Football original pen and ink and watercolour illustration by Rosie Brooks

Football is a sport played between two teams of 11 players, each team trying to score points by kicking or heading a ball into the opposing team's goal. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at either end. The team with the most goals at the end of the game is the winner.

Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is the most popular sport in the world, with millions of fans and players across the globe. It is believed to have originated in England in the 19th century, and has since spread to become a major international sport.

There are many different professional football leagues around the world, including the English Premier League, the Spanish La Liga, the Italian Serie A, and the German Bundesliga, among others. The most prestigious international football tournament is the FIFA World Cup, which takes place every four years and brings together national teams from around the world to compete for the title of world champion.

Football requires a combination of physical fitness, skill, and strategy, and can be played at various levels of intensity and competition, from casual pickup games to professional matches. It is also a popular form of recreation and exercise for people of all ages and abilities.