The World’s Oldest Football

It was found in a bedroom once used by Mary, Queen of Scots, and is on display for the first time in the United States.

Credit: @smithmuseum

The ball, believed to be about 500 years old, is one of Scotland’s most cherished historical objects. It’s made from thick leather panels stitched together and turned inside out, for a smoother, more aerodynamic surface, and has a pig’s bladder forming its inner core. The artifact, which is smaller than a modern football, is being loaned from the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum in Scotland, which called the ball “a true piece of football history.”

It had its own moment of glory last week, as it was spotlighted at the World Cup game between Brazil and Scotland - marking the first time that the ball, which is five times the age of the tournament itself, was present at a FIFA World Cup game. Sadly, Brazil's 3-0 win left the Tartan Army's dreams in tatters.

“The world’s oldest football is an extraordinary object that connects Scotland’s rich sporting heritage with a game followed and loved across the globe,” Lucy Casot, chief executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said in a statement.

The World's Oldest Football was made in Stirling and discovered behind the paneling of the Queen's Chamber in Stirling Castle, which was decorated in the 1540's. Mary Queen of Scots was there at this time and later in life was known to have an interest in all sports but especially golf and football. She recorded a game of football in her diaries while at Carlisle Castle. The ball could have been used in the courtyards within the castle or taken to the royal gardens below the walls. Everyone from the castle, including kings and queens would have been involved. Football was a game for all just as it is today.

The ball, roughly the size of a melon, is on display at the Coral Gables Museum in Miami.