The Chinese were the first to get their kicks by kicking balls into nets for sport in the third century B.C., and the game known globally as football was formalized in England in the 19th century. But the predecessor of most modern ball games can be found in the Americas. (See vintage pictures of soccer players around the world.)

If you’re referring to the first variation of soccer, historical evidence points to China’s Han Dynasty during the period of 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. However, if you’re asking about the invention of modern soccer, credit goes to the Football Association and its founding members, who came together in 1863 to standardize the game.

Englishman Ebenezer Cobb Morley is credited as the “Father of Soccer.” Despite this, Morley did not invent the sport.