Did you know

A wide-scale survey launched by FIFA indicates that over 265 million people regularly play soccer around the world, along with almost five million referees, assistant referees and officials who are also directly involved in the game. • There are more member nations that belong to Federation International de Football Association (“FIFA”) (207) than member nations that belong to the United Nations (191).

• The overall number of soccer players worldwide has increased to 265 million players. 

When referees and officials are added, the total increases to 270 million – which converts into1 in 

25 directly involved in soccer.

• There are over 301,000 clubs worldwide and 1.7 million registered teams.

• The number of players worldwide has increased from 30 million in 2000 to 38 million in 2006.

• There are over 20 million women footballers, 80% of whom are juniors or still in their teens, which 

demonstrates that the growing popularity for women's football is not only the prerogative of North 

America.

• Soccer is played worldwide by more than 1.5 million teams and in 300,000 clubs