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11 Best Soccer Autobiography Books: Uncover the Stories Behind the Legends!

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Soccer isn’t just a game; it’s a world of stories, triumphs, and heartaches. Imagine reliving the most electrifying moments in soccer through the eyes of its greatest heroes. Autobiographies in soccer offer you an intimate access pass to the personal lives and inner thoughts of the players and managers who have shaped the beautiful game.

• Experience the Journey : Each page takes you on a journey from youthful dreams to the pinnacle of international stardom and beyond.
• Legendary Insights : Uncover the secrets behind the most iconic goals, the tense locker room atmospheres, and the intense pressures of top-tier competition.
• Emotional Connection : Feel a deeper connection to the sport as you grasp the human side of the superhuman feats on the field.

Whether about an Italian defensive maestro or a Brazilian scorer, these books convey soccer’s real emotion and intensity behind the media representation. Live these stories, not just read them. Prepare to be inspired, celebrated, and perhaps sympathized as you explore soccer history and culture. Grab a book and feel your heart race as you kick every ball and face every difficulty with favorite soccer heroes.

Pele: The Autobiography

I am zlatan: my story on and off the field, alex ferguson: my autobiography, andrea pirlo: i think therefore i play.

• Luis Suarez: Crossing the Line - My Story
• Red: My Autobiography - Gary Neville

Carlo Ancelotti: Quiet Leadership: Winning Hearts, Minds and Matches

Pep guardiola: another way of winning: the biography, forward: a memoir, my life in red and white, leading: learning from life and my years at manchester united.

Discover the journey of a global soccer legend with “ Pelé: The Autobiography .” Your passion for soccer isn’t complete until you dive into the pages that chronicle the life of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide simply as Pelé .

• Rise to Fame : Born into a modest family, Pele’s story begins with him playing soccer with a makeshift ball, showcasing his humble origins and early love for the game.
• Career Milestones : Witness his ascent as he becomes a three-time FIFA World Cup Champion, claiming his throne as one of the game’s all-time greats.
• Personal Insights : Pelé bares his heart, sharing not just his victories but also the challenges he faced both on and off the field.
• Legacy : Understand the impact he had on soccer and culture globally.

In this book, your admiration for Pelé’s skill on the field will soar to new heights as you read about his incredible accomplishments. You’ll get a front-row seat to his life experiences, never-before-shared stories, and significant events that shaped his illustrious career. It’s not only about sportsmanship: it’s a testament to perseverance and the spirit of determination.

Cherish Pelé’s narrative in a format that’s as engaging as the man himself. If you’re eager to grasp the essence of his influence in soccer, grab your copy and relive the inspiring tale of Pelé: The Autobiography . Let the passion for soccer consume you through the words of this unparalleled icon.

• Pelé (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 368 Pages – 05/08/2007 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster…

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• Author : Zlatan Ibrahimović
• Co-contributors : Ruth Urbom (Translator), David Lagercrantz (Contributor)
• Genre : Sports Autobiography

Step into the larger-than-life world of Zlatan Ibrahimović with the Autobiography “I Am Zlatan.” Your journey through the pages of this book takes you on an inspiring ride from his humble beginnings to becoming one of soccer’s most enigmatic stars.

• From Humble Beginnings : Discover Zlatan’s early life as an outsider in Rosengård and his metamorphosis into a soccer prodigy.
• Raw Talent and Grit : Be enthralled by his unorthodox playing style and witness the tenacity that drove him to succeed against all odds.

As you read, you’ll learn about the personality quirks and philosophy that make Zlatan a one-of-a-kind soccer player. His story is not just about sport but also about an immigrant kid who, through hard work and self-belief, achieved extraordinary success.

• Streetwise Soccer : Zlatan’s technique is infused with streetwise verve and unique trick plays that dazzle fans and foes alike.
• International Phenomenon : Follow his path to becoming an international sensation, including his rise through the European soccer leagues and his captivating off-field persona.

Experience the emotional highs and lows, the behind-the-scenes drama, and the unmatched audacity of a star who rose from obscurity to global fame. I Am Zlatan is an autobiography that’s as bold and impactful as the man himself.

• Audible Audiobook
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Author) – James Hillier (Narrator)
• 11/24/2016 (Publication Date) – Penguin Audio (Publisher)
• Author : Alex Ferguson
• Position : Former Manager of Manchester United
• Publication Year : 2013

Imagine reliving the greatest moments of Manchester United through the eyes of its most decorated manager. In “Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography,” you get an exclusive look into the life of Sir Alex Ferguson, the mastermind behind the team’s formidable success during his legendary tenure.

Your journey through this autobiography will reveal:

• Personal insights into Ferguson’s early life in Scotland.
• An intimate view of his player and managerial career.
• The strategies and leadership qualities that made him successful.

Dive into the management philosophy that Ferguson cultivated en route to becoming one of the most revered figures in British soccer. Your understanding of the beautiful game will deepen as you explore his relationships with iconic players, the evolution of the club under his watch, and his thoughts on the modern game.

Highlights to anticipate in this autobiography include:

• Ferguson’s candid thoughts on the complexities of managing elite soccer players.
• His perspective on the rivalry with Liverpool and Manchester City.
• Reflections on retirement and the transition out of management.

Ferguson’s work is a must-read autobiography that’s not just for fans of Manchester United, but for anyone interested in the strategic and psychological aspects of leading a top-flight soccer team. Your bookshelf will be incomplete without this testament to a remarkable career in soccer.

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Ferguson, Alex (Author)
• 417 Pages – 10/24/2013 (Publication Date) – Hodder &…
• Insight into Milan : You’ll be captivated by the details of Pirlo’s last meeting with Milan’s Adriano Galliani, a turning point in his career. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Pirlo post-Milan.
• Champion’s Words : Feel the thrill of soccer’s pinnacle moments through the recollections of a World Cup winner. Experience the highs of lifting the trophy in Berlin and understand the emotions involved in such a significant achievement.
• Pirlo’s Evolution : Trace Pirlo’s journey from his early days at Brescia all the way to his storied tenure at Juventus. You’ll gain a unique perspective on his growth both on and off the field.
• Personal Revelations : Pirlo shares his inner thoughts, making the book a deeply personal narrative. His contemplative and refreshing style will provide you with a look into the mind of a soccer philosopher.
• Critical Acclaim : Critics have hailed the book for being an engaging read, with remarkable insights into the sport from someone who has never played outside his home country, yet captures the global essence of the game.

In “I Think Therefore I Play,” Andrea Pirlo invites you into his world, and you’ll come away with a profound appreciation for his contributions to the beautiful game. This book isn’t just for the avid soccer fan; it’s for anyone who appreciates a narrative that reflects a devotion to craft and an understanding of what it takes to be a true maestro of the midfield.

• Pirlo, Andrea (Author)
• 200 Pages – 10/01/2015 (Publication Date) – BackPage Press…

Luis Suarez: Crossing the Line – My Story

Published: November 1, 2014 Format Availability: Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle Author: Luis Suárez Rating on Goodreads: 3.90 (based on 764 ratings)

You’ll find yourself immersed in the intriguing journey of Luis Suárez, a prominent figure in the world of soccer, depicted in his autobiography, Crossing the Line – My Story . This read offers a firsthand look at the life of a young boy whose passion for soccer began in the Uruguayan countryside and followed him to the bustling life of Montevideo.

Key Highlights:

• Suárez’s early love of soccer
• The obstacles he faced moving from the countryside to Uruguay’s capital
• His rise from a local club to European prominence
• Candid insights about his controversial moments on and off the field

The narrative presents an honest confession of his highs and lows, both personal and professional, including the events leading to his renowned move from Ajax to Liverpool, skillfully orchestrated by Kenny Dalglish. You can expect a gripping tale of determination, the raw emotion of soccer at its core, and the undeniable spirit that characterizes one of soccer’s most gifted players.

Your eye-opening journey through the pages of Suárez’s life story will leave you with a unique understanding of the man behind the headlines and the undying spirit of an athlete who consistently strives to overcome challenges.

• Suarez, Luis (Author)
• 320 Pages – 09/08/2015 (Publication Date) – Headline…

Red: My Autobiography – Gary Neville

• Author : Gary Neville
• Publishing Date : 2011

Imagine reliving the glorious years of Manchester United through the eyes of a club legend—because that’s exactly what you get with Gary Neville’s Red: My Autobiography . This book captures the essence of Manchester United’s success from a player who didn’t just witness it but was instrumental in its happening. Neville’s candid narrative takes you on an exhilarating journey, from his passionate beginnings to becoming one of the most decorated English soccer players.

In Red , your admiration for Neville’s career will deepen as you explore his:

• Heartfelt Dedication : Discover Gary Neville’s unwavering commitment to the game and Manchester United, which is evident throughout his story.
• Tactical Insights : Gain unique perspectives on pivotal matches and behind-the-scenes strategies from the stalwart defender’s point of view.
• Personal Growth : Follow his evolution from a young talent in the famed ‘Class of ’92’ to his role as a mature team leader.

You’ll find yourself riveted by his honest reflections on key moments and personalities that shaped his two decades at the top.

With a rating of 3.97 on Goodreads , this autobiography isn’t just for Manchester United fans; it’s a must-read if you’re eager to understand the devotion and determination that define a true soccer great. Your passion for the beautiful game will be reignited as you turn every page of this compelling account.

• Neville, Gary (Author)
• 324 Pages – 09/01/2011 (Publication Date) – Transworld…
• Author: Carlo Ancelotti
• Genre: Autobiography/Sports
• Publication Year: 2016

Discover the compelling story of a soccer management legend in Carlo Ancelotti’s autobiography. “Quiet Leadership: Winning Hearts, Minds and Matches” gives you an exclusive peek into the professional life of Carlo Ancelotti, who has managed top European clubs including AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

• Leadership Philosophy: Ancelotti unveils his unique approach to leadership, which is less about grand speeches and more about building personal relationships.
• Career Insights: Follow his journey as a manager and learn from his experiences, mentors, and the occasional mistakes that shaped his career.
• Inside the Dressing Room: Get a front-row seat to the dynamics of the famous dressing rooms Ancelotti has led.
• Player Perspectives: The book includes comments from notorious players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Andrea Pirlo.

An enticing read, this autobiography is not just about soccer tactics; it’s about the man himself and his approach to leading teams to victory with poise and respect. You’ll unravel the quiet power behind Ancelotti’s leadership, one that has inspired countless players and led to numerous unforgettable victories.

• Ancelotti, Carlo (Author)
• 336 Pages – 09/01/2017 (Publication Date) – Portfolio…

Dive into the mind of the tactical genius with “Pep Guardiola: Another Way of Winning: The Biography” by Guillem Balague. This is not just a book; it’s your backstage pass to the life of Pep Guardiola, one of the most forward-thinking soccer managers of our time.

• Author : Guillem Balague Get a detailed account from the renowned Spanish soccer expert.
• Initial Release : 2012 Explore Guardiola’s journey right from the beginning.

With every page you turn, you’ll feel the intensity and dedication of Guardiola’s approach to the beautiful game. You’ll be exhilarated by the detailed narration of how he transformed FC Barcelona into what many will argue as the greatest club side ever, securing thirteen trophies in four years.

• 14 trophies including La Liga and UEFA Champions League
• Coaching Philosophy : Emphasis on possession-based play and pressing.

The book also covers his success at Bayern Munich, winning the Double twice, and setting up the foundations for future triumphs. With personal anecdotes and tactician secrets, your admiration for Guardiola will soar as you witness his relentless quest for perfection. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or a budding coach, this biography is your chance to peek into the mind of a soccer legend.

• Balague, Guillem (Author)
• 496 Pages – 06/25/2019 (Publication Date) – Weidenfeld &…

In “Forward: A Memoir” , you’ll dive into the life of Abby Wambach, an iconic figure in soccer. Her book isn’t just for sports enthusiasts; it’s a profound story of courage that transcends the field.

• Author: Abby Wambach
• Genre: Biography/Autobiography

What You’ll Uncover:

• Personal Struggles: Wambach’s journey is as gripping off the field as it is on. You’ll witness her battles and triumphs, both personal and professional.
• Unrivaled Honesty: Abby’s candid narrative is refreshing. She dives into her life with a raw and unfiltered look at her experiences.

Highlights:

• Read about Wambach’s beginnings in Rochester, New York, and her meteoric rise to become a world-class athlete.
• Discover the depths of resilience and redemption through her eyes.

Why You Should Read It:

• It’s more than a sports story. It’s a testament to Abby’s fearless approach to life’s challenges and heart .
• You’ll be inspired by her heroism, on and off the field.

Your takeaway will be more than just soccer wisdom; it’s life lessons from one of the world’s most revered athletes. Abby Wambach’s “Forward: A Memoir” is an invigorating read that will leave you motivated and moved.

• Wambach, Abby (Author)
• 240 Pages – 06/13/2017 (Publication Date) – Dey Street Books…

You’ll be captivated by “My Life in Red and White,” the profound autobiography of the revolutionary soccer manager, Arsène Wenger . This is a story told in his own, authentic voice, detailing his illustrious tenure at Arsenal .

• Inside Scoop : Discover never-before-shared insights into Wenger’s personal life and professional ethos.
• Legendary Successes : Relive the dizzying heights of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” season under his leadership.
• Management Philosophy : Wenger reveals his unique principles of leadership and team management that can apply both on and off the field.

Through these pages, you’ll understand Wenger’s passion for soccer, his innovative strategies, and the discipline that made him a household name.

Whether you’re a soccer aficionado or a fan of gripping life stories, “My Life in Red and White” offers the excitement of match-day with the wisdom of a seasoned leader. Your appreciation for the beautiful game is sure to deepen after reading about the life and times of one of soccer’s most respected figures.

To dive deep into this iconic soccer manager’s story, check out the paperback edition of the book which offers both entertainment and inspiration through Wenger’s storied career.

• Wenger, Arsene (Author)
• 340 Pages – 05/27/2021 (Publication Date) – W&N (Publisher)

Discover the trials and triumphs of one of soccer’s most iconic figures in Leading: Learning from Life and My Years at Manchester United . In this gripping autobiography, you’ll explore the mind of Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager who reigned over Manchester United for over two decades.

• Authorship : At the helm is Sir Alex Ferguson himself, with the aid of renowned author Michael Moritz.
• Inside Stories : Get exclusive insights into the dressing room dynamics, high-pressure decisions, and the strategies that led to numerous victories.

Experience the management philosophy that transformed Manchester United into a soccer juggernaut. Ferguson reveals how his unique leadership style and vision guided the team to countless trophies, including an exceptional treble in 1999.

• Personal Growth : Learn lessons of resilience and adaptability; hallmarks of Sir Alex’s storied career.
• Beyond Soccer : Ferguson also sheds light on his challenges and accomplishments outside the soccer world.

Revisit groundbreaking moments, from intense clashes with rival teams to nurturing some of the finest talents in soccer. Sir Alex shares stories of mentoring greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, emphasizing the importance of developing both the player and the person.

Grab your own copy of this remarkable journey and let yourself be captivated by the narrative of a true soccer maestro.

• Publication Date : Embrace a piece of sports history published by Hachette Books, September 20, 2016.
• Page Count : Dive deep into 416 pages of pure soccer and leadership gold.

This is your playbook to master the art of leadership, whether you’re a soccer fan or seeking inspiration to elevate your own game in life and work.

• 416 Pages – 09/20/2016 (Publication Date) – Hachette Books…

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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.

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Soccer Products FAQ

Can i use running shoes for soccer .

You can play soccer in running shoes, but you won’t have the best performance unless you wear cleats or soccer boots.

Why are soccer balls black and white?

Soccer balls are traditionally black and white because when soccer was first shown on TV it was in black and white, so the mix of black and white on the balls helped viewers see the ball easier. 

How hard and what pressure should a soccer ball be?

The FIFA regulations say that the soccer balls should have a pressure between 8.81757 psi (0.6 atm) and 16.1655 psi (1.1 atm). If you’re playing soccer with friends, then opt for a pressure amount from the lower range.

What is the size of goals in soccer?

5-A-Side has dimensions that are 12-ft wide by 6-ft high. Such soccer goals are for under-7 and under-8 soccer games 7-A-Side has dimensions that are 12-ft wide by 6-ft high again. Such soccer goals are for under-9 and under-10 soccer games 9-A-Side has dimensions that are 16-ft wide by 7-ft high. Such soccer goals are for under-11 and under-12 soccer game 11-A-Side or full-size soccer goal has dimensions that are 24-ft wide by 8-ft high for the under-15 and over. Whereas, for the under-13 and under-14, it is 21 ft wide by 7-ft high

What is the soccer ball size and weight for each age group?

Size 1 - 3 years or under - 18 to 20 inches - 195 to 205 grams Size 2 - 3 to 5 years - 20 to 22 inches - U4 - 250 to 280 grams Size 3 - 5 to 8 years - 23 to 24 inches - U5 to U8 - 300 to 320 grams Size 4 - 8 to 12 years - 25 to 26 inches - U8 to U12 - 350 to 390 grams Size 5 - More than 12 years - 27 to 28 inches - U12 to Pro - 410 to 450 grams

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Football Books

Best  football autobiographies.

From our experience some of the best football autobiographies that we have read are the ones that fly under the radar in terms of promotion.

Of course, the big hitters such as Roy Keane’s book or Robbie Savage’s book are heavily publicised and rightly so as they are not only controversial but highly entertaining.

However, we have found that some of the best football books are by lesser-known players such as Alan Stubbs , Danny Higginbotham and Muzzy Izzet  which are just as entertaining, mainly down to their honest, descriptive stories and accounts of their footballing past.

Check out our football books review below or visit our football gifts website with 100’s of official football merchandise items to buy.

This book is a fascinating insight into the life of Gareth Southgate who went from a skinny introverted teenager who was told that he wouldn’t make it in the pro game, to someone who played for  and managed his country.

He shares some of the experiences and lessons he has learnt during his footballing career but ultimately this is a guide to personal development for young people on how to achieve their own dreams.

If you’re looking for amusing stories from the dressing room then this is not the book for you, however if you are after an inspiring, uplifting read which is brimming full of positivity then this ticks all of the boxes.

A fantastic book full of hilarious anecdotes about football in the 1980’s and 1990’s, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock’s second book is exactly what you would expect from the former Liverpool and Southampton player.

He reminisces about the good old days when footballers worked hard and played hard – a simpler time when money didn’t dominate the game as it does today.

Very hard to put down, Ruddock gives us his views on the modern game, his theories on why the national team hasn’t won a trophy in recent years and he also reveals his biggest regrets in life as well as football.

One of the stars of the early days of the Premier League, he recounts many stories of some of the characters still around in the game at that point before it exploded into the mega money-making machine it is today.

This book is a tale about one man’s journey through an unbelievable obsession with the beautiful game.

Arguably changing the modern game when he joined the North London Arsenal with his approach to nutrition and coaching methods, Wenger talks openly about his football league and cup triumphs and the unrest that led to his departure from the club in 2018.

A slight criticism of the book would be that he doesn’t ‘name or shame’ when it comes to some of the controversial moments he experienced but this goes to show the all-round professionalism of the Frenchman.

Shortlisted for the 2020 Best Sportsbook Award, this offering from the former Liverpool, Leicester City and England forward gives a brilliant insight into one of the most unsung players of the modern age.

He obviously talks about his early-life and his journey to become a professional footballer in this book but he also talks openly for a whole chapter about racism and even airs his opinions on Brexit.

Brutally honest, Vardy comes across as a humble type who has grasped the opportunities that eventually came his way with both hands.

The book is also quite humourous in parts especially when he talks about his career in non-league football – a world away from the money and adulation he receives in the Premier League.

A book suitable for all football fans of all ages.

Published 12 months after the first book, we feel that he could have combined the two however this is still an entertaining book in it’s only right and you can easily dip in and out of it.

Very self-deprecating, Crouch has done extremely well to change the public’s perception of him and is fast becoming one of the most entertaining characters in the game.

Released in September 2016, Arsenal legend Ian Wright’s book focuses on his journey from Sunday morning football in South London to one of the Premier League’s all time top goalscorers and England international.

He writes in-depth about the transition from Arsenal’s ‘boring, boring Arsenal’ tag to the Wenger Revolution and the joys of playing with one of the most technically gifted players in the world in Dennis Bergkamp.

Wright also talks about his retirement from playing and the career change into punditry and his TV and radio career.

More of a memoir than a football autobiography, Ian Wright’s book is a must read for any Arsenal fan or football fan alike.

One of the greatest footballers of his generation, Rio Ferdinand’s autobiography charts his rise from West Ham’s youth teams to Manchester United legend.

Released in paperback edition in August 2016, Ferdinand’s book is different from your bog-standard footballer autobiography as it doesn’t chart his career in chronological order.

Instead, each chapter contains his thoughts on either a period of his distinguished career or opinions on modern-day questions such as the Messi or Ronaldo debate.

#2Sides also includes Ferdinand’s views and opinions on his history with John Terry, ex-managers such as David Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson and former team mates such as Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Refreshing in its honesty and not one of those “all about me” football books, this will make a great gift for any football fan.

Released in 2015, The Second Half book talks about the end of his playing career, move into management and his new career as a television pundit.

A brilliant, well constructed read, Roy Keane’s book is surprisingly candid and there are many laugh out loud moments which will surprise many who think that he is an angry, brash man.

He talks in detail about his highs and lows at Sunderland, regrets of taking on the manager’s job at Ipswich Town when he realised the training kit was blue and also why he refused to sign Robbie Savage.

In our opinion, one of the best football books around.

Parlour takes a candid look back at his life and career in chronological order with many anecdotes from his youth days at Arsenal, the infamous Tuesday drinking club and playing in the Invincibles team of 2003-04.

With a foreword from Arsene Wenger, Ray Parlour’s book is extremely well-written, easy to read and gives a great account of life as a Premier League footballer in the 1990’s.

Love him or hate him, you can’t seem to get away from Robbie Savage and his outspoken views on the beautiful game.

Savage’s second book, which was released in June 2016, gives the reader his thoughts on all aspects of the modern game with opinions on players, managers, cup competitions and even kids football.

Prepared to stand his ground on any of the topics he writes about, however controversial, Savage does talk a lot of sense. Few may actually agree with him, but everyone listens.

His straight-talking will always divide opinion but whatever you think of him, you cannot knock his passion for the game which is prevalent throughout this hugely entertaining read.

Merson’s rollercoaster ride of drinks, drugs and gambling which plagued him throughout his entre career is recounted in a poignant but funny way and the book is littered with laugh out loud anecdotes.

Never afraid to talk a walk on the wild side, some of the stories in this book include the time he shared a house with Paul Gascoigne, the period where he was regularly placing £30,000 bets at the bookies and his time spent as manager of Walsall.

This isn’t one of the longest football books and you’ll find it really easy to read so don’t be surprised if you finish it within a couple of days.

Refreshingly honest throughout, Higginbotham admits that he was not blessed with as much talent as other footballers at the time but what he lacked in skill, he more than made up for in commitment and passion.

A player who always wore his heart on his sleeve, Higginbotham experienced the highs of promotion, lows of relegation and injury heartbreak during his career and he talks passionately about them all.

Higginbotham doesn’t try to be too controversial within his book and doesn’t name names when he recounts his stories, it’s just simply an honest account of the modern-day footballer.

What you see is what you get with Bullard and this book is no different. You’ll know exactly what to expect as soon as you turn the first page.

The notorious prankster caused mischief at pretty much every club he played for and he recounts his stories in typical light-hearted fashion.

One of the last ‘old-school’ footballers, Bullard’s enthusiasm for the game is infectious and he never took his privileged position for granted.

Although the majority of the book details the funnier things that happened during his time as a footballer, Bullard also describes the heartbreak of the serious knee injuries that plagued him throughout his colourful career.

If you’re looking for one of those football books that are crammed with no-nonsense facts, tactical analysis and a serious tone then this book is definitely not for you.

If, on the other hand, you want a book that doesn’t take football too seriously and you’re up for a laugh then this definitely doesn’t disappoint.

One of the most recognisable faces in British football, and the ex England manager, Sam Allardyce’s autobiography is blunt, to the point and pulls no punches.

Allardyce’s career in football spans 42 years and through this book he looks back at both his playing career as well as his management career.

Refreshing in its honesty, ‘Big Sam’, is a real earthy kind of book which is not pretentious in any way and gives readers a real insight into the trials and tribulations of a Premier League manager.

The only negative point of the book in our opinion is that he doesn’t talk as much about his 20 year playing career as maybe he should have, considering that he made over 400 first-team appearances.

That aside, when you finish the book you’ll discover that there is much more to Big Sam than you ever thought.

This book was written before he resigned as England’s manager after the Telegraph’s well-publicised sting operation.

One of Chelsea’s all time greats, Didier Drogba’s autobiography is not only a fascinating insight into his life as a modern-day footballer but also a look back at his humble beginnings as an immigrant in Paris.

Drogba goes behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge and relays many anecdotes from inside the dressing room as well as expressing his opinions on the numerous managers he played under at Chelsea.

A Chelsea man through and through, his positive opinions and reflections on every aspect of the club shine through, however this book will also appeal to fans of other clubs.

An intelligent, thoughtful and compassionate man, who uses his status to achieve goodness in the world, this book is a very enjoyable read.

Released in 2014, Harry Redknapp’s book is a fantastic stroll down memory lane from one of the most iconic managers in the modern game.

From his days as a player at West Ham to his FA Cup win as manager of Portsmouth, this memoir shares the unbeatable highs and the dismal lows of a footballing career which has spanned over 50 years.

He also tells his side of the story on many issues such as his dismissal from Spurs, the England manager’s job and his tax evasion court case.

One of the old-school breed of managers, Redknapp comes over as a very down to earth and humble man in a book which went onto become a Sunday Times bestseller.

A highly recommended read for anyone who loves the game and one of the best football books available at the moment.

The book looks at the technical side of the game and what you should watch out for in respect to tactical decisions and formations.

Amongst the many talking points within the book, Gullit explains the secret of the tiki-taka style of playing, as well as explaining why one striker can be better than three strikers.

More of a manual than an autobiography but jam-packed with Gullit’s acute insights, original observations and talking points, How to Watch Football  will be one of the go to football books for any armchair pundit.

A goal-scoring machine in the 1980’s for Chelsea, Kerry Dixon’s book which was released in September 2016, is a fascinating look at the rise and subsequent fall of a Chelsea legend.

Dixon’s book is a frank and honest account of football in a day where players weren’t paid multi-million pound salaries and the game itself was a far cry from the circus it has become today.

He reveals the truth about his darkest times since retiring from playing which include problems with drugs and gambling and his recent prison sentence after his conviction for grevious bodily harm.

An excellent read which includes a lot of humour amongst the doom and gloom, Kerry Dixon’s book is a great read not just for Chelsea fans but anyone who loves the beautiful game.

A Leicester City legend, Muzzy Izzet’s autobiography charts his rise from YTS player at a pre-Roman Abramovich Chelsea to Premier League player with Leicester City to World Cup semi-finalist with the Turkish national side.

Co-written with Leicester Mercury feature writer Lee Marlow, Muzzy Izzet’s book is brutally honest and he comes across as a really humble guy who had to work extremely hard to get to the level he played at.

The book is packed with lots of amusing stories including the drinking cultures within the clubs he played at, great times under Martin O’Neill and his international career with the Turkish national side.

One of the game’s most underrated players but still one of Leicester City’s greatest players of the time, this football book is a fantastic read for any fan of the beautiful game.

One of the most moving football books you’ll read, Alan Stubbs’ book tells the story of a life and a career which was plunged into turmoil at the age of 27 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Away from the cancer story, this book looks back at the career of a player who experienced promotion from two divisions to the Premier League with Bolton, time at his boyhood club Everton and also his successful spell at Celtic.

Emotional at times but also very inspirational, this is a fascinating read from a player who never whined or moaned about his bad luck and just got on with it.

One of the most controversial but also one of the most fascinating players of the modern game, Joey Barton’s autobiography is an often painfully honest and brave look back at a career which has often been sensationalised by the tabloids.

Barton comes across in the book as a man who has a huge desire to win football matches at all costs, even at the expense of personal relationships, and he goes into detail about many of the scrapes he has been involved in over the years on and off the pitch.

He also reveals another side of his persona and talks about his personal battles with his inner demons, drugs and his time spent in prison for assault.

What we liked about Joey Barton’s book is that it’s not all doom and gloom and he devotes a lot of pages on how he has changed his life around since his children were born and also his future plans once he retires.

Legend is a word that is banded around freely nowadays but you could arguably put former Aston Villa, Manchester United and Irish international Paul McGrath into this category.

Released in 2007 in paperback, this brilliant read charts McGrath’s journey from racial abuse as a black boy playing football in the streets of  Dublin to iconic footballer of the 1980’s and 1990’s.

This book is not just about football, it’s also a story of how someone can wrestle with alcohol addiction whilst at the same time playing at the very top-level of the game.

If you want one of those football books that are full of amusing stories about players and managers then this definitely is not for you. But, if you want to read a very candid book about a professional sportsman’s battle against the demon drink and a life lived on the very edge of chaos then this will be the perfect football book for you.

Not one of your normal football autobiographies, Keith Gillespie’s superb book is a story of one man who had it all, lost it, regretted it and who is now trying to get his life back on track.

A player who came into the Manchester United team around the same time as the Class of 92, Gillespie talks about his rise to fame and the trappings and temptations that go hand in hand with it ultimately leading to a gambling addiction and bankruptcy.

Gillespie comes across in the book as a really decent man who unfortunately has a really sad story to tell.

Although the overall tone of the book focuses on the negative side of the modern game, it is not a gloomy read at all and when you finish it you’ll be surprised at how much you enjoyed it.

Liverpool and Scotland legend Steve Nicol’s book was released in September 2016 and is an absolutely hilarious account of the life of a professional footballer in the 1980’s.

Part of the hugely successful Liverpool team of the 80’s, Nicol tells numerous funny anecdotes about life in the Anfield dressing room in a time when the game was full of characters and not overpaid prima donnas.

There is also a really moving section in the book about the Hillsborough tragedy from the perspective of a player who witnessed first hand the terrible events.

All in all one, we found Steve Nicol’s book to be one of the most funny, insightful and well written books that we have read for a long time.

One of the few modern players who spent their entire UK career at the one club, Gerrard dissects the defining games of his illustrious club career as well talking about his experiences with the England national team, both good and bad.

Amongst the anecdotes that are peppered through the book are Gerrard’s thoughts on players he has played with and against and also managers that he played under.

This book can be compared to how Steven Gerrard led his footballing career, no-nonsense, straight-laced and relatively drama free – this is not one of those football books which lift the lid on scandal and secrets.

A fascinating read for any football fan but less so if you just want to know more about Gerrard as a person.

A hugely compelling, honest look back at a career in which he enjoyed huge success with both Aberdeen and of course Manchester United, Alex Ferguson’s book is not only entertaining but also very revealing.

This is not one of those football books that you can speed read through and finish within a couple of days, this book is full of content that you’ll have to re-read to take it all in.

Throughout the book Ferguson attempts to explain the reasons for various decisions that he had to make involving top players such as David Beckham and Roy Keane and he attempts to settle some old feuds as well as reigniting others.

Sir Alex also breaks down the psychology of management and football strategies at the top-level in a way that a general reader can easily comprehend.

Written in more of a conversational style rather than a classic literacy style, Alex Ferguson’s book will not entertain you but also educate you.

Regarded by many in the game as the best football manager in the world, Carlo Ancelotti’s book is a must read for anyone wanting an authentic insight into how to get to the top of your chosen profession without compromising your values.

Ancelotti gives the reader a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the greatest man managers and tacticians in the modern game, and his understated way in which he goes about his work has reaped praise and respect from some of the best players in the world including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham.

One of the biggest selling football books of 2015, Sky Sports Spanish football expert Guillem Balague’s gives us a fascinating account of Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to become aruguable the greatest footballer in the world.

Balague has previously written football books on Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola and this book follows the same biographical format, charting Ronaldo’s early career at Sporting Lisbon, through to his time in England with Manchester United and becoming a ‘ galactico ‘ at Real Madrid.

Brilliant written and intensively researched, this is one of those football books that you won’t be able to put down.

One thing to note is that there are a few swear words within the book therefore it’s not suitable for some of Ronaldo’s younger fans.

The longest-serving Liverpool FC player in the history of the club, Jamie Carragher released his long-awaited autobiography in 2009 whilst still an active player.

Originally put off by the fact that this book was quite of date, we were pleasantly surprised at how good a read this football book was.

Carragher talks candidly about his Liverpool career in his typically down-to-earth style which he regularly portrays in his role as a television pundit.

Along with the obvious dressing room anecdotes which are prominent in most football books, Carragher doesn’t hold back his opinions on sensitive areas such as the Liverpool-Everton rivalry, his England career and his dislike for the way certain other professionals attempt to cheat by diving.

If you like Jamie Carragher’s punditry style then you will like his book as it’s written in the same kind of tone but it won’t be everybody’s cup of tea purely because of this football book’s age.

Released in February 2013, and a former Sunday Times bestseller, former Premier League player Dietmar Hamann’s book is a really entertaining look back at his life story.

Extremely funny from start to finish, the German with the Scouse accent lifts the lid on life playing for two of the biggest clubs in Europe in Bayern Munich and Liverpool as well the German national team.

Throughout the book, Hamann expresses his thoughts and opinions in a no-nonsense way but at no point do you think he is trying to be sensational. Maybe it’s his German charm!

The main focus of the book is on his time at Liverpool which included the glory years of the mid 2000’s but this book will definitely appeal to fans of other clubs.

This is a powerful book which is full of opinions on his former side Arsenal and their failings in the Premier League in recent years and also the England national side and their inability to perform at major tournaments.

We found the way that Adams talks about overcoming his personal demons that he still faces to this day extremely inspiring.

An excellent book which should be read by ALL football fans!

Last Updated on 10 January 2023 by Admin

The 50 Best Football Books Ever: 30-21

Fear, beauty, speed, miracles, glory and... "LSD soccer"?!

As we slide into the top 30, it's time for bed-wetting, Benedict Cumberbatch, LSD soccer, Dick Whittington and Triumph Stags...

30.  Fear and Loathing in La Liga

Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Sid Lowe, 2013

Are you sitting comfortably? Good. Because you simply can’t read a proper book about Barcelona vs Real Madrid without a lengthy history lesson that digs up the roots of world football’s biggest fixture.


You might find it hard going at first, but stick with it: there’s so much to be fascinated by in each club’s humble beginnings; of General Franco and the Catalan resistance; of Madrid’s mercurial Alfredo Di Stefano; of Barça’s brilliant László Kubala and his escape from Hungary dressed as a Russian soldier; of how each club swiped those last two players from under the others’ noses in similarly grubby circumstances.


As Lowe digs deeper you’ll find valuable interviews with legendary representatives on either side of the divide – see Di Stefano, Johan Cruyff, Zinedine Zidane, Hristo Stoichkov and Raul to name but a few. Yet these are all just characters in a much greater story, one in which each side has grown to despise and yet need the other to further validate its ideals; Barcelona the club of Catalonian pride, Real Madrid the glitzy, powerful galactico-collectors with a record 11 European Cups to their name. It’s the globe’s greatest game for a reason, and this brilliantly researched book explains how. Joe Brewin

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29.  Addicted

Tony Adams with Ian Ridley, 1998

“For an autobiography to work,” explains writer Eamon Dunphy, “the subject has to be willing to discuss his faults. The footballer must show himself to be real and flawed.” Addicted was the first such autobiography. Adams talks with breathtaking honesty about the two addictions which have dominated his life – football and alcohol.

His career encompassed both the “win or lose, we're on the booze” culture of the ’80s and the mineral water/steamed broccoli of Arsene’s Arsenal . His harrowing account of his descent into alcoholism (including bed-wetting and clothes-soiling) drew criticism from those with weaker constitutions. The majority were simply dumbfounded by what they read, and concurred with Wenger’s comment: “Tony, I’m amazed you’re still actually with us.” Jon Spurling

28.  I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 2013

Modern footballer autobiographies follow a pretty standard shtick. Player outlines tough childhood (ideally where ball is only friend), player gets picked up, player nearly gets cut, player works hard, player gets success, player lightly coats off rival without revealing too much.

I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic is different. The Manchester United striker revels in his role as pantomime anti-hero, but goes deeper than mere Marmite pastiche. The searing honesty of how his relationship with Pep Guardiola disintegrated at Barcelona – which notably details how fragile that seemingly unshakable ego can actually be – is refreshing, as is how an unforgiving upbringing spending time between an overworked cleaner mother and indifferent alcoholic father shaped everything that followed.

Yes, author David Lagercrantz has since admitted he has embellished much of the content, but don’t let that detract from what is a fabulous book. Think of I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a movie biopic based on someone’s life – Colin Firth in The King’s Speech , Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash in Walk The Line or Benedict Cumberbatch’s star turn as maths genius Alan Turing in The Imitation Game . It might not be historically accurate, but it captures the essence of the person better than any straight biography could ever wish. Andy Murray

27.  The Beautiful Game?

Searching For The Soul Of Football – David Conn, 2004

The lament for football’s lost golden age and the belief that commercial interests have sullied the game are nothing new – Willy Meisl’s 1960 book Soccer Revolution argues that the liberalisation of the offside law in 1925, which played to the popular demand for more goals, was the beginning of the end. However, Conn’s 2004 book is a heartfelt account of the increasingly rapid changes of the previous couple of decades. “It is deeply frustrating,” he writes, “seeing the national game revel in a boom, which could take it so far, yet drive itself so needlessly into dysfunction and failure.”

Conn is no nostalgic who believes the ’80s were a golden period – to him Wimbledon’s FA Cup triumph in 1988 was not so much a wonderful fairy tale as a victory for thuggery – but he is appalled by the descent of the game into rampant, barely regulated commercialism. “I think the end of the sharing of gate receipts in 1983 was the first break,” he says.

“When I talk about the soul, I mean the part of football that is more than business,” he continues. “The soul is the passion and the loyalty of fans, but it is also the joy to be found in playing the game. As other collective institutions disappear, football clubs are becoming an increasingly central part of people’s identity, and that’s why we see these heroic struggles to save clubs when they are threatened.”

Books on the business of football can be unreadably dry, but The Beautiful Game? is passionate and bleakly humorous. Quite aside from the depth of the research, what sets Conn’s book above Tom Bower’s Broken Dreams , a mystifying winner of the William Hill’s Sports Book of the Year Award in 2003, is the sense that he really cares. Broken Dreams was riddled with errors, both of fact and of spirit; Conn, simply by noting, for instance, that fans know intuitively why Notts County matter, taps into a depth of tradition of which Bower has no grasp. Bower just says football is in a very bad way; Conn tells us why it is worth putting right. Jonathan Wilson

26.  Behind The Curtain

Travels In Football In Eastern Europe – Jonathan Wilson, 2006

Before his more famous tactical opus Inverting the Pyramid , Wilson’s first book offered a fascinating peek behind the Iron Curtain into Eastern Europe. Dedicating a chapter per country, or former super-state in the case of former Yugoslav states, Behind the Curtain shows just how influential politics has been on football in Europe’s outposts. From dictatorial influence in Romania with Nicola Ceausescu to the disintegration of Yugoslavia and descent into genocidal civil war, there are stories aplenty.

Much of the talk of great teams from Dynamo Moscow to Dynamo Kiev and Steaua Bucharest is repeated in Inverting the Pyramid , but it’s the people to whom Wilson speaks for this book that implore the reader to care about teams they may otherwise ignore. Each country, each club, is dealt with great tact.

Now the book is a decade old, you almost wish there were an update, given the breakneck pace at which politics and football move in Easter Europe. Even so, it’s proof that football life exists, and can be very interesting, beyond the big boys. Andy Murray

25.  Niall Quinn

The Autobiography – Niall Quinn & Tom Humphries, 2002

There’s definitely something about Irish players and their autobiographies. Quinn’s book might not be as controversial as those of some of his compatriots, but it is nonetheless a candid insight into a man generally recognised as one of the nicest in football. More than that, it is a real book, written in a simple, dryly amusing, almost lyrical style that, even if it wasn’t, could have been written by Quinn and yet still qualifies as proper writing.

He was helped by having the 2002 World Cup and the rumpus surrounding Roy Keane’s departure from the squad as a starting point, but by the end that is just one issue among many. Football happens to have been Quinn’s life, but his autobiography is just as much about regret, about moving on and about remaining a decent man in a world that is profoundly indecent. Jonathan Wilson

24.  Stillness and Speed

My Story – Dennis Bergkamp, 2013

If you’ve read one footballer’s autobiography, you’ve read them all. Like modern-day Dick Whittingtons they all trot out the same tiresome rags-to-riches tale. Yeah, we get it – you were poor, you always had a ball at your feet, you hated school, then you became a superstar blah blah blah.

In the same way his genius produced something out of the ordinary on the pitch, Bergkamp’s book offers an alternative to the birds, booze and fast cars format most players follow. The Dutchman’s love of the game and philosophies on how it should be played pour off the pages, with anecdotes and insight from his time at Ajax, Inter Milan and Arsenal.

Bergkamp delivers his footballing sermon through multiple voices – not just his own. We hear from former team-mates and coaches and co-author David Winner throughout. Stillness and Speed is for football fans, not just impassioned Gooners. Ben Welch

23.  The Miracle Of Castel Di Sangro

A Tale Of Passion And Folly In The Heart Of Italy – Joe McGinniss, 1999

This hilarious, compelling, often misunderstood book easily disproved the notion that Americans can’t write about soccer. McGinniss, who made his name writing about US politics and his fortune penning true-crime bestsellers, details the rise of Castel di Sangro, from a town of 5,000 people, to Serie B.

But this is as much The Sopranos as Field of Dreams . A season of joy, tragedy, hilarity and courage draws to a shabby close with the team throwing a game as a player reminds the author: “Remember, we are the land of Dante but also of Machiavelli.”

The comic highlight is the press conference where the club’s new African ‘signing’ from Leicester City announces he’s planning to sleep with all the players’ wives – a deal that proves to be a hoax. Odd as that sounds, it’s not the strangest incident in this book. Paul Simpson

22.  The Soccer Syndrome

John Moynihan, 1966

First released four months before the 1966 World Cup, John Moynihan’s The Soccer Syndrome is more a personal ode to post-war football, Brylcreem and all, rather than any kind of assessment of England’s chances at the upcoming tournament. And it’s all the better for it.

Football is at the heart of every chapter here, but witnessed through the prism of the Sunday Telegraph football reporter’s experiences and life journey along the way. From a childhood spent face-down in the dirt at a rugby school – “I stared at the grass below and, as a heel lashed into my nose, I dreamt of the fruits of the outside world, Association Football” – to watching Pele and Garrincha light up the 1958 World Cup Final over a lovelorn female companion’s shoulder in a Paris café, Moynihan’s focus on events and fandom make this come alive.

Yet what sets The Soccer Syndrome apart from most first-person accounts on the beautiful game is how he lifts the mundane football occurrence to something vivid and unique. “We play what might be called LSD soccer,” Moynihan wrote of Sunday League football, of which he was a keen advocate, “a pleasure only for the participants.”

Pure nostalgia it may be, but this book has aged well. Seldom has the beautiful game’s essence been better captured. Andy Murray

21.  The Glory Game

Hunter Davies, 1972

“There is no way that a writer these days could possibly do what I did in The Glory Game ,” explains Hunter Davies. “He or she wouldn’t be able to get past the minefield of agents, lawyers and officials.”

In the 1971/72 season, Davies was granted unprecedented access to Tottenham boss Bill Nicholson and his 19-man first-team pool. With no official contract behind him, he admits to “worming my way in” at White Hart Lane, and convincing all those concerned that an “inside story” book charting Spurs’ season would be a worthwhile project.

“I’d originally been told that as a club, Spurs would be completely unapproachable, and that Nicholson would be dour and difficult,” recalled Davies. “He was completely cooperative though, and when I informed the players that I would keep 50% of the royalties and split the other half equally between them, they were happy too. It wasn’t a huge amount of money though!”

The Glory Game defined the fly-on-the-wall sports book. Although Nicholson later claimed that he’d occasionally felt inhibited by Davies’ presence (particularly when chastising Martin Chivers), the Spurs players and staff were remarkably candid in confiding their hopes and fears. Aside from the frequent references to flares, Triumph Stags, and Nicholson’s hatred of men with long hair, Davies’ book simply doesn’t date. “The tensions, the personality clashes, the fear of losing one’s place in the team, the monotony of training, triumph and despair, concern over injuries, old players fading... all these factors will remain constants in team sports for as long as they’re played,” argues Davies.

Printed in five different languages, and a big seller in the USA, The Glory Game is rightly regarded as a classic. And remember that in an era of media-trained stars and Fort Knox-style security at big clubs, there will never be a remake. Jon Spurling

In the next section: Psychosis, neurosis and an obstinate maestro

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Gary Parkinson is a freelance writer, editor, trainer, muso, singer, actor and coach. He spent 14 years at FourFourTwo as the Global Digital Editor and continues to regularly contribute to the magazine and website, including major features on Euro 96, Subbuteo, Robert Maxwell and the inside story of Liverpool's 1990 title win. He is also a Bolton Wanderers fan.

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The 18 Best Soccer Books Of All Time

Soccer’s standing as the world’s game has opened it to a wealth of different viewpoints and cultural backgrounds, and the literature of the sport truly reflects this diversity. Whether the focus is on the game’s most interesting characters, the tactics, the supporters or the memorable events, soccer is a topic that has yielded some of the finest writing of any sport. Here is a selection of 18 of the best books concerning the beautiful game.

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Best Soccer Books: The Damned Utd by David Peace (Cover)

Brian Clough's doomed stint at Leeds United, where he replaced rival manager Don Revie, lasted all of eight matches. Clough had previously criticized both Revie and the Leeds United playing style, ensuring that his appointment was met with consternation among the Leeds players.

In this book, author David Peace writes from Clough's point of view as he fails to get his players behind him. It's a brilliant look at one of football's most outspoken and polarizing managers.

A Life Too Short: The Tragedy Of Robert Enke by Ronald Reng

A Life Too Short is the tragic account of German goalkeeper Robert Enke. Enke played for Benfica, Barcelona, Hannover and won 8 caps with Germany while battling depression. This book, written by his friend Ronald Reng, details his life and struggle.

Best Soccer Books: Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby (Cover)

Nick Hornby's autobiographical book about his relationship with Arsenal FC epitomizes the life of a football fan like no other. If you're hesitant to read this book because of the horrible 2005 film starring Jimmy Fallon as a fan of the Red Sox, you're making a massive mistake.

Best Soccer Books: Inverting the Pyramid by Jonathan Wilson

If you find soccer tactics to be even remotely interesting, this book is a godsend. Jonathan Wilson meticulously follows the trends and shifts in tactics, from when teams used to play with five forwards to the shift to a false 9, and details some of the more memorable tacticians and philosophies in the game.

Best Soccer Books: The Brilliant Orange by David Winner

A seemingly impossible achievement that somehow weaves together art, architecture, landscape, history and football, David Winner's explanation of the brilliance of Dutch football is a masterpiece.

Best Soccer Books: Among the Thugs by Bill Buford

A seminal account of English hooliganism, Bill Buford, an American writer living in the UK, spent eight years documenting the unlawful behavior firsthand.

Provided You Don't Kiss Me by Duncan Hamilton

Another entry centered around the greatest manager the English national team never had, Brian Clough. Written by Duncan Hamilton, the Nottingham Evening Post 's football correspondent, Hamilton had perhaps the best lens into Clough's managerial career as he coached Nottingham from 1975-1993.

Best Soccer Books: The Ball is Round by David Goldblatt

At over 900 pages in length, this book may immediately repel many. However, can you imagine a global history of football being done well in less? And this book is done exceptionally well.

Best Soccer Books: The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro

American writer Joe McGinniss set out to follow the fairytale of A.S.D. Castle di Sangro Calico, a club from a tiny town that had gained promotion to Serie B, and wrote this book detailing their year of incredible highs and lows.

Best Soccer Books: Soccer in Sun and Shadow by Eduardo Galeano (Cover)

While the quickest synopsis would be to say this is a historical account of global soccer, the truth is that it’s much more poetic and spiritual than that. This book focuses much more on the oddities, the madness and the beauty that riddles the sport. 

Best Soccer Books: Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life by Alex Bellos

A remarkably readable book detailing the evolution of soccer in Brazil while painting an unforgettable portrait of the country itself.

Best soccer books: Tor!: The Story of German Football by Ulrich Hesse-Lichtenberger

Intertwining the history of Germany and the German people’s relationship with the game, this book is gripped with seismic characters, events and entertainment.  

Best soccer books: Morbo: The Story of Spanish Football by Phil Ball

History, politics, anecdotes and an enlightening look at Spain's extensive regionalism, Phil Ball does an incredible job of going beyond the cliched characterizations of Spanish football.

Best soccer books: The Glory Game by Hunter Davies

Published in 1973, The Glory Game is now a form of sports writing that's unlikely to ever be repeated. Author Hunter Davies was given complete access to the inner workings of Tottenham for a season, and the insight he was able to provide was truly groundbreaking.  

Garrincha: The Triumph and Tragedy of Brazil’s Forgotten Footballing Hero by Ruy Castro

Regarded by many as the greatest dribbler ever, Garrincha was a two-time World Cup champion with Brazil. However, his personal life was another thing entirely. This book looks at the moments of genius and the moments of madness from one of Brazil's greatest ever players.

All Played Out by Pete Davies

England's run to the semifinals of the 1990 World Cup, before they were painfully eliminated on penalties by Germany, is documented unforgettably by Pete Davies.

Fear and Loathing in La Liga by Sid Lowe

Sid Lowe, a journalist for The Guardian , ESPN, World Soccer and TalkSPORT, has worked extensively in Spain throughout his career. With his extensive knowledge of Spanish football and history, Lowe provides one of the greatest accounts of the world's biggest rivalry: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona.

My Father And Other Working Class Football Heroes by Gary Imlach

Author Gary Imlach traces the career of his father, Stewart, who played professionally and represented the Scottish national team. But Gary's father played in a time when footballers wages were around £8. It's an incredibly moving account of a different era and the relationship between father and son.

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Top Soccer Biographies of All Time [2024 UPDATE]

People love playing soccer all around the world, and I have played in teams where I didn’t couldn’t understand any words the teammates were speaking. I have even heard of coaches speaking to their players in a language they don’t understand. However, in addition to soccer being a universal language, there are soccer icons that have left an everlasting legacy on the game. Luckily, some of these life stories have been documented in (auto)biographies and they’ve been translated into many languages.

What are the best soccer biographies?

I love audiobooks and these are all great to get through Audible . As you don’t have to look at the formations or any detailed numbers, these stories are great to be read on your commute to work or even to long drives before or after games and practices. However, we included the links in case you decide to get them as a gift for your child, significant other or a friend. Let’s get going!

1. My Turn: The Autobiography by Johann Cruyff [Best Overall]

This an insightful and inspiring account of one of soccer’s true legends. Cruyff’s influence on the game is monumental and felt today through the words of virtually anybody that has seen Barcelona or the Netherlands play. The autobiography takes readers through his remarkable career as a player, coach, and sporting executive, offering a deep understanding of his innovative football philosophy. With honesty and passion, Cruyff shares his personal philosophy, strategic insights, and his unwavering commitment to soccer. Everybody can benefit from reading this story, both soccer and non-soccer people.

2. Ronaldo: The Children’s Book by Roy Brandon [Best for Children ]

It’s never too early to start consuming soccer through books and this one is a delightful and inspiring read that takes young readers on a journey through the life of soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The book gives fun storytelling and motivational messages, focusing on Ronaldo’s determination and resilience. Through colorful illustrations and age-appropriate prose, it tells the story of Ronaldo’s rise to stardom and emphasizes the values of hard work, perseverance, and self-belief. It’s a perfect book for every kid that is starting the soccer journey.

3. I Am Zlatan by Zlatan Ibrahimovic [Best for Players]

Zlatan Ibrahimović, the enigmatic Swedish striker known for his charisma and breathtaking goals, tells his story as only he could. This autobiography delves into his troubled upbringing, his rise to stardom, and his experiences playing for some of the world’s most renowned clubs. The biography does not include the time in the United States which we hope he will write about in a newer book now that he is retired. He is honest and often controversial in his reflections and opinions. It is a vital read for every young player looking for determination and self-confidence while finding their identity as a soccer player.

4. My Autobiography by Sir Alex Ferguson [Best for Coaches ]

For over two decades, Sir Alex Ferguson was the driving force behind Manchester United’s dominance in English football. In “My Autobiography,” Ferguson recounts his remarkable career, sharing insights into his leadership philosophy, squad-building and human managing strategies, and the intense rivalries that defined his era. This biography offers valuable lessons not only for soccer enthusiasts but also for aspiring managers and leaders in any field. As we cannot be at his lectures at Harvard Business School anymore, reading about leadership and decision-making through this biography will have to do.

5. Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby [Best for Fans]

While not strictly a traditional soccer biography, “Fever Pitch” by Nick Hornby is a poignant memoir that beautifully captures the essence of being a passionate fan. Hornby shares his personal experiences as an Arsenal supporter with significant moments in the club’s history. Through the lens of football fandom, he explores the deep emotional connection between individuals and their teams, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the highs and lows of supporting a football club.

6. A Game of Extremes: 25 Exceptional Soccer Stories: What Happens On and Off the Field by Roy Lingster

Another non-typical choice for this list, the book is a captivating and diverse collection of soccer narratives that delves into both the thrilling moments on the pitch and the intriguing tales behind the scenes. There are personal accounts, historical anecdotes, and cultural perspectives. It’s well-balanced and well-written, providing great stories of the beautiful game. The author has a baseball and military background, but as he is currently living in the Netherlands, he has undoubtedly witnessed soccer from a different perspective.

Decision time

Soccer biographies offer a window into the lives of football legends, revealing the triumphs, tribulations, and human stories behind their on-field achievements. From the self-confidence of Zlatan Ibrahimović to the managerial genius of Sir Alex Ferguson, each of these biographies provides unique insights and lessons that extend beyond the boundaries of the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply fascinated by remarkable individuals, these soccer biographies are essential reads for anyone seeking to understand.

Soccer Biographies

How to Watch Soccer

• By: Ruud Gullit, Sam Herman
• Narrated by: Shaun Grindell
• Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
• Overall 4 out of 5 stars 111
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 91
• Story 4 out of 5 stars 91

Ruud Gullit knows better than anyone else that to understand soccer you have to understand strategy. When he started playing soccer, his only "strategy" was to get the ball, outrun everyone else to the other end of the field, and score. At first it served him well, but as he advanced through the sport, he learned that it takes much more than speed to make a winning team.

• 5 out of 5 stars
• By Gerald Kearney on 03-24-17
• By: Ruud Gullit , Sam Herman
• Release date: 03-14-17
• Language: English
• 4 out of 5 stars 111 ratings
• Ruud Gullit knows better than anyone else that to understand soccer you have to understand strategy....

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• The Definitive Biography Fully Updated to Include Messi's First Season at PSG
• By: Guillem Balague
• Narrated by: Peter Kenny
• Length: 27 hrs and 53 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 22
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 19
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 19

The story of one of the greatest footballers of all time, Barcelona and Argentina's Lionel Messi. Despite all the fame and adulation, remarkably little is known about Lionel Messi, the modest and intensely private footballing genius. Just how did the boy from Rosario, Argentina, become the world's greatest player? Guillem Balague has had unprecedented access to Messi's inner circle: his coaches, teammates and family. In addition, Pep Guardiola has provided exclusive analysis of the player. The result is an authoritative and compelling account of the wonderful mystery that is Messi.

In-depth look at Lionel Messi

• By Nicholas Beato on 01-16-22
• Release date: 06-25-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 22 ratings

The story of one of the greatest footballers of all time, Barcelona and Argentina's Lionel Messi....

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Sí Señor

• My Liverpool Years
• By: Roberto Firmino
• Narrated by: Fernando Tiberini
• Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 6
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 5
• Story 4 out of 5 stars 5

Master of the no-look goal and Anfield favourite, Roberto 'Bobby' Firmino, signed for Liverpool in July 2015. Over the next eight years - and seven winners' medals - he established himself as one of the club's most important players in recent years for his audacious skill, impressive goal scoring, and beaming smile. Jürgen Klopp saw Firmino as the on-pitch 'engine' that drove the club's counter-pressing strategy and together with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, Firmino formed a formidable attacking trio.

Everything from the heart

• By Amazon Customer on 01-26-24
• Release date: 12-07-23
• 5 out of 5 stars 6 ratings

Sí, Señor celebrates Anfield favourite Roberto 'Bobby' Firmino's cherished years in a red shirt and will remind fans why they fell in love with him in the first place....

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The National Team (Updated and Expanded Edition)

• The Inside Story of the Women Who Dreamed Big, Defied the Odds, and Changed Soccer
• By: Caitlin Murray
• Narrated by: Andi Arndt
• Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 182
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 160
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 158

The US Women’s National Soccer Team has won three World Cups and four Olympic gold medals, set record TV ratings, drawn massive crowds, earned huge revenues for FIFA and US Soccer, and helped to redefine the place of women in sports. But despite their dominance, and their rosters of superstar players, they’ve endured striking inequality: low pay, poor playing conditions, and limited opportunities to play in professional leagues.

• 1 out of 5 stars

Too much swearing

• By Rebecca Sheldon on 01-23-20
• Release date: 04-02-19
• 5 out of 5 stars 182 ratings

The US Women’s National Soccer Team has won three World Cups and four Olympic gold medals, set record TV ratings, drawn massive crowds, earned huge revenues for FIFA and US Soccer, and helped to redefine the place of women in sports....

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Masters of Modern Soccer

• How the World's Best Play the Twenty-First-Century Game
• By: Grant Wahl
• Narrated by: Grant Wahl
• Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 197
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 176
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 176

In Masters of Modern Soccer , Sports Illustrated writer Grant Wahl asks: How do some of the game's smartest figures master the craft of soccer? By profiling players in every key position (American phenomenon Christian Pulisic, Mexican superstar Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, Belgium's Vincent Kompany, Spain's Xabi Alonso, Germany's Manuel Neuer) and management (Belgium coach Roberto Martínez and Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc), Wahl reveals how elite players and coaches strategize on and off the field and execute in high pressure game situations.

Great for coaches!

• By Amazon Customer on 09-29-18
• Release date: 05-01-18
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 197 ratings

Sports Illustrated writer Grant Wahl asks: How do some of the game's smartest figures master the craft of soccer? Wahl reveals how elite players and coaches strategize on and off the field....

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• My Life, My Truth
• By: Marco van Basten, Edwin Schoon
• Narrated by: Paul Panting
• Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 11
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 11
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 11

Basta is the raw, honest, but above all gripping autobiography of Marco van Basten. It's the unfiltered story of his rise to fame, from being under the wing of Cruyff and experiencing life as an Ajax player to being propelled into the spotlight following Euros '88 - and scoring the greatest goal ever to win a major final - and playing for AC Milan at the peak of Italian football's popularity.

• By: Marco van Basten , Edwin Schoon
• Release date: 11-05-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 11 ratings

Basta is the raw, honest, but above all gripping autobiography of Marco van Basten....

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Alex Ferguson:

• My Autobiography
• By: Alex Ferguson
• Narrated by: James Macpherson, Alex Ferguson
• Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 830
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 719
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 719

Revised and updated with new material from the paperback edition. Includes a prelude read by Sir Alex Ferguson. Sir Alex Ferguson's compelling story is always honest and revealing he reflects on his managerial career that embraced unprecedented European success for Aberdeen and 26 triumphant seasons with Manchester United.

• 4 out of 5 stars

Solid, if a little egotistical

• By J. MacDonald on 11-19-13
• Narrated by: James Macpherson , Alex Ferguson
• Release date: 10-29-13
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 830 ratings
• Revised and updated with new material from the paperback edition....

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The House of Beckham

• Money, Sex and Power
• By: Tom Bower
• Narrated by: Ciaran Saward
• Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins
• Overall 0 out of 5 stars 0
• Performance 0 out of 5 stars 0
• Story 0 out of 5 stars 0

As one of the most famous and influential couples in the world, David and Victoria Beckham have attained iconic status. The ultimate power couple have together built a multi-billion-dollar global brand. For decades, adoring fans have been captivated by the glamorous world they have created, but are their lives really as perfect as the Beckhams would like the world to believe? The House of Beckham unravels the extraordinary reality of the business-savvy cultural icons to tell an engrossing, often astonishing story of money, sex and power.

• Release date: 06-25-24
• Not rated yet

For fans and watchers of the Beckham Netflix documentary who want the rest of the story— The House of Beckham is an explosive tell-all account of the real lives of David and Victoria Beckham.

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• My Life and Lessons in Red & White
• By: Arsène Wenger
• Narrated by: Arsène Wenger
• Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 220
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 191
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 192

In Wenger: My Life and Lessons in Red and White , world-renowned and revolutionary soccer coach Arsène Wenger finally tells his own story for the very first time. Wenger opens up about his life, sharing principles for success on and off the field with lessons on leadership, personal development, and management.

• 3 out of 5 stars

Nostalgic but not overly compelling

• By Scott Shepherd on 11-25-20
• Release date: 11-10-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 220 ratings

In Wenger: My Life and Lessons in Red and White , world-renowned and revolutionary soccer coach Arsène Wenger finally tells his own story for the very first time....

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• How the English Premier League Became the Wildest, Richest, Most Disruptive Force in Sports
• By: Joshua Robinson, Jonathan Clegg
• Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 510
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 452
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 448

No one knew it when their experiment began, but without any particular genius or acumen, the motley cast of billionaires and hucksters behind the modern Premier League struck gold. Pretty soon, everyone wanted to try their luck, from Russian oligarchs to Emirati sheikhs, American tycoons, and Asian Tiger titans. Some succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. Some lost everything. Today, players are sold for tens of millions, clubs are valued in the billions, and games are beamed out to nearly 200 countries, all while the league struggles to preserve its English soul.

Read don't listen

• By JR3 on 01-23-19
• By: Joshua Robinson , Jonathan Clegg
• Release date: 12-04-18
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 510 ratings

This is a sports and business tale of how money, ambition, and 25 years of drama remade an ancient institution into a 21st-century entertainment empire....

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Pep Guardiola

• The Evolution
• By: Marti Perarnau
• Narrated by: Thomas Judd
• Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 288
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 241
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 240

For three extraordinary seasons at Bayern Munich, Marti Perarnau was given total access around the German super club - to its players, its backroom staff, its board members and, above all, its manager, Pep Guardiola. In the follow-up to his critically acclaimed account of Guardiola's first full season at Bayern, Pep Confidential , Perarnau now lifts the lid on the Catalan's whole tenure in Bavaria.

Total story. Total football. Total Pep.

• By Michal Kuczek on 08-01-17
• Release date: 04-27-17
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 288 ratings
• For three extraordinary seasons at Bayern Munich, Marti Perarnau was given total access around the German super club - to its players, its backroom staff, its board members....

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Kill the Unicorn

• By: Emma Hayes, Michael Calvin - contributor
• Narrated by: Emma Hayes
• Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
• Original Recording
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 17
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 17
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 17

Few people know the answers better than Emma Hayes. As the coach of Chelsea FC Women, she has led the club to 14 major trophies. She is a widely celebrated figure in sports media as a woman starting to get equal recognition in this space, and has been named TV pundit of the year by both Broadcast Magazine and the Sports Journalists Association. In this book, Emma shares her experience of managing a high-performance football team to draw out life lessons and techniques that listeners can apply to their own professional and personal circumstances.

Teamwork at every level every day

• By Margot T on 06-11-24
• By: Emma Hayes , Michael Calvin - contributor
• Release date: 08-31-23
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 17 ratings

Coach of Chelsea FC Women Emma Hayes shares her experience of managing a high-performance football team to draw out life lessons and techniques that listeners can apply to their own professional and personal circumstances....

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Messi vs. Ronaldo

• One Rivalry, Two GOATs, and the Era That Remade the World's Game
• By: Jonathan Clegg, Joshua Robinson
• Narrated by: Charles Constant
• Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 21
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 20
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 20

Wall Street Journal reporters Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg offer a deeply reported account of the intertwined sagas and legacies of two of the greatest soccer players of all time—Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—examining how their rivalry has grown from a personal competition to a multi-billion-dollar industry, paralleling the stunning rise, overwhelming excesses, and uncertain future of modern international soccer.

• 2 out of 5 stars

Geez. Learn proper name pronunciation

• By steve finkelstein on 01-11-24
• By: Jonathan Clegg , Joshua Robinson
• Release date: 11-01-22
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

Wall Street Journal reporters Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg offer a deeply reported account of the intertwined sagas and legacies of two of the greatest soccer players of all time—Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—examining how their rivalry has grown from a personal competition....

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• My Untold Stories
• By: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Antony Shugaar
• Narrated by: James Hillier
• Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 23
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 22
• Story 4 out of 5 stars 22

In the decade since his mega-selling memoir I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic , he has played at Paris Saint-Germain (2012-2016), Manchester United (2016-2018), LA Galaxy (2018-2019) and Milan (2020-). This outrageous and hilarious follow-up is bursting with personal confessions and revealing anecdotes about the world's best players and managers. Packed with revelations, in Adrenaline , we hear for the first time what Zlatan really thinks about his time in the Premier League and what it was like to score that glorious bicycle kick against England.

• By kobecohiba on 03-02-24
• By: Zlatan Ibrahimovic , Antony Shugaar
• Release date: 07-28-22
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 23 ratings

Football's most prolific and controversial goalscorer has nothing left to prove on the pitch. There is only one Zlatan....

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Soccer Stars on the Pitch

• Biographies of Today’s Best Players
• By: Tanya Keith
• Narrated by: Helen Laser
• Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 3
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 1
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 1

Find the inspiration you need to be the best soccer player you can be with these sports biographies! Soccer Stars on the Pitch goes deep and explores the lives and careers of some of the sport’s most famous players. Soccer (or, as it’s known outside the US, football) is the most popular sport in the world. From French stopper Hugo Lloris to American captain Christian Pulisic, these sports biographies show you how these amazing athletes made tough choices, overcame injuries, and blew past every other obstacle that got in their way!

• Release date: 03-10-20
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 3 ratings

Find the inspiration you need to be the best soccer player you can be with these sports biographies! Soccer Stars on the Pitch goes deep and explores the lives and careers of some of the sport’s most famous players....

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Pep Confidential

• Inside Guardiola's First Season at Bayern Munich
• Length: 13 hrs and 5 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 123
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 108
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 109

Martí Perarnau was given total access to Bayern Munich during season 2013-14. This audiobook represents the first time in the modern era that a writer has got this close to one of the elite teams of world football. At the invitation of Pep Guardiola, he shadowed the Catalan, his staff and his superstar players during training and on matchdays. Bayern smashed domestic records on their way to the double, but were humiliated by Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.

inspirational

• By Ruth on 09-14-17
• Release date: 04-13-17
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 123 ratings
• Martí Perarnau was given total access to Bayern Munich during season 2013-14....

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Ask a Footballer

• By: James Milner
• Narrated by: John Bradley
• Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 19
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 17
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 17

My name is James Milner and I'm not a Ribena-holic. Let me share insights into what it's like being a professional footballer, across my different experiences with Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and now Liverpool (not forgetting a six-match loan spell at Swindon). Plus my highs - and a few too many lows - playing for England. There isn't a current player who's been playing Premier League football as long as I have, and that gives me a pretty rare perspective into how the top-flight game has changed over the past 17 years.

Behind the scenes

• By Diane on 05-15-24
• Release date: 10-31-19
• 5 out of 5 stars 19 ratings

My name is James Milner and I'm not a Ribena-holic....

I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic

• By: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
• Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 299
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 260
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 260

Born to a Muslim father from Bosnia, and a Catholic mother from Croatia, Zlatan recounts his extraordinary life story, from his poverty-stricken upbringing as an immigrant in Malmö, Sweden, to becoming one of the world's most sought-after and expensive players, gracing Europe's finest clubs, from Ajax to Juventus, Internazionale to Barcelona, Milan to Paris Saint-Germain, and now Manchester United.

Terrible narration!

• By Dinesh on 11-30-17
• Release date: 11-24-16
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 299 ratings
• I Am Zlatan reveals a rare and ferocious intelligence, willpower and God-given talent most recently exhibited when Zlatan scored all four goals for Sweden in a 4-2 victory against England....

When Nobody Was Watching

• My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World
• By: Carli Lloyd, Wayne Coffey
• Narrated by: Lynde Houck, Carli Lloyd
• Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 287
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 248
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 251

In 2015, the US Women's National Soccer Team won its first FIFA championship in 16 years, culminating in an epic final game that electrified soccer fans around the world. It featured a gutsy, brilliant performance by team captain and midfielder Carli Lloyd, who made history that day, scoring a hat trick - three goals in one game - during the first 16 minutes. But there was a time when Carli almost quit the sport. In 2003 she was struggling, her soccer career at a crossroads.

Should've just read the book.

• By becky on 10-12-16
• By: Carli Lloyd , Wayne Coffey
• Narrated by: Lynde Houck , Carli Lloyd
• Release date: 09-26-16
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 287 ratings
• From the celebrated star of the US Women's National Soccer Team, an inspiring, uplifting, and candid memoir of how she got there....

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• Player. Pundit. Fan.
• By: Micah Richards
• Narrated by: Delon Jessop
• Length: 7 hrs and 1 min
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 14
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 14
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 14

Larger-than-life football personality Micah Richards delivers the most entertaining sports book of the year. From experiencing the Manchester City revolution first-hand and achieving success with the likes of Mario Balotelli, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero to becoming a popular TV pundit for Sky Sports, BBC Sport and Match of the Day , Micah Richards has seen it all–and laughed about most of it. In The Game , Micah reflects on how he got to where he is today and on the many wins and losses along the way.

Entertaining most times. Poor narration.

• By Anonymous User on 05-11-23
• Release date: 10-27-22
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 14 ratings

Larger-than-life football personality Micah Richards delivers the most entertaining sports book of the year....

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Soccer Books

An inspiring collection of soccer biography books for fans of all ages.

My 8 year old loved this book!! Easy to read and great information.

– Amazon Customer

How I got started writing soccer stories

Over the last decade, I’ve covered hundreds of basketball and football players over my authoring career. Hence, it was natural that once I felt proud of the work I had done there, to shift gears and cover some of the greatest soccer players to ever play the game. After all, soccer is one of the most renowned global sports.

I’ve found lots of similarities when it comes to the soccer greats when it comes to having grit and growth mindsets towards becoming the best they can be.

Just a few of the players I’ve covered:

Pick up a copy here

Jack grealish.

Robert Lewandowski

Gareth bale, cristiano ronaldo.

Mohamed Salah

See the rest of the books in this series, want to get in touch.

Contact me by clicking the button below.

© Clayton Geoffreys

Six enjoyable books about football

An eclectic selection covering the beautiful game and why it matters.

“U NITED BY FOOTBALL . United in the heart of Europe”. The official slogan for the European football championship now taking place in Germany is predictably anodyne. But on this occasion it seems apt. Tens of thousands of fans are peacefully mingling with each other in German cities. The controversies that attended the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, about gay rights, for example, are absent from the Fanzonen . Russia’s football team has been barred from the competition, as it was from Qatar, because its government invaded Ukraine. So fans can concentrate on watching the football , and reading about it if they are of a bookish bent. Books rarely match the drama and beauty of football but these six come close—and show why, for many people, the world’s most popular sport is much more than just a game.

Football Clichés. By Adam Hurrey. Penguin; 208 pages; $16. Headline; £12.99

The Economist abhors clichés. Our style guide warns writers that “clichés are like invasive species, quickly taking over if not ruthlessly culled.” Adam Hurrey delightfully documents a case study of this phenomenon: football. Mr Hurrey, a journalist, forensically examines the language of the sport. For instance, there are 73 different ways to describe the scoring of a goal. It can be drilled, rifled, lashed, thundered, smashed or belted in—but each verb has its own nuance. Mr Hurrey does not limit himself to linguistic analysis; he also examines the clichéd behaviours of fans and players. Unlike The Economist , however, Mr Hurrey believes that clichés can serve a purpose by providing a shared language among fans and makes a convincing case for them as a crucial part of the beautiful game.

Fever Pitch. By Nick Hornby. Penguin; 272 pages; $14.99 and £8.99

All sports elicit obsession, and football stands out for its fanatic following around the world. But for much of its history, and especially in Britain, passion for football was sneered at. Fans were regarded as thugs or lunatics for expending so much energy and money on a game. That perception began to change in the 1990s. One catalyst for this was Nick Hornby’s novel. In “Fever Pitch” he chronicles his own obsession with Arsenal Football Club and the challenge of balancing this with life’s more prosaic elements (such as his relationship with his partner). “Real life is paler, duller, and contains less potential for unexpected delirium,” he explains. The book was a hit, inspiring two film adaptations and, most important, legitimising football fandom. It stands apart not just for its import but its quality. It heralded a new era of football writing, and expanded the sport’s literature beyond vapid football biographies and niche club histories .

Soccer Against the Enemy. By Simon Kuper. PublicAffairs; 336 pages; $17.99. Published in Britain as “Football Against the Enemy”; Orion Publishing; £9.99

The new wave of writing unleashed by “Fever Pitch” included a genre that examined football’s larger meaning. As the Qatar World Cup demonstrated, football and politics are frequent bedfellows. “Football Against the Enemy” provides perhaps the first and most vivid illustration of this relationship. Simon Kuper regales readers with footballing tales from 22 different countries, featuring totalitarian states, overbearing religious institutions and African despots. He shows how football shapes national identity and culture. Much has changed since 1994 when this book was published, including the game itself, but the role of football in the world remains undiminished. Even in today’s age of sportswashing, football retains its importance. In 2021 another book by Mr Kuper, “The Barcelona Complex” won much acclaim. We reviewed it here .

Soccer in Sun and Shadow. By Eduardo Galeano. Verso Books; 248 pages; $17.95. Penguin; £9.99

Many countries love football but for South Americans it is an almost torrid affair. Eduardo Galeano, a Uruguayan poet, elegantly portrays this passion in a love-letter to the game. This is a simple book, a series of vignettes of football’s greatest moments and players, and the circumstances surrounding them, described in rich language. A staunch socialist, Mr Galeano is vitriolic about the excesses of the professional game and its feckless bureaucrats. But like so many fans, he can never walk away. “Professional football does everything to castrate that energy of happiness, but it survives. And maybe that’s why football never stops being astonishing,” he writes.

This Love is Not for Cowards: Salvation and Soccer in Ciudad Juárez. By Robert Andrew Powell. Bloomsbury; 272 pages; $25 and £14.99

A recurring theme in books about football is the game’s ability to serve as a balm for social unrest. Robert Andrew Powell, an American journalist, shows how this is true even in the most desperate of circumstances. He spends a year in Ciudad Juárez in Mexico, just south of the Texan border, then the world’s most dangerous city.  He follows Indios de Ciudad Juárez, a hopeless football team fighting for survival. Amid the terrible violence caused by the war on drugs and despite its terrible football, the team offers something for everyone, most of all to its devoted fan group, the sardonically named el Kartel . Don’t read this book to understand why Mexico is so violent but rather to understand how football can offer a distraction—and through that a degree of comfort—from that violence. Shortly after Mr Powell leaves Mexico, the club, which he suggests may have been a front for money-laundering, is disbanded. Yet, as he powerfully highlights, for a little while its existence showed why football can matter so much for so many. (Read our full review here .)

A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke. By Robert Reng. Vintage; 400 pages; £10.99

Despite often being drably-written guff, replete with platitudes and humdrum match descriptions, books about footballers are still a popular genre—thanks to loyal fans willing to swallow anything their heroes throw at them. One exception to the genre’s banality is Robert Reng’s biography of Robert Enke, a German goalkeeper. In 2009, just as Enke was approaching his sporting peak, he took his own life. It shocked a sport wont to ignore the importance of mental health. Without becoming overbearingly sentimental, Mr Reng describes Enke’s journey up to that point, providing a powerful account of self-doubt, depression and the under-appreciated burdens of high-level sport.

The Economist ’s coverage of football includes this data-based article showing that managers matter less than many fans think. This one assesses the chances of England , and other teams, of winning the Euros. We wrote about the effect of Saudi Arabia’s cash on European football. Here we compare the approaches of Saudi Arabia and Japan to becoming footballing powerhouses. Read our review of a book showing how minor football clubs use data to take on the giants. This article asks whether footballers are having to play too much . This book review assesses the careers of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.  ■

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Trinity Rodman

Soccer player Trinity Rodman competed for the U.S. national team at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and plays professionally for the Washington Spirit of the NWSL.

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2002-present

Quick Facts

Parents dennis rodman and michelle moyer, youth soccer champion, pro career in the nwsl, u.s. women’s national team and world cup, height and stats, book and life outside soccer, who is trinity rodman.

Professional soccer player Trinity Rodman plays for the NWSL club the Washington Spirit and the USWNT. She is also the daughter of five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman . After starting play at age 4, Rodman quickly became a soccer phenom, winning multiple national championships with her youth club team and participating in the U.S. national program before turning pro in 2021. She has since won an NWSL championship with the Spirit and competed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She is expected to play with the U.S. team at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

FULL NAME: Trinity Rain Moyer-Rodman BORN: May 20, 2002 BIRTHPLACE: Newport Beach, California PARENTS: Dennis Rodman and Michelle Moyer ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Taurus

Trinity Rain Moyer-Rodman was born in Newport Beach, California, on May 20, 2002. Her father is Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Rodman , who played in the NBA from 1986 through 2000 and won five championships . Her mother is Rodman’s ex-wife, Michelle Moyer, who filed for divorce when Trinity was only a toddler.

According to ESPN , Moyer’s divorce proceedings with Dennis dragged on for eight years until 2012, and he was largely absent from the lives of Trinity and her older brother Dennis Jr.—known as D.J.—during this time.

Moyer raised Trinity, D.J., and her older daughter, Teyana Lima, from a previous marriage. The family struggled financially and moved roughly 10 times in a decade. At one point, the four lived at a Comfort Inn in Orange County, California, with Trinity and D.J. eating waffles in the hotel lobby for breakfast. Lima helped care for Trinity and D.J., taking them to school and sports practices.

Even as Trinity’s athletic career blossomed, her father has remained mainly out of her life. He surprised her by appearing at a 2021 NWSL playoff game . However, Trinity has said they still go months or even years without speaking to each other.

“Like I’ve said before, I’ve gotten closure with it all. I know he’s proud of me. I truly do,” she told the Los Angeles Times in July 2023. “He has his own things to deal with, but, at the end of the day, he’s communicated to me that he knows I was going to be here, and that’s all I need.”

Despite her uneasy financial situation, Moyer was determined to give her children an opportunity to play sports. While D.J. gravitated to basketball like his father, Trinity showed a competitive streak in soccer at a young age. “I realized that soccer was going to be my thing when I couldn’t accept that people could play a sport just for fun,” said Rodman , who, even at age 4, was focused on scoring goals and winning all her games. A handful of years later, she began to establish herself as one of California’s most promising young athletes.

When Rodman was 9, she joined the SoCal Blues youth club team . According to her coach, Greg Baker, Trinity was “one of the most athletic kids in Southern California since the day she stepped on the field.” Baker believed in Rodman’s ability so much that he helped cover her annual dues and fees, which totaled thousands of dollars.

According to Baker, Rodman could juggle a soccer ball on her foot at a rate of 120 beats per minute on a metronome. However, she also habitually lost possession during games, leading to the unflattering nickname “Turnover Trinity.” Thanks to film study and extra passing practice, Rodman was able to shed this moniker and lead the team to unprecedented success. Rodman and the Blues won four national youth championships in the Elite Clubs National League.

As a high school freshman, Rodman played one season of soccer at Corona del Mar High School before transferring to JSerra Catholic High School and focusing solely on her club team. The attacker also drew attention by playing internationally for the United States in the Under-17 and Under-20 divisions.

The high-scoring forward impressed NCAA scouts and first committed to the University of California, Los Angeles, but eventually signed with Washington State University in December 2019.

However, Rodman didn’t play a single collegiate match after the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of her 2020 freshman season. She decided to turn pro immediately instead.

Despite her lost college season, the Washington Spirit of the NWSL saw enough potential in Rodman to make her the second overall pick in the 2021 draft . Then, at 18, she became the league’s youngest draft selection ever. Because of the success of young players like Rodman, the NWSL has since eliminated its 18-year age restriction.

Rodman fit in from the start with her more experienced teammates and opponents, scoring seven goals and adding seven assists as a rookie. She led the Spirit to the NWSL championship match on November 20, when she assisted Kelley O’Hara’s goal in extra time to give the team its first league title.

Named the NWSL Rookie of the Year, Rodman signed the largest contract in league history in February 2022: a four-year agreement worth $1.1 million, or $281,000 annually, plus the opportunity to earn more through endorsements. “I’m that person that broke the mold for that. I’m paving the path for younger players and showing older players that this is what they should have gotten in the first place,” Rodman later told ESPN .

Rodman is now considered one of the league’s top players. She was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin award, given annually to the world's top women’s soccer player, in 2022.

Rodman eventually joined the senior U.S. national team, which was made famous by players like Mia Hamm and Alex Morgan .

In January 2022, USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski announced Rodman was part of the 25-player training camp roster ahead of that year’s SheBelieves Cup. “We don’t want to rush anything. We’ve got to be patient,” Andonovski said of Rodman, then 19. “She is still a young player, but we do want to expose her to the environment where she can get her feet wet a little bit.”

On February 17, Rodman earned her first cap with the squad, playing 30 minutes in a scoreless draw against the Czech Republic. She scored her first international goal on April 12 in a 9-0 win over Uzbekistan.

Rodman helped the USWNT qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Despite lofty expectations as the two-time defending champion, the U.S. barely escaped group play and lost in the Round of 16 to Sweden on penalty kicks.

Rodman is expected to make the U.S. roster for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games starting in July in Paris. She is considered one of the team’s top young stars following the recent retirements of players like Megan Rapinoe , Carli Lloyd , and Julie Ertz.

According to her Washington Spirit team bio , Rodman stands 5 feet, 8 inches.

As of May 2, 2024, Rodman has appeared in 35 matches with the USWNT, recording seven goals and six assists.

In NWSL play, Rodman has appeared in 68 regular season matches through her first four years with the team and recorded the following stats, according to league records :

• Minutes played: 5,713
• Assists: 14
• Tackles: 84

Rodman partnered with apparel brand Adidas to publish a children’s book titled Wake Up and Kick It with Trinity Rodman in March 2022. The book details some challenges Rodman faced during her soccer career and aims to inspire kids to pursue their passion, no matter their obstacles or doubts.

ESPN featured Rodman as part of its Fifty/50 series that same year. The stories celebrated the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX, which outlawed discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities receiving federal assistance and gave women an equal opportunity to play sports.

Rodman has shared few details about her personal life. She was romantically linked to Chris Kuzemka , a college basketball player for Loyola University Maryland, in 2023.

• When I say Rodman, it’s not my dad’s name. It’s my name. It’s my brother’s name. It’s my family’s name. And it’s ultimately the story that got me to where I am today, and I love that.
• The best way to deal with pressure is to just ignore it.
• It doesn’t matter if you start or come on in the 80 th minute. You need to make a difference when you come on.
• Men could be more athletic, they could be more skilled. But at the end of the day, we’re all doing the same job. We’re all putting in the hours. We’re all putting in the work. We’re all running our bodies into the ground.

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us !

Tyler Piccotti first joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor in February 2023, and before that worked almost eight years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. When he's not writing and researching his next story, you can find him at the nearest amusement park, catching the latest movie, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.

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40 Excellent Summer Olympics Books for Kids

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The Summer Olympic Games are an exciting world event of athletics and national pride. Get your kids excited about the different Summer Olympic sports by reading children’s picture books , chapter books , and middle grade books to build up their background knowledge and anticipation for these exciting athletic events.

Did you know that the Summer Olympics has more than twice the sports as the Winter Olympics ?

You can see the entire list of sports on Olympics.org , but I’ve listed some of the top summer sports below. Which ones are your favorites to watch?

archery badminton basketball boxing BMX equestrian fencing golf gymnastics rowing sailing skateboarding soccer swimming taekwondo triathlon volleyball water polo weightlifting

Get ready for the Summer Olympics with this book list to help you follow along with the different sports that you can watch.

Summer Olympics Books for Kids

Summer olympics picture books.

Olympig!  by Victoria Jamieson ages 4 – 8 Boomer the Pig is in the Animal Olympics, but he keeps losing his races . And that’s really hard! But he continues to think positively and realizes that it’s all good practice for the next Olympics.

How to Train with a T.Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals   by Michael Phelps and Alan Abrahamson ages 4 – 8 This is a great perspective for kids on how Michael Phelps worked hard ,  really hard , to accomplish his 8 gold medal wins.

You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Greek Athlete   by Michael Ford, illustrated by David Antram ages 4 – 8 Seriously. It wasn’t easy to be a Greek athlete , as you’ll learn in this interesting depiction of life back in the day. (And you certainly wouldn’t want to be female in this historical time period, either.)

The Frog Olympics   by Brian Moses, illustrated by Amy Husband ages 4 – 8 Yes, there’s pole vaulting in the Frog Olympics but there’s also fly-catching, too. This is a competition where athletes of all sizes and abilities can enter the events.

Kick Push Be Your Epic Self   by Frank Morrison ages 4 – 8 A young skateboarder learns to be himself and find his people in Frank Morrison’s first author/illustrator picture book.  Punchy language syncopates through the story with a skateboarding kick-push vibe of energy! Ivan aka. Epic, rolls through his new neighborhood with a  kick push  but having no friends is getting him down and his attempts at more traditional sports aren’t working. His parents encourage him, his dad gives him back his skateboard, and with a kick, push, bounce, ka-clonk, zwoosh, Epic finds his crew.

When You Can Swim  by Jack Wong ages 4 – 8 Learning to swim brings promises of splashing in the ocean, floating on your back, watching the world float by, finding rushing waterfalls to explore, and slipping into the pond at dusk along with the fish and twilight bugs.  Swimming brings many opportunities in different kinds of waters, lakes, canals, ocean, rivers, and finding wonderful adventures of diving, and floating, and listening. Lyrical writing with gorgeous illustrations of diverse people will appeal to swimmers and learning-to-swimmers alike.

Summer Olympics   by Matt Christopher ages 8 – 12 What sports will you see in the summer Olympics? From aquatics to tennis, gymnastics to sailing, there are so many sports to discover during this competitive event. You’ll learn about the famous athletes in each sport. Athletes like Jesse Owens, Olga Korbut, Mary Lou Retton, and Wilma Rudolph.

Olympics  (DK Eyewitness)  by Chris Oxlade and David Ballheimer ages 8 – 12 Learn about the first Olympics, the differences between the winter and summer Games, behind the scenes, and lots more. Photographs fill the pages alongside informational text.

What Are the Summer Olympics?   by Gail Herman, illustrated by Stephen Marchesi and Kevin McVeigh ages 6 – 9 A great book for elementary students, this beginning chapter book starts with the history of the Olympics and continues with politics, and memorable events. Illustrated with line drawings.

What Are the Paralympic Games?  by Gail Herman, illustrated by Andrew Thomson ages 6 – 9 The Paralympic Games features athletes with disabilities. The Paralympic Games were started for wounded WWII soldiers and just like the Olympics, the Paralympics feature summer and winter games every four years.

Ancient Greece and the Olympians   by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce ages 6 – 9 You’ll learn about ancient Greece and its culture as well as the first Olympics and the Olympics in modern times in this well-written beginning chapter book filled with photographs and illustrations.

Tae Kwon Do!   by Terry Pierce ages 5 – 7 This very basic early reader takes readers through a class of Tae Kwon Do, giving kids a glimpse of this martial art appearing in the Olympics.

Everything Soccer   (National Geographic Kids) by Blake Hoena ages 6 – 9 Soccer is a favorite universal sport, so learn everything about it (there’s a lot in this small book!) before you see it played at the Olympics. As you might expect, this National Geographic book is filled with captivating full-color photos.  MORE SOCCER (Football) BOOKS HERE

Max Explains Everything Soccer Expert  by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Deborah Hocking ages 4 – 8 A funny and  playful kids-eye view of the game of soccer that doesn’t  focus on winning but the fun of playing and of course, the snacks. Max explains everything from warming up to what to bring to the game.  MORE SOCCER BOOKS HERE

I Want to Be a Gymnast  by Kate Simkins ages 5 – 7 There aren’t very many well-done updated gymnastics children’s books that aren’t fiction or autobiography, so I’m including this as a basic starting point book. It’s a beginning reader that will introduce kids to some of the moves in gymnastics.

Nadia The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still  by Karlin Gray, illustrated by Christine Davenier ages 4 – 8 This lovely biographical picture book introduces a new generation to the hard-working Nadia Comaneci of Romania . . . how she loved to move, discovered gymnastics, failed, practiced, and then won seven perfect 10s at the Summer Olympics in 1956. The illustrations make me want to move, they’re absolutely spot-on for this sweet, true story.

My First Book of Basketball (A Rookie Book / Sports Illustrated Kids) ages 4 – 8 Basketball made simple — I love this combination of photos and illustrations that make this picture book visually appealing. Not only that, the text is perfect for young readers. “ The team that has the ball is called the offense. ”  MORE BASKETBALL BOOKS HERE.

Girls on Wheels  written by Srividhya Venkat, illustrated by Kate Wadsworth ages 4 – 8 I love this energetic growth mindset story and the dynamic illustrations! Three friends meet in the morning at the skate park. But one friend, Anila, is worried about another broken bone so she sits and watches her friends. Anila’s friends encourage her to try, even if she falls. “Skating is for anyone who wants to try,” says Damini. So Anila tries…and she flies. Three girls on wheels! Here they come!

Swimming and Diving ages 6 – 9 This beginning reader is filled with color photography about  swimming and diving in the Summer Olympics. Also in this series:   Basketball ,  Combat Sports ,  Track and Field ,  and  Gymnastics .

Volleyball ages 4 – 8 Get the scoop on volleyball in the Summer Olympics , including rules for playing, an overview of indoor and beach volleyball, and well-known players such as Misty May-Treanor and Kari Walsh Jennings.

Riding for Kids  by Judy Richter ages 8 – 12 This is a photograph-filled informational guide to the basics of English riding.

On the Water: Rowing, Yachting, Canoeing, & Lots, Lots, More  (Zeke’s Olympic Pocket Guide) by Jason Page ages 6 – 9 Written for the Sydney, Australia Olympics, this little book is about the sports of sailing, rowing, and canoeing.

P is for  Putt: A Golf Alphabet  by Brad Herzog, illustrated by Bruce Langton ages 4 – 8 Take a look at the history, game elements, and superstars of golf in this informative alphabet book.

Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born  by Gene Barretta, illustrated by Frank Morrison ages 4 – 8 Kids should all learn the story of Muhammad Ali because his determination and grit are inspiring. And to think, it all started with a stolen bicycle! Read how a police officer got Ali into boxing as well as about his never waning confidence and the grueling workouts. Superbly done.

First Sail  by Richard Henderson, illustrated by Jennifer Heyd Wharton ages 4 – 8 Adam’s cousin Beth shows him how to sail — things like nautical terms, channel markers, safety, knots, and anchoring. When a storm arises he’ll have to make use of his beginning knowledge.

Martina & Chrissie The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports  by Phil Bildner, illustrated by Brett Helquist ages 4 – 8 The author’s conversational style makes this story come alive. Readers will be fascinated by the two star tennis players who each work hard to win the championship matches. And for all but a few years, these two women stay close friends. Well-written, informative, and engaging — all the qualities you want in a picture book biography!

Soccer Atlas: A Journey Across the World and Onto the Soccer Field  by James Buckley Jr., illustrated by Eduard Altarriba ages 8+ This encyclopedic book will teach readers all about football/soccer starting with the basics of the field to FIFA and the World Cup to soccer around the world, the superstars of the sport, and much more. Illustrated with some photos and cool layouts that will appeal to readers.

The Story of Simone Biles  by Rachelle Burk ages 6 – 8 Simone Biles’s life story is an inspiring one — she has won more gymnastic medals than anyone in history and continues to be a top performer and advocate for other athletes. This illustrated biography will help kids learn all about this amazing athlete from her early years to the present day.

The Story of Olympic Diver Sammy Lee  by Paula Yoo, illustrated by Dom Lee ages 6 – 8 Don’t miss this interesting early chapter book biography about a Korean American diver, Sammy Lee.  Growing up, Sammy could only use the swimming pool one day a week, the day it was for people of color.  During the rest of the week, he used a sandpit in his coach’s backyard. Gack! His hard work paid off and you’ll read all about his many challenges leading to eventually competing in the Olympics. He was the first Korean American to win gold for the United States!

I’ve Got the No-Skateboard Blues  by Anita Yasuda, illustrated by Jorge Horacio Santillan ages 6 – 8 Tyler’s in trouble with his parents, and he has a broken skateboard. He’s got the No-Skateboard Blues. Can he get a new skateboard before the big contest and will he be allowed to compete?

The Sports Fairies series  by Daisy Meadows ages 6 – 9 Someone has stolen the sports fairies’ magical items, so it’s up to the two friends to help the fairies and return their items.

Kudo Kids: The Mystery of the Masked Medalist  by Maia Shibutani, Alex Shibutani, and Michelle Schusterman, illustrated by Yaoyao Ma Van As ages 9 – 12 The two-time bronze medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani bring you a middle-grade mystery set during the Tokyo Olympics! The siblings encounter puzzles, secrets, and gaming during this thrilling Olympic adventure.

Flipping Forward Twisting Backwards   by Alma Fullerton ages 8 – 12 Claire is the best at gymnastics, but she’s not the best at reading. In fact, she can’t read AT ALL–and has fooled everyone for years. There’s so much to love about this fast-paced book in verse. I love that Claire is a fully developed character with efficacy who shows readers (and her mom( that having a  learning disability  doesn’t mean you’re not smart, it means your brain learns differently.

Ghost  by Jason Reynolds ages 9 – 12 Ghost accidentally gets on a track team, and it’s life-changing.  His coach becomes a mentor and father figure who pushes Ghost to take responsibility for his mistakes (stealing sneakers) and to start dealing with the ghosts of his past. Well written and hopeful about growing up and growing into yourself.

Black Brother Black Brother  by Jewell Parker Rhodes ages 9 – 12 Twins with very different skin colors, one whiter and one darker, are treated differently, most noticeable at their school.  Donte is unfairly accused of something, and when he tries to defend himself, the police are called, and he’s suspended from school. Not to mention, a popular guy at his school calls Donte “black brother” because he’s darker than his twin, Trey. Donte starts fencing to get revenge, but as he trains, he finds that he’s smart, good at fencing, and courageous.

Swim Team  by Johnnie Christmas ages 9 – 12 Bree and her dad move to Florida where she has to take Swim 101 at school . But she ditches because she can’t swim and is afraid. Luckily, her neighbor and babysitter is a former swim team captain, and she teaches Bree how to swim. When Bree accidentally makes the swim team, she learns about teamwork and friendship. This is a wonderful feel-good story about failure, perseverance, and teamwork.

Hands  by Torrey Maldonado ages 9 – 12 Trev thinks a lot about throwing hands.   He starts learning how to box so he can protect his mom and sisters when his stepdad gets out of jail.  But when his Uncle Larry, Quick and Uncle Frankie all ask him why and encourage him to use his brain, Trev sees how fighting could make things even more of a mess. And that if he wants to have a future, he can use his hands differently than fighting, including for his drawings. Maldonado writes shorter books so keep that in mind if your reader is looking for a short middle grade book.

The Story of the Olympics Games  by The Olympic Museum ages 8+ Starting with the history of the ancient Olympic Games , learn how a man named PIerre de Courbertin decided to modernize the ancient sports festival which launched in Athens in 1896. This offical book, created in association with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, takes kids on a historical journey from those first Olympic games all the way to the present day. Photographs, artifacts, and illustrations catch your eye as you read the history, facts, and mini-biographies throughout this beautiful book.

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Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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I love your book lists. I am a volunteer librarian in a small school so they really help me find good books to read aloud and to recommend to kids. Currently I am searching for early chapter books about football. Do you have a list for that subject. Thanks! Karen

Karen, I don’t have one published but I can tell you some titles here… – Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels like Quarterback Rush by Carl Bowen and Eduardo Garcia – Sports Illustrated Kids Illustrated Victory School Superstars like A Running Back Can’t Always Rush by Nate LeBoutillier – MVP series by David A. Kelly

Thanks for the great list of books! Just what I was looking for 🙂

I appreciate this list. My kids and I were looking for book recommendations to read for the upcoming Olympics. I’m hoping my library will have some of these.

I hope so, too!

The House of Beckham: why Tom Bower's book won't topple the Golden Balls empire

Unauthorised biography of David and Victoria Beckham is met with tepid response

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Tom Bower's new book – "House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power" – is brimming with scandal. But will the unauthorised biography really pierce the "golden armour and dismantle the Beckham machine", asked Katie Rosseinsky in The Independent. Given their "staggeringly slick" PR machine, it is a big ask. 

The book comes off the back of a recent Netflix documentary, "Beckham" , that offered a "stage-managed insight" into David and Victoria's relationship that was filled with "endearing off-duty snippets", said Rosseinsky . These included the iconic clip of Victoria describing her "working-class" background before David pops his head round the door to reveal she used to be driven to school in a Rolls-Royce. 

Following his series of "bombshell" books about the royals – the latest is titled "Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors" – Bower has shifted his gaze to "Britain's other royal family". But while it "strains to be explosive", it ends up falling short, "like delving into a Wikipedia recap that re-treads old territory".

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Tabloid fodder 

Perhaps the biggest issue with Bower's book, said Zoe Williams in The Guardian , is that many of his most juicy "revelations" are already tabloid fodder. "ChatGPT could have done the whole thing faster, with the prompts: David Beckham – erection – sun lounger."

"Nothing here feels new," said Hannah Betts in The Telegraph . Stories from the papers are "regurgitated": David is "stingy" and "squeaky-voiced"; Victoria is a "tuneless, furious-faced WAG" whose clothing brand is a "much-puffed vanity project". 

There are, however, "moments of magic" peppered sporadically throughout. Bower claims Victoria behaves so "capriciously" during her 2007 NBC documentary "Coming to America" that her exasperated team are said to have "chorused": "So tell me what you want, what you really, really want."

A 'devil's bargain'

Bower portrays their relationship as a "devil's bargain", said Betts, rather than the "happy-families image" that their PR machine trades off – yet "the narrative is oddly flat".

His "overarching argument", said Rosseinsky in The Independent, is that the marriage has, at times, been "little more than a mutually beneficial business arrangement" – something that "hardly feels like a novel thesis". 

And yet, said Hilary Rose in The Times , Bower can't deny that, after more than two decades together, the Beckhams are "still standing". They might not have lived "happily ever after" but on 4 July, just like they do every year, the couple will post "loving tributes" to each other as they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. 

Despite the alleged affairs and the all-night arguing, said Williams in The Guardian, "they must, on some level, really like each other".

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Lynn Conway, microchip pioneer who overcame transgender discrimination, dies at 86

This Aug. 2023 photo shows Lynn Ann Conway at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Conway, a pioneer in the design of microchips that are at the heart of consumer electronics who overcame discrimination as a transgender person, has died, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (Marcin Szczepanski/University of Michigan via AP)

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Lynn Conway, a pioneer in the design of microchips that are at the heart of consumer electronics who overcame discrimination as a transgender person, has died at age 86.

Her June 9 death was announced by the University of Michigan, where Conway was on the engineering faculty until she retired in 1998.

“She overcame so much, but she didn’t spend her life being angry about the past,” said Valeria Bertacco, computer science professor and U-M vice provost. “She was always focused on the next innovation.”

Conway is credited with developing a simpler method for designing microchips in the 1970s, along with Carver Mead of the California Institute of Technology, the university said.

“Chips used to be designed by drawing them with paper and pencil like an architect’s blueprints in the pre-digital era,” Bertacco said. “Conway’s work developed algorithms that enabled our field to use software to arrange millions, and later billions, of transistors on a chip.”

Conway joined IBM in 1964 after graduating with two degrees from Columbia University. But IBM fired her after she disclosed in 1968 that she was undergoing a gender transition. The company apologized in 2020 — more than 50 years later — and awarded her a lifetime achievement award for her work.

An employee who is transgender had brought Conway’s story to the attention of executives.

“We deeply regret what you went through, and I know I speak for all of us,” said Diane Gherson, who was senior vice president of human resources, according to a transcript.

Dario Gill, director of research, told Conway: “Quite simply: You have helped define the modern computing industry.”

Conway told The New York Times that the turnabout was unexpected and “stunning.”

IBM recognized her death Friday.

“Lynn Conway broke down barriers for the trans community and pushed the limits of technology through revolutionary work that is still impacting our lives to this day,” said Nickle LaMoreaux, IBM’s chief human resources officer.

In a 2014 video posted on YouTube , Conway reflected on her transition, saying “there was hardly any knowledge in our society even about the existence of transgender identities” in the 1960s.

“I think a lot of that’s really hit now because those parents who have transgender children are discovering ... if they let the person blossom into who they need to be they often see just remarkable flourishing,” Conway said.

The native of Mount Vernon, New York, had five U.S. patents. Conway’s career included work at Xerox, the National Science Foundation and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, part of the U.S. Defense Department. She also had honorary degrees from many universities, including Princeton University.

AP reporter Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this story.

Follow Ed White at https://twitter.com/edwritez

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David Beckham’s ‘unless it’s a knighthood, f—k off’ tantrum ruined his chances of being made a ‘Sir’: book

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David Beckham ’s foul mouth red carded his chances of getting a knighthood.

The soccer legend mounted a campaign to get an honor from the Queen which would give him the title ‘Sir’ and make his wife ‘Lady’ Victoria in the UK.

However, his apparent tax avoidance and private emails – in which he branded the Honors Committee which rejected him “unappreciative c***s” – torpedoed it.

Former England captain Beckham, now 49, had started doing charity work as his professional career was winding up in 2013, in a bid to get noticed by the board who issue the honors.

Friends, including Olympian Lord Sebastian Coe, assured he was a “shoe in” for a knighthood – one of the highest honors in England — according to new tell-all book “The House of Beckham” by Tom Bower, which is out in the UK now and published in the US next Tuesday .

His team even contrived an elaborate plan to boost his do-good image and in November of that year Beckham he volunteered to help in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan to promote a “man-of-the-people” persona and being spotted at local bars and dining out in public cafes.

Even Victoria tried to downplay her celebrity by identifying publicly as an average mom, and sharing a photo of her donation to victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

But when Beck’s knighthood notice never arrived that December he asked Coe: “What have I done wrong?”

After the list was published, Victoria was “gutted” to have her Lady title rejected, according to Bower.

David also dismissed the possibility of a lesser role being Commander of the British Empire (CBE), emailing Coe: “Unless it’s a knighthood, f—k off. They’re a bunch of c—s. I expected nothing less.”

The snub infuriated him.

“If I was an American I would of [sic] got something like this 10 years ago,” he wrote, seemingly unaware non-UK citizens very rarely qualify for the country’s honors .

Another email also blasted his one-time charity fundraising pal, Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins.

“Katherine Jenkins OBE [knighthood] for what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops plus taking coke. F—ing joke,” Beckham wrote.

Those emails would not come to light until 2017 when they were hacked from a computer and published online.

At that time a spokesperson for Beckham said they were “based on outdated material taken out of context.”

In 2013 the committee had rejected the knighthood bid after realizing he was not registered as living in the UK at the time but reported earning $26.8 million playing for LA Galaxy – none of which went back into the UK’s coffers.

Beckham was also involved in an allegedly legal “aggressive tax avoidance” scheme backed by London-based investment company Ingenious Films, according to the book. Beckham, Bower writes, was one of the targets for recovering taxes lost by those involved in the grey area scheme.

Those things, coupled with buying a seven-bedroom house in London’s Holland Park for nearly $40 million and the Beckhams’ extravagant lifestyle, were a no-go for former head of civil service Bob Kerslake and the chairman of the Honors Committee, according to Bower’s book.

In the summer of 2014, Beckham’s team encouraged him to donate to UNICEF to up his chances of knighthood, but the former soccer star’s interest was waning.

Instead, he made the humanitarian organization upgrade his five-star hotel on a UNICEF trip to Cambodia and refused to contribute his personal money to help foot the bill.

Beckham has since had various issues with the UK treasury over paying tax, which were finally resolved and he was given the “all clear” to receive a knighthood in 2021, according to the UK’s Daily Mirror .

However he has continued to be snubbed, including by new monarch King Charles , who left Beckham off his honors list for 2024 earlier this month .