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The world’s oldest known football has been displayed in the United States (US) for the first time, taking centre stage at the Coral Gables Museum in Florida.
The leather ball, believed to date back to the 16th century, was discovered inside Stirling Castle in Scotland. It is now the highlight of a new exhibition exploring how football has connected countries and cultures over the centuries.
Coral Gables Museum, Executive Director Elvis Fuentes say this is the first time the historic football has ever been shown in the Americas.
“Yeah, well this is really a unique opportunity. It’s the first time ever in America that we are presenting the oldest soccer ball in the world,” said Fuentes.
The exhibition, titled Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game: From Scotland to Brazil to Haiti, features rare items, historic photos, and stories that show football’s influence beyond sport.
Fuentes said the exhibition focuses on the link between Scotland and Brazil, two countries that played major roles in the development of football.
“Scotland is credited as one of the inventors of the game and Brazil made it an art,” he said.
Organisers said the display is meant to show how football promotes unity, teamwork and cultural exchange across the world.
The exhibition will run until July 19, while the world’s oldest known football will be on display from June 22 to 27, giving visitors a rare chance to see one of the earliest symbols of the world’s most popular sport.
