Football, also known as soccer, was not created by a single individual but evolved over centuries. The modern form of football—association football—originated in England with the establishment of standardized rules by the Football Association in 1863. Ebenezer Morley is often referred to as the "father" of modern football for his role in founding the Football Association and helping codify the game's rules in that year. Before this, various forms of football existed locally, often with differing rules, making the game chaotic and unstandardized. The rules established in 1863 laid the foundation for the sport as it is known globally today.
Regarding American football, which developed separately from association football, Walter Camp is credited as the "father" of American football. He was instrumental in creating the structured set of rules in the late 19th century that shaped American football into a distinct sport, introducing concepts like the line of scrimmage and downs.
In summary:
- Modern football (soccer) owes much to Ebenezer Morley and the Football Association's formation in 1863 in England.
- American football was shaped into its modern form by Walter Camp in the late 19th century.
These developments mark the formal "creation" of football as a codified sport, though the game's roots extend back to ancient ball games played thousands of years ago in various cultures.
