Oldest Football Team in the World

The oldest football team in the world is Sheffield Football Club, founded in 1857 in the city of Sheffield, England. Recognised officially by both FIFA and The FA as the world’s oldest existing football club, Sheffield FC occupies a unique place in the history of the sport. Long before professional leagues, international competitions, or even standardised rules, the club played a foundational role in shaping the modern game.

Sheffield FC was established by two cricket-playing friends, Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest, who wanted to create a sport for the winter months. At a time when football was played in various informal forms across England—each school or region having its own rules—there was no unified way to play the game. Creswick and Prest addressed this by writing the “Sheffield Rules” in 1858, the first formal set of guidelines for organised football. These rules introduced concepts that are now standard, such as free kicks for fouls, the crossbar, and corner kicks. Although some elements differed from today’s game, Sheffield’s influence was unmistakable, particularly when its rules later merged with the emerging Football Association rules in the 1860s.

In the early years, Sheffield FC played friendly matches against local clubs, including the world’s second-oldest, Hallam FC. The teams competed in what is known as the “Rules Derby,” the oldest continuously played football fixture in existence. Their first match in 1860 is still celebrated today, marking one of the earliest organised football contests. These games helped formalise playing styles, encourage consistent rules, and develop the competitive spirit that would later drive league football.

Sheffield FC never entered the professional leagues after professionalism was legalised in 1885. The club chose to maintain its strictly amateur status, valuing football’s original ideals of sportsmanship and community over competition for profit. This held back their competitive prospects but preserved their identity as guardians of the sport’s heritage. Today, they compete in the lower tiers of English football, but their historical prestige remains unmatched.

The significance of Sheffield FC extends far beyond results on the pitch. The club’s legacy is woven into the fabric of global football. In 2007, for their 150th anniversary, FIFA honoured Sheffield FC with an Order of Merit—an accolade shared only with Real Madrid—recognising their extraordinary contribution to the sport’s development. Clubs from around the world took part in the celebrations, paying tribute to the pioneers of the modern game.

Sheffield FC continues to embrace its heritage while promoting grassroots football. Their community-focused ethos ensures that they remain relevant and respected within the wider football family. Plans for a new stadium and museum dedicated to the origins of football reinforce their role as custodians of the game’s history.

Ultimately, Sheffield FC is more than just the oldest football club in the world—it is the birthplace of organised football as we know it. The club’s early innovations, commitment to sporting values, and enduring legacy make it a cornerstone of the sport. Through Sheffield FC, the story of football’s evolution from a pastime to a global phenomenon is preserved and celebrated.