Before stadiums, jerseys, and global tournaments, there was cuju—an ancient Chinese ball game considered the earliest form of modern soccer. Originating during the Han Dynasty around the 2nd century BCE, cuju literally means “kick ball” in Chinese and holds a special place in the history of world sports.
Cuju was played with a round leather ball filled with feathers, and players aimed to kick it through a small goal without using their hands. Sound familiar? That’s because the basic objective mirrors today’s modern soccer. Played in royal courts, military training grounds, and public festivals, cuju was more than just a game—it was a popular cultural activity that emphasized skill, teamwork, and precision.
What makes cuju even more fascinating is that FIFA officially recognizes it as the earliest known form of soccer. Long before the sport evolved in Europe, the Chinese had already established formal rules, designated playing fields, and different team formats.
Over time, cuju spread to other parts of Asia, influencing similar games and contributing to the global history of football. While the sport eventually faded from popularity, its legacy lives on in the game that billions now watch and play around the world.
Understanding cuju gives us a deeper appreciation of how soccer began—not in the stadiums of England, but on the palace grounds of ancient China. It’s a reminder that the world’s most popular sport has roots stretching back over 2,000 years.
Source : fifamuseum.com
