Freestyle Football
Encyclopedia
Freestyle football, also known as freestyle soccer in North America
, is the art of expressing yourself with a football, while performing various tricks with any part of the body. Similar in style to keepie uppie
, kemari
and the ball discipline of rhythmic gymnastics
, it has become a widespread sport
across the world
and is practised by many people.
began an advertising campaign which relied heavily on the freestyle form of football, including video clips of freestyle performances. The videos are called Joga Bonito which means "play Beautifully." These advertisements featured famous players such as Ronaldinho
, Cristiano Ronaldo
and Edgar Davids
. Many link such mass media attention to the start of the freestyle craze. In the YouTube
era, however, many previously non-famous players have risen to prominence, and internet searches easily yield thousands of videos by amateur "freestylers" around the world.
Some of the more notable freestylers include: Hee Young Woo
(Mr. Woo) of South Korea, Victor Rubilar
, Four time Guinness World Record Holder and John Farnworth
, who appeared in Britain's Got Talent
in 2009. s
Some of the most notable women in the sport are Mélody Donchet and Indi Cowie. Sweden, United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan, France, Hungary and Poland are considered the best countries in the world regarding freestyle football.
Freestyle has also become very popular in South America, with countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Chile forming freestyle crews
of dozens or even hundreds of freestylers, some of the most important Latin Freestylers are Charly Iacono who got to the Semi finals of "Talento Argentino" a Argentinian talent show, and Cristian "Rocky" Mayorga who came third in the South Africa 2010 Red Bull Street Style world finals.
In December 2006 the "Masters of The Game" competition, held in Amsterdam
and was won by John Farnworth
. Nutmeg
or Panna and other street football competitions have been held featuring street soccer players such as Edward Van Gils 'Edje', Issy Hitman, and Jermaine Vanenburg 'Vaantje'.
In 2007 there was a competition in Latin America called Red Bull
Reaccion.
Also in 2007 Redbull futbol de calle was held in NYC's Webster Hall.
In 2008 the Red Bull
Street Style saw as winner the Italian Domenico Grasso from Brescia, called DomyBD, freestyler of Footwork Team, who has also rappresented Italy at the world Championship, graduating 8th on the 3200 total participants.
The French Arnaud "Séan" Garnier is the first world champion of Red Bull Street Style Soccer. The final of the Red Bull Street Style competition was held in Brazil In November 2008. Arnaud Garnier "Séan" beat out the other 42 competitors to win the competition.
The 2010 Red Bull street style was held in Cape Town South Africa April 24–28. The winner was Anders "Azun" Solum from Norway, who beat Kamalio Ranchod from South Africa in the final.
In 2011, the WFSLeague
(World Foot Style League) was created to structure the sport and establish competitions on regular basis.
The WFSLeague uses a new kind of judging and scoring system (proprietary) that differs from all other competitions.
The WFSLeague started in Tokyo and Osaka for the 2011 season.
, Carlo Costly
, Cristiano Ronaldo
, Zlatan Ibrahimović
, Robinho
, Ricardo Quaresma
, Garrincha
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, is the art of expressing yourself with a football, while performing various tricks with any part of the body. Similar in style to keepie uppie
Keepie uppie
Keepie uppie, or "kick-ups" is the skill of juggling with a football using feet, lower legs, knees, chest, shoulders, and head, without allowing the ball to hit the ground...
, kemari
Kemari
Kemari is a form of football that was popular in Japan during the Heian Period. Kemari has been revived in modern times.-History:The first evidence of kemari is from A.D.644. The rules were standardized from the 13th century. It was the first Japanese sport to become highly developed.The game was...
and the ball discipline of rhythmic gymnastics
Rhythmic gymnastics
Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport in which individuals or teams of competitors manipulate one or two pieces of apparatus: rope, clubs, hoop, ball, ribbon and Free . An individual athlete only manipulates 1 apparatus at a time...
, it has become a widespread sport
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
across the world
World
World is a common name for the whole of human civilization, specifically human experience, history, or the human condition in general, worldwide, i.e. anywhere on Earth....
and is practised by many people.
Increase in popularity
Freestyle football has existed since the early 1900s, but it has seen a surge in popularity as a result of global advertising campaigns and digital media sharing. In the early 21st century, NikeNike, Inc.
Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area...
began an advertising campaign which relied heavily on the freestyle form of football, including video clips of freestyle performances. The videos are called Joga Bonito which means "play Beautifully." These advertisements featured famous players such as Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira , commonly known as Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team as an attacking midfielder or forward. He is a two-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year, awarded to the best player over the year...
, Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
and Edgar Davids
Edgar Davids
Edgar Steven Davids is a retired Dutch footballer and current member of the supervisory board of Ajax. After beginning his career with the Amsterdam club, he subsequently played in Italy for Milan and Juventus before a loan spell with Barcelona. He went on to play for Internazionale and Tottenham...
. Many link such mass media attention to the start of the freestyle craze. In the YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
era, however, many previously non-famous players have risen to prominence, and internet searches easily yield thousands of videos by amateur "freestylers" around the world.
Some of the more notable freestylers include: Hee Young Woo
Hee Young Woo
Hee Young Woo, also known as Mr Woo, was born . He is a former football player from South Korea. Born in Seoul, South Korea, at a very early age Woo realized he had football talent. Inspired by Diego Maradona and his unique ball control ability, Woo practiced and practiced to emulate the skill...
(Mr. Woo) of South Korea, Victor Rubilar
Victor Rubilar
Victor Rubilar is an Argentinian professional football performer and comedian based in Sweden. He worked as a magician for three years in Argentina before he decided to become a professional football freestyler / football juggler....
, Four time Guinness World Record Holder and John Farnworth
John Farnworth
John Farnworth is a football freestyler and entertainer. He holds four Guinness World Records including the most around the worlds in under a minute -Biography:John Farnworth was born in Longridge, and grew up in Preston...
, who appeared in Britain's Got Talent
Britain's Got Talent (series 3)
The 2009 series of Britain's Got Talent was the third series of the programme. It began airing on ITV on 11 April. The 2009 panel of judges consisted of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan...
in 2009. s
Some of the most notable women in the sport are Mélody Donchet and Indi Cowie. Sweden, United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan, France, Hungary and Poland are considered the best countries in the world regarding freestyle football.
Freestyle has also become very popular in South America, with countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Chile forming freestyle crews
Crews
-People:* Albert H. Crews, a retired colonel in the United States Air Force and a former USAF astronaut.* Andrew Crews, a professional Australian football goalkeeper.* Art Crews, a retired American wrestler....
of dozens or even hundreds of freestylers, some of the most important Latin Freestylers are Charly Iacono who got to the Semi finals of "Talento Argentino" a Argentinian talent show, and Cristian "Rocky" Mayorga who came third in the South Africa 2010 Red Bull Street Style world finals.
Freestyle competitions
Shortly after, Nike launched a freestyle football competition on the internet "Nike Football", in which participants could submit their own clips and receive feedback from a worldwide audience.In December 2006 the "Masters of The Game" competition, held in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
and was won by John Farnworth
John Farnworth
John Farnworth is a football freestyler and entertainer. He holds four Guinness World Records including the most around the worlds in under a minute -Biography:John Farnworth was born in Longridge, and grew up in Preston...
. Nutmeg
Nutmeg (football)
A nutmeg is a technique used in football or field hockey, in which a player rolls the ball through an opponent's legs. This can be whilst passing to another player, shooting or occasionally to carry on and retrieve it themselves.- Origin :...
or Panna and other street football competitions have been held featuring street soccer players such as Edward Van Gils 'Edje', Issy Hitman, and Jermaine Vanenburg 'Vaantje'.
In 2007 there was a competition in Latin America called Red Bull
Red Bull
Red Bull is an energy drink sold by the Austrian Red Bull GmbH, created in 1987 by the Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz. In terms of market share, Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the world, with 3 billion cans sold each year. Dietrich Mateschitz was inspired by an already...
Reaccion.
Also in 2007 Redbull futbol de calle was held in NYC's Webster Hall.
In 2008 the Red Bull
Red Bull
Red Bull is an energy drink sold by the Austrian Red Bull GmbH, created in 1987 by the Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz. In terms of market share, Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the world, with 3 billion cans sold each year. Dietrich Mateschitz was inspired by an already...
Street Style saw as winner the Italian Domenico Grasso from Brescia, called DomyBD, freestyler of Footwork Team, who has also rappresented Italy at the world Championship, graduating 8th on the 3200 total participants.
The French Arnaud "Séan" Garnier is the first world champion of Red Bull Street Style Soccer. The final of the Red Bull Street Style competition was held in Brazil In November 2008. Arnaud Garnier "Séan" beat out the other 42 competitors to win the competition.
The 2010 Red Bull street style was held in Cape Town South Africa April 24–28. The winner was Anders "Azun" Solum from Norway, who beat Kamalio Ranchod from South Africa in the final.
In 2011, the WFSLeague
WFSLeague
WFSLeague is the first international Freestyle football league.This new sport league has been created to give the necessary tools to grow the Freestyle Football activity into a structured and recognized sport....
(World Foot Style League) was created to structure the sport and establish competitions on regular basis.
The WFSLeague uses a new kind of judging and scoring system (proprietary) that differs from all other competitions.
The WFSLeague started in Tokyo and Osaka for the 2011 season.
Freestyle in Association Football
Although freestyle football exists on a standalone basis in its own right, the incorporation of freestyle skills into association football has enabled both sports to leverage off one another. Notable association football players who incorporate freestyle tricks into their game include RonaldinhoRonaldinho
Ronaldo de Assis Moreira , commonly known as Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team as an attacking midfielder or forward. He is a two-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year, awarded to the best player over the year...
, Carlo Costly
Carlo Costly
Carlos Yaír "Carlo" Costly Molina is a Honduran footballer who plays as a striker for Houston Dynamo. He is a member of the Honduras national football team. Prior to his transfer to Europe, he played with Club Deportivo Platense where he managed to be the top scorer of Honduras Apertura...
, Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
, Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Milan and the Swedish national team for which he is captain....
, Robinho
Robinho
Robson de Souza , more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as second striker and winger for Serie A club AC Milan...
, Ricardo Quaresma
Ricardo Quaresma
Ricardo Andrade Quaresma Bernardo is a Portuguese footballer of partial Romani descent who currently plays as a winger for Turkish Süper Lig side Beşiktaş J.K and the Portuguese national team. Quaresma began his career at Sporting Clube de Portugal, and has also played for FC Barcelona, FC Porto,...
, Garrincha
Garrincha
Manuel Francisco dos Santos , known by the nickname "Garrincha" , was an association football right winger and forward who helped the Brazil national team win the World Cups of 1958 and 1962. He played the majority of his professional career for Brazilian club Botafogo.The word garrincha itself...
Freestyle football in popular media
- FIFA Street video game series, published by Electronic ArtsElectronic ArtsElectronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
. FIFA Street series focuses on flair, style and trickery, reflecting the cultures of freestyle football and street footballStreet footballThe term street football encompasses a number of informal varieties of association football. These informal games do not necessarily utilise the requirements of a formal game of football, such as a large field, field markings, goal apparatus and corner flags, eleven players per team , or match...
played in the streets and backlots across the world. - Guinness World Record Videos
- Joga Bonito, ("Play Beautifully" in PortuguesePortuguese languagePortuguese is a Romance language that arose in the medieval Kingdom of Galicia, nowadays Galicia and Northern Portugal. The southern part of the Kingdom of Galicia became independent as the County of Portugal in 1095...
) is a football-oriented social network service created by Nike and GoogleGoogleGoogle Inc. is an American multinational public corporation invested in Internet search, cloud computing, and advertising technologies. Google hosts and develops a number of Internet-based services and products, and generates profit primarily from advertising through its AdWords program...
, based upon Google's orkutOrkutOrkut is a social networking website that is owned and operated by Google Inc. The service is designed to help users meet new and old friends and maintain existing relationships... - Nike Stickman TV commercial, featuring Hee Young WooHee Young WooHee Young Woo, also known as Mr Woo, was born . He is a former football player from South Korea. Born in Seoul, South Korea, at a very early age Woo realized he had football talent. Inspired by Diego Maradona and his unique ball control ability, Woo practiced and practiced to emulate the skill...
- Freestyle Street SoccerFreestyle Street SoccerFreestyle Street Soccer is a sports video game released in 2004 by Silicon Dreams. It is also known as Urban Freestyle Soccer in Europe....
, a 2004 videogame - 2008 Red Bull Street Style World Final in Sao Paolo
- Cero I and Cero II
- Urban Freestyler DVD
- Destination X Maukas Crew
- Red Bull Street Style World Final 2010 in Cape Town
- Powerade "Keep Playing" South Africa 2010 Campaign Featuring John Patrick AcquavivaJohn Patrick AcquavivaJohn Patrick Acquaviva is a Venezuelan football freestyler.-Profile:John Patrick Acquaviva is the current Venezuelan freestyle football champion...
- WFSLeagueWFSLeagueWFSLeague is the first international Freestyle football league.This new sport league has been created to give the necessary tools to grow the Freestyle Football activity into a structured and recognized sport....
"Tokyo Series" TV documentary (26 minutes)