American vs. European Football: Can you tell the difference?

In the realm of sports, it is undeniable that American and European football stand out as two of the most lucrative industries, each raking in billions of dollars in revenue.

Despite sharing a common name, the similarities between them end there, apart from their fiercely loyal fan bases who are never afraid to speak their minds.

Played on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, these sports are as distinct as the continents themselves, differing in almost every aspect.

In the end, whichever variation of football you prefer, it really doesn’t make a difference once you decide to place a wager.

After all, if there’s money to be made, the most important thing is choosing the right platform where to bet.

Of course, picking a provider that’s licensed and trustworthy is the first thing you should prioritize. Indeed, there are plenty to choose from at NoDepositExplorer, you can even filter out results depending on bonus type and jurisdiction.

From the players' attire to the gameplay rules and, of course, cultural significance, let's explore what makes these two sports so drastically different. 

History

To understand the differences between these two football variations, it is crucial to delve into their history and origins.

American football, once referred to as gridiron football due to the vertical yard lines that define the field, traces its beginnings back to 1869 when players from renowned institutions such as Princeton and Rutgers participated in what is considered the inaugural college football game, adapting rules from the London Football Association.

The transformation into the modern American Football was largely credited to Walter Camp, an influential rugby player from Yale, who spearheaded the development of rules that gradually shaped the distinct game.

The American Professional Football Association, which later evolved into the National Football League, was established in Ohio in 1920, marking a significant step in the professionalization of the sport.

An iteration of European football can be traced back to ancient cultures like Egypt or Rome, as suggested by some historians. However, the game we have come to cherish began in England towards the end of the 17th century, initially played by affluent young individuals and school teams.

The Football Association was established in England in 1863, and by the conclusion of the 19th century, the game had spread across the globe.

The International Association of Football (FIFA) was founded in 1904, subsequently emerging as the world's preeminent football organization.

Rules 

American football is a highly strategic and physically demanding sport, characterized by a complex set of rules.

It is played on a rectangular field marked with yard lines, where players employ various techniques, including running, passing, and kicking the ball, to gain territorial advantage.

The two competing teams, each consisting of eleven players, engage in a continuous flow of action, striving to score points through field goals, safeties, and touchdowns.

The game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes, with breaks between quarters and a longer halftime break, often featuring memorable performances during the Super Bowl, American football's premier competition. Like most sports, the team that scores the most points emerges as the winner.

When it comes to European football, the objective of the game is simplified—players must score as many goals as possible using their feet and heads to control the ball.

The use of hands is only permitted for the goalkeeper. This variation of everyone's favorite sport emphasizes ball control, strategic play, and teamwork.

Teams of 11 compete in various leagues and competitions, with the most renowned being the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain, and Serie A in Italy.

Additionally, there are various international tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship (Euro) and the FIFA World Cup, which bring together teams from different European countries to compete for prestigious titles and trophies.

Popularity and reach 

American football might dominate in the US, but its global reach is far from matching the widespread popularity enjoyed by European football. 

This variant of football has garnered a massive fan following across Europe, the UK, South America, Africa, and various other parts of the world.

This is largely due to the simplicity of its rules, allowing people of all backgrounds and ages to easily enjoy it.

Despite the vast differences between these two football variations, one thing remains constant: the passion for the game.

With their deeply rooted histories and engaging gameplay, regardless of personal preferences, we can all agree that any version of football is a fantastic sport!