Best Soccer Books: Finding the Perfect Soccer Books for You
There are a number of great books about soccer that are worth reading if you want to learn more about the sport. With a number of different options on this list of the best soccer books, you can also choose from a wide selection of soccer-related topics as well.
This list of the best soccer books will feature top options and will cover a wide range of stories, players, authors, and more. Whether you are new to the game or an experienced soccer fan, these books will provide you with valuable insights and some excellent soccer stories.
When you are finished with this list of the best soccer books, visit our lists of the best soccer balls, best soccer movies, and best soccer training tools. All of these lists are perfect for soccer fans and will provide even more valuable content.
Top 25 Soccer Books:
1. Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics by Jonathan Wilson
Price: $19.47
About the Book: A masterful look at the evolution of football tactics over time. Jonathan Wilson traces formations from the earliest days to the modern game. Perfect for soccer historians and tacticians. A definitive guide to football strategy.
2. Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski
Price: $26.10
About the Book: Combines soccer with economics to answer big questions about the sport. Analyzes why certain nations and clubs win or lose. Filled with data, insight, and wit. A modern classic for the analytical fan.
3. The Ball is Round: A Global History of Soccer by David Goldblatt
Price: $10.99
About the Book: An encyclopedic look at soccer’s development worldwide. David Goldblatt explores how the game intersects with politics, society, and culture. Deeply researched and engagingly written. A must-read for any serious fan.
4. Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby
Price: $12.99
About the Book: A personal memoir that captures the obsession of being a football fan. Hornby’s story is both humorous and heartfelt, centered around Arsenal FC. It’s about growing up with the game. A cult classic among soccer literature.
5. The Miracle of Castel di Sangro by Joe McGinniss
Price: $15.49
About the Book: Chronicles a small Italian club’s rise to Serie B against all odds. McGinniss spends a year embedded with the team. A fascinating story of dreams, politics, and the underdog spirit. Gripping and emotional from start to finish.
6. How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization by Franklin Foer
Price: $14.99
About the Book: Uses football to explore globalization and cultural identity. Foer visits clubs across the world to reveal the sport’s social impact. Thoughtful, witty, and provocative. A unique take on soccer’s global reach.
7. The National Team: The Inside Story of the Women Who Changed Soccer by Caitlin Murray
Price: $2.99
About the Book: A deep dive into the U.S. women’s national team’s rise to dominance. Covers key players, milestones, and battles for equality. Offers behind-the-scenes insights. Essential reading for fans of women’s football.
8. The Football Men: Up Close with the Giants of the Modern Game by Simon Kuper
Price: $10.09
About the Book: A collection of profiles on football’s most influential figures. Kuper examines personalities like Beckham, Mourinho, and Wenger. Each piece is sharp, insightful, and engaging. A rich look at the men behind the game.
9. The Football Factory by John King
Price: $12.40
About the Book: A gritty novel that explores the culture of football hooliganism. Focuses on working-class fans and their violent world. Raw and controversial, it paints a dark portrait of football passion. Not for the faint of heart.
10. The Second Half by Roy Keane and Roddy Doyle
Price: $5.99
About the Book: Roy Keane opens up about life after his playing career. Co-written with Roddy Doyle, it’s thoughtful, candid, and intense. Explores coaching, media work, and personal battles. Honest and compelling from a true football icon.
11. My Turn: The Autobiography by Johan Cruyff
Price: $6.43
About the Book: Cruyff’s autobiography details his career and football philosophy. A visionary player and coach, his influence is still felt today. This book provides insight into his revolutionary ideas. Clear, humble, and inspiring.
12. I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović by Zlatan Ibrahimović
Price: $14.99
About the Book: The bold, outrageous story of football’s ultimate showman. Zlatan recounts his troubled upbringing, career highs, and defiant personality. It’s as entertaining as it is revealing. Full of swagger, drama, and heart.
13. Pep Confidential: The Inside Story of Pep Guardiola’s First Season at Bayern Munich by Martí Perarnau
Price: $14.95
About the Book: Follows Guardiola’s first season at Bayern Munich with unprecedented access. Reveals his training sessions, tactical thoughts, and leadership style. Deeply analytical and well-written. Great for coaches and fans alike.
14. Sir Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography by Sir Alex Ferguson
Price: $6.99
About the Book: The legendary manager tells his life story, from early days to global fame. Offers lessons on leadership, football, and life. Includes stories about Beckham, Ronaldo, and more. An intimate look at the mind behind Manchester United.
15. The Football Man by Arthur Hopcraft
Price: $14.99
About the Book: A timeless exploration of the men who play and shape the game. Hopcraft captures football’s cultural essence through elegant prose. Still relevant decades after publication. An important literary contribution to football writing.
16. The Football Book: A History of the World’s Game by DK
Price: $19.43
About the Book: A richly illustrated reference guide covering players, clubs, rules, and tactics. Offers historical context and profiles of legends. Perfect for new fans and seasoned followers alike. A beautiful and informative coffee-table book.
17. The Football Manager’s Guide to Football Management by Iain Macintosh
Price: $10.99
About the Book: A humorous comparison between managing in real life and the video game. Macintosh draws parallels that are surprisingly insightful. Fun and educational for managers and FM fans. Light reading with genuine coaching advice.
18. The Soccer Success PlayBook
Price: $3.99
About the Book: A practical guide to improving on and off the pitch. Offers strategies for young athletes to build confidence and skill. Focuses on mental toughness and goal-setting. Ideal for youth players and aspiring pros.
19. The Academy (The Academy Series)
Price: $6.99
About the Book: A fictional story set in a competitive football academy. Follows young players navigating pressure, friendship, and dreams. Combines drama with realistic football action. Great for teen readers and soccer lovers.
20. The World is a Ball: The Joy, Madness, and Meaning of Soccer by John Doyle
Price: $14.99
About the Book: An exploration of soccer’s global reach and emotional pull. Doyle recounts experiences from World Cups and local matches alike. Blends travel writing with football insight. A love letter to the game across continents.
21. Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football by David Winner
Price: $15.69
About the Book: A deep dive into the philosophy and psychology of Dutch football. Examines how art, architecture, and culture influence the Netherlands’ style. Features profiles of Cruyff and total football. Quirky, smart, and fascinating.
22. Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made by David Halberstam
Price: $11.87
About the Book: Though about Michael Jordan, this book is not soccer-related. Focuses on basketball history and the rise of the NBA. Excellent sports writing, but miscategorized. Better suited for basketball fans than football readers.
23. The Soccer Book by DK
Price: $13.99
About the Book: A visual encyclopedia of soccer covering rules, techniques, and major teams. Includes tactical breakdowns and tournament history. Ideal for beginners or young fans. Accessible and engaging reference material.
24. ¡Golazo!: A History of Latin American Football
Price: $95.74
About the Book: A sweeping history of Latin American soccer and its cultural impact. Covers Brazil, Argentina, and other major footballing nations. Rich in political and social commentary. A scholarly yet readable work for enthusiasts.
25. Inspirational Soccer Stories for Young Superstars
Price: $11.99
About the Book: Aimed at young readers, this book compiles uplifting tales of soccer heroes. Highlights perseverance, discipline, and dreams achieved. Great for motivating youth players. Simple, positive, and inspiring storytelling.
Editor’s Pick for the Best Soccer Books
If we had to recommend just one title as the best soccer book, it would be Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics by Jonathan Wilson. This book stands out because it blends deep tactical insight with historical perspective, offering a comprehensive look at how soccer has evolved strategically over the decades. It’s a must-read for any serious fan who wants to go beyond the surface of the game. Whether you’re a coach, player, or dedicated spectator, this book will expand how you view formations, managers, and the game’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Soccer Books
What is the best soccer book for understanding tactics?
“Inverting the Pyramid” by Jonathan Wilson is widely regarded as the go-to book on football tactics. It traces the evolution of formations and philosophies from early history to the modern game.
Are there good soccer books for younger readers?
Yes! Titles like “The Academy” and “Inspirational Soccer Stories for Young Superstars” are excellent for teens and young readers, offering relatable characters and motivational messages.
Which book is best for learning about soccer’s cultural influence?
Books like “The Ball is Round” by David Goldblatt and “How Soccer Explains the World” by Franklin Foer provide deep insight into how soccer intersects with politics, culture, and global issues.
Is there a top autobiography by a soccer player?
Yes, “I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović” and “My Turn” by Johan Cruyff are both standout autobiographies, offering intimate portraits of their careers, challenges, and philosophies on football.
Are all the books listed nonfiction?
Not all. Some, like “The Football Factory” and “The Academy,” are fictional, providing dramatic and entertaining perspectives on soccer life and fandom.
Tips for Choosing the Best Soccer Books for You
1. Decide Between Tactical, Historical, or Biographical Content
Soccer books range from deep tactical analyses to emotional autobiographies and global history. Consider what you’re most interested in—whether it’s coaching insights, player journeys, or the evolution of the sport.
2. Match Reading Level to the Reader
Books like “The Soccer Book” by DK or “Inspirational Soccer Stories for Young Superstars” are perfect for younger readers. More complex reads like “Soccernomics” and “Brilliant Orange” suit older or more analytical fans.
3. Look for Cultural Context if You Enjoy Global Perspectives
If you’re fascinated by how soccer fits into larger societal narratives, pick up “The Ball is Round” or “¡Golazo!” These books dive into the cultural, political, and social layers of the game worldwide.
4. Autobiographies Add Personality
Books by players like Zlatan, Cruyff, and Ferguson offer firsthand stories and lessons learned both on and off the field. They’re a great choice if you want something more personal and character-driven.
5. Consider a Mix of Fiction and Nonfiction
Including novels like “The Football Factory” can offer a new lens on soccer culture. A mix of factual books and storytelling keeps your reading fresh and varied.
Best Soccer Books Conclusion
Whether you’re a soccer novice or a lifelong fan, this list of the best soccer books featured above has plenty of great books about the sport to keep you entertained.
From tales of legendary players and epic matches to tips for improving your own game, these books provide something for everyone.
Please make sure to comment below if you have feedback on any of these soccer books. We know that all of our readers would appreciate your comments.
