Beach Soccer | All you need know & the big tournaments

Beach Soccer is a unique form of football that is played on a sandy surface, usually on the beach. The game is played with two teams of five players each, including a goalkeeper. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by kicking the ball into the opponent's goal.

The game is divided into three periods of 12 minutes each, with a short break between each period. If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, an extra period of three minutes is played. If the game is still tied after the extra period, a penalty shootout is held to determine the winner.

Beach Soccer is a fast-paced game that requires a high level of skill, agility, and endurance. The sandy surface of the pitch makes it more difficult to control the ball and execute passes, and players must also contend with the physical demands of playing on the sand.

Despite its unique challenges, Beach Soccer has become a popular sport in many countries, particularly in Brazil, where it originated in the 1940s. The sport has also gained popularity in Europe, with many countries hosting annual beach soccer tournaments.

Some of the most famous players in Beach Soccer include Madjer, Bruno Xavier, Amarelle, Alan, and Falcão. Madjer is widely regarded as the greatest player in Beach Soccer history, having won four titles with Portugal and being the top scorer in the first two editions of the Beach Soccer World Cup. Bruno Xavier is a Brazilian player who has won three Beach Soccer World Cups with Brazil and was named the tournament's best player in 2013. 

Amarelle is a Spanish player who won the Beach Soccer World Cup with Spain in 2005 and was named the tournament's best player in 2006. Alan is a Brazilian player who has won four Beach Soccer World Cups with Brazil and has been named the tournament's best goalkeeper three times.

 Falcão is a Brazilian player who is considered one of the greatest futsal players of all time and also won the Beach Soccer World Cup with Brazil in 2006.

Overall, Beach Soccer is an exciting and entertaining sport that has captured the imagination of fans all over the world. Its unique challenges and fast-paced gameplay make it a thrilling spectacle to watch, and its top players are among the most skilled and talented athletes in the world.

If you think Beach Soccer is just a casual form of football then you are wrong. Football tournaments of beach soccer are recognized by FIFA and all the other continental football federations. 

1) Beach Soccer World Cup - This is the most prestigious tournament in beach soccer and is organized by FIFA. The first edition of the tournament was held in Brazil in 2005, and since then, it has been held every two years. The tournament features 16 teams from around the world and is a platform for the best beach soccer teams to compete against each other. The current champions are Portugal, who won the 2019 edition of the tournament held in Paraguay.

2) Euro Beach Soccer League - This tournament is organized by Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) and is a platform for the best beach soccer teams in Europe to compete against each other. The tournament is held every year and features several rounds of matches played across different venues in Europe. The teams accumulate points based on their performance, and the team with the most points at the end of the tournament is declared the winner.

3) CONMEBOL Beach Soccer Championship - This tournament is organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and is a platform for the best beach soccer teams in South America to compete against each other. The tournament is held every two years and features eight teams from the region. The current champions are Brazil, who won the 2019 edition of the tournament held in Brazil.

4) Asian Beach Soccer Cup - This tournament is organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and is a platform for the best beach soccer teams in Asia to compete against each other. The tournament is held every two years and features eight teams from the region. The current champions are Japan, who won the 2019 edition of the tournament held in Thailand.

5) Copa Lagos - This tournament is held annually in Lagos, Nigeria, and features four teams from around the world. The tournament is known for its festive atmosphere, with live music and entertainment complementing the beach soccer matches.

These are just a few examples of the major beach soccer tournaments that are organized each year. Each tournament provides a unique experience for players and fans alike and helps to promote the sport of beach soccer globally.

Cover Credits: FIFAofficial