Culture Insider: China, birthplace of football

3. Xiang Chu - the craziest football fan in the history

Xiangchu, living in the Western Han Dynasty, was well-known as the first craziest football fan in history.

According to the Shih Chi, the historical record written by Sima Qian, Xiang Chu was diagnosed to have a serious illness and was told by the doctor to rest himself, but he couldn't restrain himself and went to play cuju, which resulted in his later death.

4. Gao Qiu – the most famous football star in Chinese history

Gao Qiu, previously a Shutong (a boy serving in a scholar's study) for the literary master Su Dongpo during the Song Dynasty, was later recommended to an official in court.

Once he was sent to give gifts to Zhao Ji（the later Emperor Song Huizong）, and when he arrived, there was a cuju match ongoing. Gao Qiu had a chance to show his skills for a little bit, which immediately won Zhao Ji's recognition and began to follow Zhao Ji.

After Zhao Ji became the emperor, Gao Qiu always played cuju with the emperor, and was later promoted to a rather high position in the royal court. Gao Qiu, for his excellent cuju skills, changed his life and gained much fame in history.

[Photo/Palace Museum]