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Footballer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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footballer

[ˈfʊtˌbɔlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

professional sports

A footballer is a person who plays football as a profession. Footballers are skilled athletes who compete in football matches at various levels, from local leagues to international tournaments.

Synonyms

football player, soccer player.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
footballer

This word is commonly used in British English and other forms of English outside of North America to refer to someone who plays football (known as soccer in the United States).

  • The young footballer displayed excellent skills in his debut match.
  • Many aspiring footballers dream of playing in the Premier League.
soccer player

This term is primarily used in North American English to refer to someone who plays association football. It helps differentiate from American football.

  • The soccer player received a scholarship to play at a major university.
  • He's one of the top soccer players in the country.
football player

This term is more neutral and can refer to someone who plays either American football or association football depending on the context, making it more versatile.

  • The football player scored a hat trick in the final game.
  • She is a talented football player and has been scouted by several colleges.

Examples of usage

  • He has been a professional footballer for over a decade.
  • The young footballer scored a hat-trick in the match yesterday.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A footballer can also refer to someone who casually plays football as a hobby or recreational activity.

Synonyms

soccer enthusiast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
footballer

Used to describe someone who plays football professionally or semi-professionally, often in leagues or teams.

  • The footballer scored a hat-trick during last night's game
  • The young footballer dreams of playing in the Premier League someday
soccer enthusiast

Refers to someone who is very passionate about soccer, either by watching, supporting, or playing it as a hobby, rather than professionally.

  • As a soccer enthusiast, she never misses a match
  • The soccer enthusiast collects jerseys from different football clubs around the world

Examples of usage

  • We're just a group of friends who get together on weekends to play football as footballers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Famous footballers like Pelé and Diego Maradona are often considered cultural icons, influencing not only sports but also music and art.
  • The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, showcasing the talents of thousands of footballers.
  • Movies like 'Bend It Like Beckham' celebrate the lives of footballers, inspiring audiences with stories of passion and perseverance.

Science

  • Playing football regularly can improve cardiovascular health and increase agility, coordination, and flexibility.
  • Studies show that participating in team sports like football can boost mental health and emotional well-being.
  • Foot speed and reaction times in footballers are significantly higher than in non-athletes, illustrated by their training regimens focusing on explosive movements.

History

  • The first standardized rules for football were written in England in 1863, leading to the establishment of the Football Association.
  • Football has ancient roots, with similar games dating back to ancient civilizations like China, Greece, and Mesoamerica.
  • The sport's professionalization began in the late 19th century, with clubs forming across Europe and eventually leading to national leagues.

Literature

  • Football has inspired countless novels and poems, including works like 'The Damned Utd', which explores the life of a controversial football manager.
  • Several autobiographies of famous footballers offer insights into their lives, struggles, and the mindset needed to succeed in a competitive sport.
  • Football metaphors often appear in literature, symbolizing teamwork, competition, and the struggles faced in life.

Origin of 'footballer'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'football' is thought to originate from the 14th century, combining 'foot' and 'ball' to describe games played with a ball that you kick.
  • In the UK, 'football' refers to what many call 'soccer' in the US, highlighting the word's global variations.
  • The word 'footballer' began to be used in the late 19th century as the sport gained popularity.

The term 'footballer' originated in the mid-19th century in England, where football (soccer) was gaining popularity as a sport. It is a combination of the words 'foot' and 'ball', referring to the primary equipment used in the game. Over the years, the term has become widely accepted and used globally to describe professional and amateur football players.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,854 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.