Portsmouth Football Club is a professional association football club based in Portsmouth, England, founded in 1898. Football was first played in Portsmouth from at least the middle of the 19th century, brought to the Victorian era military town, by soldiers, sailors and dockers from other places in England. In Northern England the rules of football were already well established. Portsmouth Association Football Club was an amateur team founded in 1883 by architect Arthur Edward Cogswell. Its most famous player was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who played as goalkeeper under the pseudonym "A.C. Smith." The club disbanded in 1896, and Cogswell designed the first buildings at Fratton Park. Portsmouth Town was an amateur team before Portsmouth became a city in 1926. They competed in cup competitions, attracted several thousand spectators by 1891, and attempted to become Portsmouth's first professional club, but failed. Royal Artillery (Portsmouth) Football Club was formed by the Portsmouth regiment of the Royal Artillery. Established in 1894, they were notable for their competitive success and support from the local community. The team played home games at the United Services Recreation Ground and achieved significant victories.
The formation and development of these early clubs set the stage for the creation of Portsmouth F.C., officially named the Portsmouth Football and Athletic Company Limited, in 1898. With the backing of local businessmen, the club rapidly advanced, constructing the Fratton Park stadium and achieving entry into the Southern League. Early successes included finishing as runners-up in their first league season. Portsmouth continued to grow and evolve in the early 20th century, gaining a reputation for strong performances in the Southern League. The club was elected to the Football League Third Division in 1920, beginning a steady climb up the tiers. By the late 1920s, Portsmouth had reached the First Division, solidifying its status as a top-tier team. Despite financial challenges, the club maintained competitive performances, including reaching the FA Cup final in 1929 and 1934, although they were defeated both times.
The club’s perseverance paid off when Portsmouth won the FA Cup in 1939, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 in the final. This victory was a significant achievement for the club, which had struggled with financial and competitive challenges throughout the 1930s. Portsmouth's success continued post-World War II, with the team winning the First Division title in consecutive seasons, 1948-49 and 1949-50, under the management of Bob Jackson. These achievements marked the pinnacle of the club's history.
The latter half of the 20th century saw fluctuating fortunes, with periods of financial instability and relegation interspersed with success. The club faced severe financial crises in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to multiple relegations. However, the 2000s brought a resurgence, with Portsmouth winning the FA Cup again in 2008. Despite this success, financial troubles persisted, culminating in administration and relegation from the Premier League in 2010. In 2013, the Pompey Supporters Trust took ownership, stabilizing the club and beginning a new chapter focused on community ownership and sustainability.