The Roots of Mexican Soccer

Soccer has been a part of Mexican tradition since before the Europeans knew there was a Mexico. Although not in the form we see today, many ancient Mexican people played a game that was very similar to modern soccer. In those time the field was “I” shaped with a ring attached to the wall at each end. As in current soccer, the object was for each team to get the ball through the opposing teams ring to score points. In this game, however, the use of hands was permitted. They had to toss the ball through the ring to score the points.

By the time the game we now know as soccer reached Mexican shores, it was a game for the elite and not for the commoner. By the early 1900’s the game had spread all across the country and the first soccer club was formed. Teams such as the America, Atlante and the Necaxa are the oldest clubs in the country and were formed in the 1940’s. Mexican soccer teams are consistently ranked in the top 10 in the world and work very hard to maintain that ranking. Since soccer is such a popular sport all over the world and there are so many teams that are excellent, it takes drive, determination and the will to keep their ranking. They work diligently every day to improve their skills not only as individuals but also as a team.

Soccer’s international appeal draws many people to watch and also to learn the game. This includes many of Mexico’s youth. They have probably watched the game all of their life and see the advantages that the players have over the every day citizen. They also see that the humble beginnings of many of the players has not been a detriment to them and realize that it doesn’t have to be for them either.

Some of the more famous Mexican soccer players have been an inspiration to the young people of their country. Players such as Alberto Garcia Aspe and Carlos Hermosillo have brought themselves and their country great acclaim in the international soccer world. That tradition is being carried on by current players such as Chauhtemoc and Jered Borgetti who are also receiving notice outside of their own country.

Soccer’s appeal has grown by leaps and bounds since the early days of the Aztec’s throwing a ball through a ring. It has achieved international notice due to its fans as well as it talented players.

A Soccer Players Influence on the World

Soccer is a team sport that is played in almost every country in the world. It has produced many famous players that have not only become the top in their chosen sport but have also had far reaching effects on their communities and the world as a whole.

One such player’s name is synonymous with the game of soccer. Pele is without question the most famous soccer player the world has ever known. You can ask anyone in any country and they will know who he is. He played soccer for Brazil from 1956 through 1974 during which time he helped bring his team to 3 World Cup Championships. The most famous of which was the 1958 game where he scored 2 goals in Brazils 4 to 2 victory over Sweden. He retired in 1974 but gained even more acclaim when he came out of retirement to join a blossoming new league in the United States. He played 2 years for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League leading them to a NASL championship.

Another such soccer player is Argentinian born Diego Maradona. He is considered in his home land to be the equivalent of Babe Ruth here in the United States. His partying ways and charming demeanor in no way effected his ability to dominate in his chosen sport. As a midfielder, his most famous moment came in a 1986 Quarterfinal match between Argentina and England where his 2 goals helped bring his team victory.

It is people such as Pele and Maradona that can use their fame to help influence the lives of so many in their country. Their stories bring hope to children and teens. Hearing and seeing what these men came from and what they were able to accomplish shows these children that it is possible to lead a productive and successful life no matter what the circumstances of you childhood or up bringing.

Everyone wants to leave their mark on the world. Some choose to do it in a negative way by disobeying rules and flaunting the law and it seems as if these are the people that are seen every day on television and in newspapers. It is the people such as Pele and Maradona who chose a different path and achieved great success in their life despite difficult situations. These are the men that the youth of not only America but the entire world can look up to.