Skip to main content

The Kit

Author:
Video Rating:
TV-14
Video Duration:
51

Discover how colored caps and knickerbockers gave way to today’s more traditional numbered jerseys and shorts, in this brief history of soccer uniforms.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

RELATED CONTENT

Although arenas have been around since ancient Greece and Rome, soccer stadiums were were not yet a thing when the sport became popular in the 1880s. Learn about how the sport eventually evolved its multi-billion dollar arenas, in this brief history of soccer stadiums.

The Stadium

King Henry the VIII of England wore the first pair soccer boots, but the footwear didn’t kick off until several centuries later. Find out how they became popular, and evolved, in this brief history of football boots.

The Boots

Discover more about Mark Leech, one of the most famous soccer photographers in the world. He’s widely credited with having captured some of the sport’s most memorable moments. Watch as he displays the World Cup’s forgotten images.

The Photographer

In ancient China, the goal was a hole in the net. In ancient Rome, it was the gates of a fort. Discover how the soccer goal has evolved over the centuries, in this brief history of the goal posts.

The Goal Posts

Learn about Piet De Visser, who is considered one of the greatest soccer scouts of all time. After a heart problem cut short his career, he dedicated the next 25 years to finding new global superstars.

The Superscout

Manuel Artesero, a superman better known as 'Manolo el del bombo' (Manolo the bass drummer), is a national institution in Spain. He has become instantly recognizable by his large beret, his number 12 jersey and, of course, his famous bass drum, which he hammers throughout each and every one of Spain’s international matches.

The Superfan