The First World Cup Soccer Ball

1930 World Cup Soccer Ball of "Tiento"

One of the two soccer balls used in the first 1930 World Cup final between Argentina and Uruguay is shown above. This leather football was used in the final match and taken by an Uruguayan team player. It may have even played a part in the outcome of the first world cup in 1930. Argentina and Uruguay could not agree on which ball to use. So they decided to use an Argentinean ball the first half and a ball supplied by Uruguay the second half. As it turned out, Argentina was ahead at halftime 2-1. However; Uruguay came back to win the match in the second half 4-2 using their ball!

The History of the Soccer Ball

Soccer Balls in the 1900's

Official FC Barcelona Museum 1899 Eight Panel Ball

The History of the Soccer Ball - Balls in 1800's

The History of the Soccer Ball

Balls in 1800's
In 1836 Charles Goodyear patented vulcanized rubber. Prior to this, balls were dependant on the size and shape of the pig's bladder. The more irregular the bladder, the more unpredictable the behavior of the ball was when kicked. However; it would not be until the twentieth century until most balls were made with rubber bladders.
In 1855, Charles Goodyear designed and built the first vulcanized rubber soccer balls (footballs). The following picture shows the Charles Goodyear ball that is on display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame which is located in Oneonta, NY, USA.

The History of the Soccer Ball - Early Ball History

Early Ball History

Through out history, humans have enjoyed kicking a ball or something like a ball. South American Indians were known to use a light elasticized ball. However; rubber was not to be practically manufactured until a few thousand years later.

Greatest Dribblers in World Football History - number 10 : Stanley Matthews

number 10 :
Stanley Matthews

Stanley Matthews was known for his great dribbling skills, because of that he gained the nickname "the wizard of dribble". Matthews had a great balance and sense of timing, he could suddenly accelerate on a moment the defender would not suspect it. Pelé once said Matthews was "the man who taught us the way football should be played.".