A person who plays football, especially as a professional or skilled player.
From 'football' (foot + ball, originally a game played on foot rather than horseback) + '-er' (one who does). The sport developed from medieval folk games.
The word 'football' means something completely different in America (rugby-like sport) versus Europe (soccer). But 'footballer' almost always means soccer player worldwide—language reveals how globalized sports have become.
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