That Soccer It is the sport that many call the “King” due to the large number of crowds it moves worldwide. This has been happening since its inception (1863) to the present day. Great footballers have emerged throughout its history, including Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, Diego Armando Maradona, Franz Beckenbauer and others. However, there is one name that many ignore that has also made history; it is the first professional player.
Who is the first professional soccer player in history?
The first player considered a professional was called up Fergus Suterborn 21 November 1857 in Scotland, debuted 1876 wearing the colors of the Partick FC his country; However, after his transfer, he entered the history of this sport Darwen F.C from England. At that time football was forbidden amateur sport and professionalism.
Before moving to England, Suter worked as a bricklayer. Upon arrival it sparked a lot of suspicion and was quite common; He also received his wages in secret.
Former Scottish footballer made his football debut in 1876. Photo: diffusion
A new controversy
By 1880, suspicions were growing that Suter was charging for playing after becoming a soccer player for the blackburn olympics, a local rival of his former side Darwen FC and it was there that he spent the best moments of his career, winning four times the FA Cup, the oldest football tournament in the world.
He retired in 1889 and played in the newly formed English Football League (now the Premier League); He only played one game against West Bromwich, replacing goalkeeper Herbie Arthur.
His life after football
After retiring he managed the Millstone Hotel in Lancashire and died in Blackpool aged 58.
Suter with the Darwen FC players. Photo: spread