Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy

The Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy was an early international football tournament held in 1909 and 1911 in Italy, sponsored by Sir Thomas Lipton, a British tea merchant. It is considered one of the first competitions featuring club teams from different countries, predating official tournaments like the World Cup. The tournament showcased emerging European clubs, fostering international competition and increasing awareness of organized football. Although not officially recognized as a world championship, it played a significant role in popularizing the sport across Europe and contributed to the development of international club competitions.