Football to the World," a captivating exploration of the sport's global origins and its enduring influence on the lives of millions. As we delve into the stories, anecdotes, and historical accounts, we will discover the profound ways in which football has shaped the world we live in today, transcending boundaries and fostering a sense of belonging that knows no bounds.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 147 x 223 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750998796