While the two games are often labeled ‘football’ in certain countries around the world, they are far from the same and clearly varied in many aspects.

But what are 7 differences between Soccer And American Football?

1. Name Of The Game

Whilst known as Soccer in the United States, worldwide the sport of ‘Football’ got its name for a very simple reason, most players using their feet to play the majority of the game.

But why does American Football carry the word ‘football’ in its name?

After all, the sport isn’t based on the foot and mostly involves throwing, catching, or carrying the ball instead. A more logical branding could be ‘throwball’ or ‘catchball’ surely? The true origin of the name is unknown but because the ball is roughly one foot in length then this seems likely.

‘Soccer’ on the other hand derives from the phrase ‘association football.’ With your newfound knowledge of American Football, why not check out the latest NFL odds while your learning about the differences between soccer and American football.

2. On The Ball

Whilst both sports are played with a single ball, the shape and use of the object are very different.

Soccer balls are simple in design, round, and perfect for kicking or rolling smoothly whereas American footballs are almost egg-shaped with giant stitches along one of their sides. They are ideal for gripping, streamlined through the air, and easier to grip than a soccer ball. 

American footballs don’t bounce across the playing surface as predictably as soccer balls and often rebound in random directions.  

3. Field Of Play

The playing area in each sport varies greatly. The standard dimensions of an NFL field are 91.4 meters long and 48.8 meters wide. The surface is marked out in ten-yard or nine-meter sections with an “end zone” line and two upright ‘rugby’ style posts at either end.

A soccer field or ‘pitch’ is designed differently. It is slightly longer than an American Football field at 105 meters and 68 meters across which is much wider and makes a big difference when it comes to football betting. The surface has two semicircles in the middle and a box placed just over seven meters in front of each goal. This area indicates where the goalkeeper is permitted to handle the ball.

4. Aims And Goals

Soccer is the more simplistic of the two games with its aims more easily explained. 

The objective is to kick the ball into the opponent’s net and score a goal. Whichever team scores the most goals wins the game and provides delight for punters involved in soccer betting.

However, American football is based around “touchdowns.” The aim is to avoid being tackled whilst carrying the ball into the opposition’s end zone and thus score. A touchdown is worth six points followed by an additional point if a player then successfully kicks through the posts.

A major difference is that soccer games are in a tie or ‘draw.’ In comparison, American football matches are generally high-scoring and whenever there is a tie, “overtime” is played with the team who scores first winning.

5. Player Management

Both Soccer and American Football involve eleven players per team featuring on the field at once. The differences lie in how players are used as part of in-game tactics.

Whereas the same eleven players play through most of a soccer match with only a handful of substitutes, American football teams continuously switch their personnel in and out of the game depending on whether they are attacking or defending.

6. League Logistics

Both sports function in a league format.

American Football’s NFL sees the same 32 teams face off against each other every single season. No matter if your team wins every game or loses regularly, they get the chance to compete with the same teams again the following campaign.

In soccer, leagues are divided into numerous divisions with the three or four teams finishing towards the bottom of each competition being relegated to the league below and the top sides promoted to the division above.

7. Fanbase

Whilst both sports are undeniably popular globally, the difference between the size of their fan bases remains vast.

The NFL has over 410 million fans worldwide and yet a large proportion of these supporters originate from within North America itself. Soccer has an estimated fandom of around 3.5 billion people with fans following a multitude of teams from every conceivable part of the world.

To further compare, the Superbowl attracts around 115 million viewers at its peak and Soccer’s World Cup Final sees audience figures of 1.5 billion people, which is one-fifth of the world’s population!

Many of the league’s most prolific forwards have succeeded in winning a host of domestic titles with a handful even making an impact in European soccer and noteworthy contributions on the international stage.

So who are the most memorable goalscorers in MLS history?

7. Ante Razov

Ante Razov is one of the most memorable goalscorers in MLS history. He featured for the likes of Chicago Fire and Chivas USA. Razov made 262 senior appearances, scoring 114 goals with his most successful period coming during this first spell in the late 90’s, where he netted 42 times.

Razov made his international debut in 1995 and went on to claim 25 caps. He scored six goals for the U.S and won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2002. Razov claimed the MLS Cup in 1998 and is a proud member of the MLS 100 goals club!

Razov’s former club Chicago Fire face off against Charlotte on October 3rd. A key player for Chicago is Belgian forward Hugo Cuypers who leads the way in terms of goals for the club this season. Why not compare the odds on Wincomparator for this fixture?

6. Bradley Wright-Phillips

Bradley Wright-Phillips featured 450 times for teams such as New York Red Bulls, Los Angeles FC and Columbus Crew, having scored 137 club goals in American soccer. He claimed the Supporters’ Shield three times and MLS Golden Boot on two separate occasions.

As one of the most memorable goalscorers in MLS history, Wright-Phillips won five caps for England’s Under 20’s. He was named New York Red Bulls MVP three times, as part of the CONCACAF Best XI for 2018 and MLS Comeback Player of the Year in 2020.

5. Jeff Cunningham

Jeff Cunningham featured for the likes of Columbus Crew, Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas He scored 135 goals in the American league across 370 appearances, winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, MLS Supporters’ Shield and Major League Soccer Western Conference Championship for 2010.

Amongst the most memorable goalscorers in MLS history, Cunningham made 14 international appearances whilst hitting one goal in a 3-1 loss to Denmark during a friendly in November 2009. He also claimed the MLS Golden Boot twice and was named in the MLS Best XI on three separate occasions. 

4. Kei Kamara

Kei Kamara is one of the most memorable goalscorers in MLS history. He featured for such teams as Sporting Kansas City, New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids, having won the Eastern Conference twice, the U.S. Open Cup and Eastern Conference Playoffs in 2015.

In 2008, Kamara madehis full international debut, scoring seven goals across 39 international matches for Sierra Leone. He was MLS Joint Top-scorer in 2015 with 22 goals, part of the MLS Best XI and was MLS Cup Playoffs top-scorer in 2015.

3. Jamie Moreno

Amongst the most memorable goalscorers in MLS history, Jaime Moreno debuted for Bolivia in 2016 and struck nine times across 75 appearances. He won MLS All-Star on four occasions, part of the MLS Best XI five times, MLS Cup MVP in 1997 and was also inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame by 2021.

Moreno has made over 330 appearances for DC United in the MLS having found the net 131 times. He won the MLS Cup four times from 1996 to 2004, inducted into D.C United Hall of Tradition for 2013 and named in the MLS All-Time Best XI.

2. Chris Wondolowski

Chris Wondolowski played for the likes of Chico Rooks, San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo across 429 club appearances having struck a total of 188 times. He is the MLS All Time Leading Goalscorer, going on to win the Supporters’ Shield twice along with a pair of MLS Cups.

Wondolowski is thought of as one of the most memorable goalscorers in MLS history. He claimed 35 caps for his country and struck 11 times. Wondolowski claimed the MLS Golden Boot in both 2010 and 2012, named Major League Soccer MVP for 2012, remains San Jose Earthquakes All Time Leading Goalscorer and is part of the MLS 25 Greatest.

1. Landon Donovan

The most memorable goalscorer in MLS history is Landon Donovan. He featured for teams such as San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy. Donovan recorded more than 350 club games in the MLS, hitting 145 goals whilst winning six MLS Cups at San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy.

Having won 157 caps for his national team, he netted 57 times and still remains the U.S joint-highest ever scorer. He was crowned U.S Soccer Athlete of the Year on four separate occasions, once named as the MLS’ Greatest Player of All-Time and also inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame of 2023.

Emotionally charged rivalry in the sport tends to spawn unforgettable clashes full of controversy and legendary performances. 

But which are the 7 biggest rivalries in Soccer?

7. Ajax vs Feyenoord

‘The Classic’ or “De Klassieker” played between Dutch giants Ajax and Feyenoord first took place in late 1921. This intense rivalry is a result of two sides who have always traditionally fought for league titles with Ajax winning 36 Eredivisie and Feyenoord claiming 16.

Hostility regularly breaks out between both sets of fans, between 2009 and 2014 preventing away fans from being able to travel to each other’s grounds. Ajax then restricted their supporters from attending the fixture for an additional three seasons. Read more here about the world of live casino betting.

6. Manchester United vs Liverpool

The inaugural meeting between these two fiercely competitive English sides occurred back in 1925. The Red Devils rivalry with Liverpool has only grown deeper over the past 40 years with the Reds currently possessing 19 league titles and United leading the way on 20. 

Their rivalry hit new heights in February 2012 as Liverpool forward Luis Suarez returned from an eight match ban after alleged racial abuse of Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra. When the two met at Old Trafford, the United defender declined Suarez’s pre-game handshake and then celebrated wildly in front of him at full-time, which led to the two teams clashing!

5. Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos

Clashes involving Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are spawn from regional, cultural and social divides. Panathinaikos was founded in 1908 within central Athens and often affiliated with high society. Founded in 1925, Olympiacos has its roots close to the Port city of Piraeus and its supporters deemed more working class.

Meeting in the “Derby of the Eternal Rivals,” things reached a low point when in October 2023, Panathinaikos defender Juankar was hit by a firecracker during the warm- up and eventually required treatment. With the score tied at 1-1 after 50 minutes, the match was duly abandoned. 

4. Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray

Known as ‘The Intercontinental Derby, games involving Fenerbahce and Galatasaray were first observed in 1909. Over a century later, the side’s rivalry rages on as they continue to battle for league glory. 

Fenerbahce are ahead on 28 Turkish league titles whilst Galatasaray have 24. In November 2018 and in the aftermath of a tense draw, a trio of players saw red as a giant tussle broke out consisting of 30 players and staff.

3. Barcelona vs Real Madrid

El Clásico has witnessed matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid ever since 1902. The pair of La Liga clubs have forged the techiest of rivalries with Madrid winning 122 honours and Barcelona surpassing Los Blancos on 128.

The turn of the 2000’s in particular saw tensions rise between the two Spanish juggernauts. Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos once famously fought both Carles Puyol and Lionel Messi whilst Cristiano Ronaldo notoriously shoved Pep Guardiola.

2. Celtic vs Rangers

Celtic and Rangers first faced off in 1888. The Old Firm Derby is perhaps the highest profile fixture Scottish football has to offer and often involves a tussle for honours with Celtic claiming 118 honours and Rangers winning 117 overall throughout the league’s history to date.

Even today, the two teams brawl and in April 2024 both sets of players clashed after their 3-3 draw at Ibrox. Following the final whistle, emotions reached boiling point as several staff from both squads were soon drawn into the drama. 

1. Boca Juniors vs River Plate

The ‘Superclásico’ between Buenos Aires rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate first took place back in 1913 and remains an intense rivalry today. Both teams are originally from La Boca region near the city’s docklands which is a staunchly working class area.

Whilst tensions have always been high, 2011 proved one of its darkest periods. River Plate suffered relegation to the second tier for the first time in their 110 history. Boca fans celebrated their rivals’ downfall by engulfing the streets with red and white River plate themed papier mache coffins, much to the anger of Boca supporters!

A number of elite players must quickly find their shooting boots and see their goal tallies steadily rise across the season with the most prolific ultimately crowned victor. 

But who are the 7 favourites for Premier League top goalscorer 2025

9. Kai Havertz

Last season, Kai Havertz enjoyed his best Premier League campaign in English soccer. The German forward was ever-present, missing just one league game and scoring 13 goals with Arsenal finishing a close second to eventual champions Manchester City. 

Havertz remains the Gunners go-to-guy upfront once again this season and is in good form having found the net on the opening day. He is at odds of around 33/1 to finish as Premier League top goalscorer. With the Premier League season now underway and millions of bettors around the world looking to place money down on their favorite striker be sure to look around at the best soccer betting sites like gg bet before putting your cash down.

8. Bukayo Saka

Over recent campaigns, Bukayo Saka has evolved into one of the best attacking players in the entire Premier League. The Englishman hit 16 league goals across 35 matches and finished joint ninth on the list of top scorers. 

Saka looks set to be a key player for the Gunners this campaign and produced a wonderful strike during their season’s opener. His odds sit at approximately 33/1 to end the campaign with the Premier League’s golden boot.

7. Heung-min Son

The 2023/24 campaign saw Heung-min Son perform well for Spurs and delivered 17 league goals for Ange Postecoglou’s side following the challenging departure of Harry Kane.  

The South Korean looks super-charged this season and will likely feature regularly on the scoresheet as Tottenham battle hard for a European place. Son is at odds of 33/1 to top the Premier League’s scoring charts. 

6. Dominic Solanke

Last season Dominic Solanke scored an impressive 19 league goals for relegation-threatened AFC Bournemouth and all without missing a single match in the process.  

Into the 2024/25 campaign and the forward has since made a £65 million high-profile move to Tottenham Hotspur with aspirations of qualifying for European competition. Solanke remains at odds of 33/1, however they may shorten if the Englishman can recapture the form he showed in front of goal last season. 

5. Cole Palmer

Having joined Chelsea from boyhood club Manchester City at the beginning of last season, Cole Palmer caused shockwaves at Stamford Bridge with his stunning performance levels. He finished only second behind former teammate Erling Haaland in the race for Premier League top scorer. 

This season, Palmer will be looking to continue his stunning form in terms of goal contributions from a playmaker position. Odds of 25/1 suggest he is a realistic outsider to claim the Premier League’s golden boot come May. 

4. Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins enjoyed his best ever Premier League goals return in 2023/24 as he struck 19 times in 37 appearances to finish joint fourth highest scorer. The striker’s fine season was further justified by his selection into England’s Euro 2024 squad. 

This campaign should prove fruitful for the Aston Villa man who will be looking to terrorise Premier League defences and goalkeepers alike, at odds of 25/1.

3. Alexander Isak

Last season, Swedish striker Alexander Isak continued his fine form in what can often prove a difficult second year for soccer players. Yet he bagged 21 goals and ended the campaign as the Premier League’s third highest goalscorer. 

As this new campaign takes shape, Isak will once again aim to reach at least 20 league goals and fire Newcastle United back into Champions League contention. He is at odds of 18/1 to finish as Premier League top goalscorer. 

2. Mohamed Salah

Whilst the previous campaign may have been less notable for Mohamed Salah than some of his other seasons in the red of Liverpool, he registered a respectable total of 18 goals and ended up seventh highest scorer.  

The Egyptian has enjoyed an early scoring streak this season yet faces stiff competition on the right side from new signing Federico Chiesa. Odds on Salah becoming the Premier League’s top goalscorer stand at around 11/1.

1. Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland remains the hottest property in the Premier League when it comes to scoring goals. Last season it was no surprise the Norwegian topped goalscoring stats with 27 strikes across a highly successful second campaign at the Etihad. 

Haaland has hit the ground running in 2024/25 having scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Ipswich Town in late August. Few would argue the likelihood of him rifling in the goals again this season and finishing as top scorer with odds of 4/9 against

Despite a population of only five million people, the country has tended to develop quality forwards who have gone on to succeed at European and international levels. 

But who are the best soccer goalscorers from Scotland?

7. John McGinn

Bullish midfielder John McGinn is one of the best soccer goalscorers from Scotland. He played for St Mirren, and Hibernian and currently captains Premier League side Aston Villa. 

McGinn made his international debut in 2016, winning more than seventy caps so far and scoring 18 goals. He once hit a hat trick versus San Marino during a 6-0 win in Euro 2020 qualifying. Experience all the thrills and excitement of scoring a goal by playing Gold Blitz Slot

6. Kenny Miller

Kenny Miller featured for a host of clubs including Rangers and Derby County. He made 670 appearances, scored 227 goals, and was named SPFA Player of the Year in 1999/2000. 

Amongst the best soccer goalscorers from Scotland, Miller became a potent striker and a cult hero at Ibrox in particular. He won 68 caps for Scotland, scoring 18 times against the likes of Germany and Italy. 

5. Ally McCoist

Ally McCoist is one of the best soccer goalscorers from Scotland. He played 61 times for his country and scored 19 goals in total including a winning strike versus Switzerland at Euro 96.  

The forward played the majority of his career at Rangers along with spells at St Johnstone, Sunderland, and Kilmarnock. He scored 290 goals in 584 club appearances and was even European Cup top scorer in 1987/88.

4. Laurie Reilly

Legendary striker Laurie Reilly played his entire club career at Hibernian, featuring 253 times and hitting an impressive 185 goals. He went on to win two consecutive Scottish League titles in both 1951 and 1952. 

As one of the best soccer goalscorers from Scotland, Reilly hit 22 international goals in just 38 caps including a hat trick during a 6-0 win against the United States at Hampden Park. 

3. Hughie Gallagher

Amongst the best soccer goalscorers from Scotland, Hughie Gallagher made his international debut in 1924, playing for a single year yet scoring 24 goals in just 20 appearances.

He played over 554 times throughout his club career for teams such as Airdrieonians, Newcastle United and Chelsea. Gallagher netted an incredible 405 goals and also won the English First Division title in 1926/27. 

2. Kenny Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish featured for only Celtic and Liverpool throughout his soccer career. He appeared 515 times at Anfield and is still the eighth-highest goalscorer in their history with 172 goals. Dalglish lifted six League titles and two European Cups with the Reds.

As one of the best soccer goalscorers from Scotland, he won 102 caps and is Scotland’s all-time joint-top scorer with a total of 30 goals. He was a Ballon d’Or runner-up in 1983 and during the same season named both PFA Players’ Player of the Year along with FWA Footballer of the Year.

1. Denis Law 

Perhaps the best soccer goalscorer from Scotland is Denis Law who spent most of his club career at Manchester United. At Old Trafford, he scored 237 goals in 404 appearances and is revered as one of the Red Devil’s greatest forwards. Law was also the European Cup’s top scorer in 1968/69. 

He claimed 55 caps for Scotland, netting 30 times, and is their joint all-time top scorer alongside Kenny Dalglish. Law was part of the Scotland team that won the British Home Championship five times and also named Ballon d’Or winner for 1964.

Here’s 7 Soccer players who went to College.

1. Frank Lampard

Legendary Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard gained a total of eleven GCSEs at school along with an A* grade in Latin. He then pursued the subject at university and eventually achieved a Master’s degree. 

Lampard is said to have an IQ of 150 and is clearly among the most academic of professional soccer players. If you need help with academic writing then why not pay for essay writing from skilled writers at Academized writing service.

2. Vincent Kompany

Former Manchester City Captain Vincent Kompany always showed determination, drive and ambition as a player and also since moving into soccer management. 

In 2017 and just before hanging up his boots, Bayern Munich’s new head coach graduated from Manchester Business school with his lengthy dissertation focused on ‘home advantage for Premier League clubs.’

3. Edwin van Der Sar

Goalkeeping powerhouse Edwin van Der Sar has quietly and continuously climbed the ranks within soccer’s corporate world since retiring from the game in 2011. 

The Dutchman went on to complete his Sports and Brand Management degree, utilising his qualification with a high-profile return to former club Ajax and applied his skills to his CEO role. 

4. Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta is renowned for his near unmatched intelligence on the soccer field, historically weaving through defensive lines and threading intricate passes to deadly effect. 

However, the Spaniard is less well-known for his intellect off the pitch yet is actually the proud owner of a degree in Sports Science and Biology from the University of Castilla-La Mancha.

5. Georgio Chiellini

Veteran Italian centre-back Georgio Chiellini always displayed a wise demeanour when playing for either club or country, qualities that ultimately led to success and numerous honours throughout his career. 

He graduated from the University of Turin, obtaining a prestigious degree in Economics and Commerce before eventually achieving a Masters in the subjects. 

6. Romelu Lukaku

Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku may surprise a few people with his academic ability. He is in fact fluent in a number of different languages including the likes of Dutch, English, German and French! 

The former Everton, Manchester United and Inter Milan striker is educated to degree level. Lukaku holds a higher qualification in Tourism and Public Relations.

7. Juan Mata

Juan Mata clearly appears to be an articulate and highly educated man. During both his playing career and as a pundit, the Spaniard displays clear intellect along with a magnetic presence. 

The former Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester United playmaker was even capable of balancing both his soccer career and education. Because while still playing the game, Mata continued his learning and went on to earn a pair of degrees including Marketing and Sports Science.

Boasting many internationals who have gone on to earn nearly a century of caps, these Canadians often achieved notable domestic honors and even shone on the wider global stage. 

So who are the most capped Canadian Soccer players of all time?

7. Jonathan Osario

Jonathan Osorio has only ever played for Toronto FC, making 362 appearances and scoring 64 goals. He has already claimed the MLS Cup, three Canadian Championships in a row from 2016 to 2018, and six domestic cups.

Amongst the most capped Canadian Soccer players of all time, Osorio has featured in 78 international games, scored nine times, and most notably during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification in a 1-1 draw against Mexico. He has been awarded Canadian Soccer League Rookie of the Year, named in the CONCACAF Champions League Best XI, and also received the tournament’s Golden Boot for 2018. With your newfound knowledge of Canadian soccer, why not check out casinos in Canada 

6. Milan Borjan

As one of the most capped Canadian Soccer players of all time, Milan Borjan has featured on 481 occasions for Sivasspor, Ludogorets Razgrad along with 275 games for Red Star Belgrade. He won the Bulgarian First League, six Serbian SuperLiga, and a trio of Serbian Cups. Borjan was also named twice as part of the Serbian SuperLiga Team of the Season.

He earned 80 caps for his nation which remains the most of any goalkeeper in Canada’s soccer history. Whilst Borjan didn’t win any major international honors, he is still a CONCACAF Nations League runner-up.

5. Dwayne De Rosario

Dwayne De Rosario is one of the most capped Canadian Soccer players of all time. He registered 487 matches for teams such as San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo, and Toronto FC. De Rosario won the MLS Cup on four separate occasions alongside a pair of Canadian Championship medals in both 2009 and 2010.

He made his first international appearance in 1988, earning 81 caps for his nation, netting a total of 22 goals, and led Canada to the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2000. De Rosario also claimed his place in Major League Soccer’s 25 Greatest Players and was even inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame for 2022.

4. Randy Samuel

Amongst the most capped Canadian Soccer players of all time, Randy Samuel made his international debut in 1983 and registered a total of 82 appearances. He shone at the 1995 CONCACAF Gold Cup where Canada proved victorious and was part of their side that won the 1990 North American Nation’s Cup.

Samuel played 243 times for a host of sides including Vancouver Whitecaps, PSV, FC Volendam, and Fortuna Sittard among others. He won two Eredivisie titles whilst in The Netherlands and a prestigious Aubrey Sanford Meritorious Service Award in 2001.

3. Paul Stalteri

As one of the most capped Canadian Soccer players of all time, Paul Stalteri featured 374 times for the likes of Werder Bremen, Tottenham Hotspur, and Borussia Monchengladbach, scoring 34 times across his club career. He won titles at both Werder Bremen and Spurs including the Bundesliga, a DFB-Pokal, and English Soccer League Cup.

Stalteri earned 84 caps and scored seven times at the international level including a goal against Costa Rica at the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He also took his place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup All-Tournament team for 2007.

2. Julian de Guzman

Julian de Guzman is one of the most capped Canadian Soccer players of all time. He played 426 games for Hannover, Deportivo La Coruna, and Toronto FC, striking 13 times throughout his club career. Despite featuring in a selection of Europe’s biggest teams, de Guzman ultimately failed to secure a major honor within club soccer.

He earned a total of 89 caps for his nation and hit four international goals overall including a strike against Jamaica in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying. De Guzman was deservedly named as the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup’s Most Valuable Player!

1. Atiba Hutchinson

Atiba Hutchinson is the most capped Canadian Soccer player of all time. He played for the likes of Danish side Copenhagen, PSV Eindhoven, and Turkish club Besiktas, netting a total of 72 goals in 743 club matches across his career. Hutchinson claimed a selection of Dutch and Turkish domestic titles over the course of two decades alongside being named as part of FC Copenhagen’s All-Time Best XI.

He won a national record 105 caps for his country and scored nine times overall since his international debut back in 2003. Hutchinson played for the Canadian national side across an impressive total of five CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments and was even donned Canadian Player of the Year six times in seven years!

The Pep Guardiola era at Manchester City has been one of complete dominance. 

Since joining the club back in 2016, Pep has won 6 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League, 2 FA Cups, 4 Carabao Cups, and several other trophies on the side, too. But as incredible as this achievement is, there’s been a huge cloud hanging over Pep’s trophy cabinet ever since it was announced that Manchester City were under investigation by the Premier League for 115 alleged breaches of financial rules. 

Effectively, these charges allege that Manchester City cheated between 2009 and 2018, from not providing accurate financial information to breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). And because the charges are so serious, it’s caused the investigation to last four years, with a verdict still not having been made. Naturally, this has caused uproar amongst fans of other teams, who believe that Manchester City’s charges are harming the legitimacy of the Premier League. 

With everything that’s going on in the background, the good news is that a verdict on Manchester City’s 115 charges is on the way — and here’s what you need to know about it. 

When is the Manchester City Verdict? Latest on the Court Case 

The long-awaited verdict for Manchester City’s 115 charges is set to be delivered in early 2025. As long as there are no delays, an independent commission will start the hearing in September 2024 and expect it to take around 10 weeks to complete. Once completed, a verdict will be publicly announced and the football world will finally get to know whether Manchester City has broken the rules. If this turns out to be the case, it’ll be a shocking revelation and cause the first decade of Sheikh Mansour’s reign as club owner to be tarnished. The fallout won’t stop there, though, because Manchester City will also face punishments, including potential relegation from the Premier League. 

What Punishments Will Manchester City Recieve? 

If found guilty, Manchester City could face a huge range of punishments, including a limitless fine, points deduction, future transfer bans, and even relegation from the Premier League. In the case that Manchester City are relegated, then it would likely be to the Championship. However, reports suggest that the club could even be relegated to League 2, which would almost certainly result in Pep Guardiola (as well as most of the players) exiting the club. 

Rumors regarding a potential Pep exit have already been circling for over a year. The general view is that Pep wants to win his 5th Premier League title on the bounce and leave on the biggest high possible, with only 1 year remaining on his existing contract. However, some media figures and fans also believe that Pep is planning to leave City to escape the potential fallout that ensues following any guilty charges, as it’s something he doesn’t want his legacy attached to. 

Despite everything that’s happened, it’s entirely possible that City will only be found guilty of a few charges or potentially even none at all. In this case, the punishments would be minimal and City would almost certainly make it out unscathed. Whether or not this would convince Pep to stay with the club remains to be seen. 

Manchester City Relegation Odds 

According to sports betting experts GambleUSA, most sportsbooks have Manchester City listed anywhere from 16/1 to 6/1 odds in the relegation market. Just recently, Sky Bet even announced that City have taken 65% of total bets in their relegation market, so there’s clearly a strong sentiment amongst fans (and sportsbooks themselves) that the Blues could actually be relegated by the end of the 2024/25 season. 

What remains unclear is how a Manchester City relegation would look on paper. If the club were to get relegated, then the general belief is that the points deduction they receive will see them finish bottom of the table, meaning one of the 3 teams that would originally have been relegated will get a free pass to survive. However, a wide range of other outcomes are also possible, including a potential 4-team relegation. This is something that the Premier League will provide clarity on over the coming months, as all of the other teams in the league have a vested interest in the outcome and are demanding answers. 

Summary 

Will Manchester City be relegated? It’s certainly possible. This is reflected by recent reports, Pep’s rumored exit, and the fact that 115 charges are on the table. However, it’s also important to remember that Manchester City has the best lawyers that money can buy and that they might not have done anything explicitly illegal to begin with. Only time will tell — and you can expect the verdict to arrive in early 2025.

Players switching to Premier League clubs will undoubtedly shock the soccer world in terms of either their unexpected nature or perhaps the wow factor!

Here’s 9 Summer Transfers That Could Shock The Premier League

9. Kalvin Philips

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips looks set to join newly promoted Ipswich Town this summer. With odds even amongst several bookmakers, the England international seems likely to make the switch to Portman Road on a rumored loan deal. Phillips has been out of favor at City and also failed to impress during a spell at West Ham United last season. Why not check out the latest odds and statistics for EPL teams

8. Anthony Elanga

Former Manchester United and now Nottingham Forest winger Antony Elagna is thought to be a target for ambitious Newcastle United. At odds of as much as 8/1, the youngster would provide dynamism in wider areas having already shown flair on the run and an eye for goal whilst at The City Ground. 

7. Jack Grealish

Once a fan favorite, Jack Grealish has seen his playing time decimated by Pep Guardiola over the last twelve months and his career at Manchester City now seems to be coming to an end. Bookmakers are offering odds of 15/8 that the Englishman will soon make his return to boyhood club Aston Villa before the end of the month.

6. Manuel Locatelli

Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli has emerged as a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur. With odds of around 20/1 amongst some bookmakers, the Italian could arrive in the Premier League before the end of August, adding a touch of calm and class to proceedings at White Hart Lane this coming season. 

5. Mikel Merino

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino rose to recent prominence following his World Cup goalscoring exploits against Germany. The Spaniard is odds on in some markets to join Arsenal with The Gunners boss eager to strengthen further and finally snatch the Premier League title away from favourites Manchester City. 

4. Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak has already shown his immense quality in the Premier League, featuring upfront for Newcastle United and having scored 35 goals across his two full seasons so far. Bookmakers are at odds of 7/1 that the Swedish forward will soon be heading for Stamford Bridge before the end of the window.

3. Evan Ferguson

Brighton’s promising young forward Evan Ferguson could potentially head to Manchester United this summer. With odds of 6/1 across numerous bookmakers, the Irish international is likely being pursued by several other Premier League sides and European clubs. Ferguson is highly sought after following an accomplished and eye-catching campaign with The Seagulls last season. 

2. Rodrygo

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is rumored to be a target for Premier League Champions Manchester City. At odds of around 6/1, the young Brazilian is already a serial winner and would bring guaranteed quality in attacking areas and make the Citizens an even greater threat to the European game.

1. Victor Osimhen

One of the brightest attacking talents on the continent, Victor Osimhen is a Serie A winner and has established himself as a proven elite forward. The Blues would gladly welcome the Nigerian into the Boehly revolution. Bookmakers are at odds of 5/1 that Osimhen will become a Chelsea player before the end of the month and for a rumored fee in excess of £100 million! 

By devising memorable characters or fascinating concepts around the beloved game, a writer has all the elements needed to create truly insight filled and impactful soccer reads. 

Here are 9 great soccer books you should read.

9. Blitzball

Receiving favorable reviews for its unique take on soccer, Barton Ludwig’s 2018 book Blitzball tells the story of a teenage boy who discovers he was cloned to be Hitler. Now he must fight his genes, family, and upbringing in order to choose a different path in a school where soccer symbolizes war! 

Enjoy reading and love writing but struggle to find the words you need? Then why not explore and discover more about dissertation help

8. How Soccer Explains The World 

American journalist Franklin Foer created How Soccer Explains The World in 2004. The book takes readers on a journey from stadium to stadium around the globe in an attempt to shed new light on today’s world events from both a political and economic standpoint. It also explores the connections of how Soccer explains the effects of globalisation on society as a whole.

7. Pele: The Autobiography

From the mind of perhaps the greatest soccer player to have ever graced the game comes Pele: The Autobiography. First published back in 1977, this work accounts the full story of the Brazilian legend’s unbelievable life and spectacular career. Pele’s writings cover all aspects of his playing time and diverse careers as a politician and international ambassador.

6. All Played Out: The Full Story Of Italia ‘90

All Played Out: The Full Story Of Italia ‘90 retells journalist Pete Davies’ first-hand experience of England’s heroic and famous World Cup campaign. It includes insight from the players themselves along with hooligans, agents and fans alike! The book follows a nine-month period in which Davies was granted full access to the England squad and their manager Bobby Robson.

5. Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius Of Dutch Football

David Winner’s Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius Of Dutch Football celebrates The Netherlands as one of the world’s most distinctive historic soccer teams ever. This work follows their birth as a soccer nation in the 60’s and through two decades of World Cup disappointments. This story explores a range of Dutch masters and the culture that ultimately created them.

4. Soccernomics

From the brains of authors Simon Kuper and Stefan Szyman comes Soccernomics. A book that tackles the range of questions every soccer fan has asked. Using insights and analogies from the world of economics to analysing statistics, psychology and business, it casts a light on how the game works and reveals the often surprising truths about soccer.

3. The Damned United

David Pearce’s amazingly inventive novel The Damned United tells the tale of eccentric soccer manager Brian Clough and his journey taking over at the country’s most revered and successful club in 1970’s Leeds United. The novel centres around his battle to make the ageing and head strong team click or face them breaking him instead.

2. Inventing The Pyramid

Inventing The Pyramid: The History Of Football Tactics is writer Jonathan Wilson’s exploration of the tactical intricacies of the beautiful game. Along the way, he delves into the lives of great players and thinkers who have shaped the sport and discovers why the English prove stubborn in trying new things tactically. 

1. Fever Pitch

First published in 1992, Fever Pitch is author Nick Hornby’s memoir about his relationship with soccer, in particular Arsenal. The story follows Hornby as a childhood fan through to his early thirties. Each chapter details a match he remembers watching and how it related to the events in his life at the time. Fever Pitch sold over a million copies in the United Kingdom!