Off The Ball

An invention for all eternity
Friday 3 July 2009FIFA.com investigates the evolution of the ball, which had different names and uses across the world until becoming what it now is to the sport.

What’s in a name?
Friday 29 May 2009Behind the name of every football club is a story. FIFA.com tells the tales of how the likes of Juventus, Ajax and Arsenal came to be known.

When foes become friends
Friday 22 May 2009FIFA.com takes a look at some of the unlikely friendships that have been struck up between rival sets of supporters throughout planet football.

Small is beautiful
Friday 8 May 2009From Garrincha through Jimmy Johnstone to Diego Maradona, FIFA.com looks at players who prove the best things really do come in small packages.

Superstition is the way
Friday 1 May 2009FIFA.com takes a look at some footballers' strange superstitions, from John Terry's shinpads to Rene Higuita's unchangeable underwear!

Superstition from the reins
Friday 24 April 2009FIFA.com looks at the superstitions of various coaches, including Luis Aragones, Carlos Bilardo, Raymond Domenech and Mario Zagallo.
Dedicated followers of fashion
Friday 17 April 2009Big promises: From sex to Slaven
Friday 10 April 2009Lights, camera... action!
Friday 3 April 2009The people's champions
Friday 27 March 2009Larger-than-life successes
Friday 13 March 2009Supersubs to the rescue
Friday 6 March 2009Big names, big passions
Friday 27 February 2009Fans in high places
Friday 20 February 2009Keeper with the world in his hands
Friday 13 February 2009Do I know you from somewhere?
Friday 6 February 2009Keepers eclipsed by greatness
Friday 6 February 2009Swapping shirts and anecdotes
Thursday 29 January 2009The giants of the game
Friday 23 January 2009Crossing the divide
Thursday 22 January 2009The namesake game
Thursday 15 January 2009No experience required
Friday 12 December 2008In all shapes and colours
Thursday 4 December 2008They might have been footballers
Thursday 4 December 2008Strange but true
Friday 28 November 2008It shouldn't happen to a footballer
Friday 31 October 2008Unlikely paths to the top
Thursday 23 October 2008Football's all-round sportsmen
Monday 4 August 2008For a greener game
Wednesday 30 July 2008Hoodoos and bogey teams
Friday 4 April 2008Fans who light up the game
Thursday 20 March 2008Beautiful game's noblest gestures
Thursday 28 February 2008When the gloves come off
Wednesday 9 January 2008Cometh the hour, cometh the keeper
Friday 13 April 2007It ain't over 'til it's over
Friday 23 March 2007Magic numbers
Friday 16 March 2007What's in a name? Part III
Wednesday 7 February 2007What's in a name? Part II
Monday 5 February 2007For the love of the shirt
Friday 2 February 2007What's in a name? Part I
Wednesday 31 January 2007Moves that made history
Thursday 11 January 2007Genius in the genes?
Tuesday 24 May 2005