Essential Books That Every Soccer Fan Should Read

Essential Books That Every Soccer Fan Should Read

Are you a soccer fan looking to score big on your reading list this fall? Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or an aspiring player, there are a few best-sellers that everyone should read to gain a deeper understanding and more insight on the beautiful game! You don’t necessarily need to be an experienced reader to be thoroughly entertained by our top picks. The books featured on this list will appeal to anyone who’s interested in the rich history, culture, and passion of the world’s most beloved sport (and you’re guaranteed to learn something new along the way).  Here are several must-read books that every soccer fan should consider adding to their bookshelf!

 

 

Messi by Guillem Balague

For anyone who’s interested in learning more about the life and career of world superstar Lionel Messi, be sure to add Messi by Guillem Balague to your reading list! Messi is a detailed biography that gives readers a deeper insight into the rise of one of the greatest soccer players in history. From his unyielding success representing Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, to his endurance of a difficult first season at Paris Saint-Germain. Balague dives into Messi’s relationships with teammates, coaches, and his family, highlighting both his extraordinary talent and his personal struggles. Be prepared to have an even greater appreciation of the man behind the legend!

 

The Club by Joshua Robinson & Jonathan Clegg

For any soccer fan who’s interested in the evolution of the Premier League and the transformation of English clubs into entertainment empires, check out The Club by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg. The Club offers readers the inside story of how English soccer’s Premier League evolved into the richest, most popular sports product on the planet. Robinson and Clegg analyze how clubs have the power to shape not only the beautiful game as a whole, but also social and economic behaviors around the world. They masterfully examine the influence of modern technology and sponsorships and how fandom has changed in recent years. You’ll finish this book with a better understanding of the impact of English football in the modern world.

 

The Mixer by Michael Cox

The Mixer is considered an essential read for every soccer enthusiast, especially for fans of English football and the Premier League! Unlike The Club by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg, The Mixer focuses on how tactics have changed since 1992 when English football emerged from a five-year ban from European competition. The book covers the significant shifts in style of play, from aggressive approaches to more tactical finesse. The creation of the Premier League also marks one of the most important rule changes in soccer history: the abolition of the back-pass. The Mixer is the first book to do a deep dive into the tactical story of the Premier League and how they have shaped the way the game is played over the last 25 years.

 

Messi vs. Ronaldo by Joshua Robinson & Jonathan Clegg

For the soccer fan who lives and breathes for team and player rivalries, Messi vs. Ronaldo is the perfect book for you! Wall Street Journal reporters Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg feature an expert account of the intertwined legacies of two of the greatest soccer players of all time, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s no secret that Messi and Ronaldo are one of the most iconic soccer rivalries of all time. For millions of people around the world “Messi or Ronaldo?” is not something as simple as a casual debate between fandoms, it represents a statement of philosophy and values, of what global soccer is today and of what it’ll be tomorrow. Much more than a retelling of the accomplishments of these legendary players, this book is a biography of the famous rivalry that will have a lasting impact on the past, present, and future of soccer. It may be hard for fans to pick a favourite after reading this one!

 

Quiet Leadership by Carlo Ancelotti

For aspiring soccer coaches, be sure to add Quiet Leadership by Carlo Ancelotti to your reading study guide! This inspiring recount of one of the greatest managers of all time offers fans a deeper understanding of Ancelotti's leadership style. With 5 Champions League titles to his name, Ancelotti has made his mark on the world of soccer through his unique approach as a manager for the legends. His calm and example-setting approach has earned him the unwavering loyalty of players like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Cristiano Ronaldo. This book will teach you valuable lessons surrounding his methods, mistakes, and triumphs that have shaped Carlo Ancelotti as Europe’s greatest manager.

 

The Fix by Declan Hill

For sports fans who also enjoy listening to true crime podcasts on the side, The Fix by Declan Hill is your next must-read! Hill investigates the complex issue of match-fixing in soccer through his own research and personal experiences. Named the most explosive story of sports corruption in a generation, The Fix explores the darker side of soccer and what motivates people to take part in match-fixing, whether by financial gain or the blackmail of high-ranking players and officials. Whether you already know the ins and outs of match-fixing in soccer or are curious to learn more about taboo topics in the world of sports, this book raises awareness for ensuring honesty and integrity within the beautiful game. A thrilling journey from start to finish!

 

Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby

One of the most popular books among soccer fans is Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby. This book is unlike any memoir you’ve seen before, there are no chapters, just a series of match reports falling into three-time frames (childhood, young adulthood, and manhood). Fever Pitch is one of those books that stays with you forever and will connect with fans on a deeper level since it’s written by a fan, for fans! The book tells the story of the life of an obsessive Arsenal fan (Hornby) and how witnessing the Reading vs. Arsenal match on May 2, 1972, made him question everything at just 15 years old. With a blend of personal reflections on his experiences as a supporter, Hornby perfectly captures the joys and frustrations of joining a soccer club fandom and how it impacted his development and relationships. Get ready for a relatable journey of humour and shameless honesty that may lead you to question what it truly means to be a fan!

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