7 FIFA Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Investigative journalist David Mack and other thought leaders recommend these authoritative FIFA books to deepen your understanding and passion.

David Mack
Updated on June 25, 2025
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What if I told you that behind the spectacle of the FIFA World Cup lies a world rich in drama, history, and controversy that goes far beyond the matches on the pitch? FIFA’s story is tangled with triumphs and scandals that have shaped global soccer into the phenomenon it is today. This makes understanding FIFA not just about the game, but the powerful forces behind it.

David Mack, an investigative journalist at BuzzFeed News, has closely followed FIFA’s complex world, uncovering layers of corruption and governance challenges. His recommendation of Red Card reveals how deeply intertwined FIFA’s story is with global politics and law enforcement, offering readers a gripping narrative anchored by real-world investigation.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks covering FIFA’s history, tournaments, and scandals, readers seeking content tailored to their specific interests—whether it’s player stats, tournament insights, or governance issues—might consider creating a personalized FIFA book that builds on these insights.

Best for deep investigative insights
David Mack, an investigative journalist at BuzzFeed News with extensive experience covering politics and corruption, highlights this book for its energetic and revealing take on FIFA's wrongdoing. He praises it as a must-read, saying "today is a GREAT day to read @kenbensinger’s rollicking book about fifa corruption!" This endorsement underscores how the book reshaped his understanding of the scandal’s depth and the complex forces at play within soccer’s world governing body.
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Recommended by David Mack

Investigative journalist, BuzzFeed News

Today is a GREAT day to read Ken Bensinger’s rollicking book about FIFA corruption! (from X)

2018·368 pages·Soccer, FIFA, Corruption, Professional Soccer, International Law

Drawing from over two decades as an investigative journalist, Ken Bensinger unpacks the sprawling FIFA corruption scandal with a sharp eye for detail and narrative. You’ll learn how American law enforcement uncovered decades of bribery, fraud, and money laundering that reached the highest echelons of world soccer, including vivid portraits of key figures like Chuck Blazer and Sepp Blatter. The book delves into the mechanisms of corruption within FIFA and exposes how even the World Cup was not immune to exploitation. If you want an insider’s look at the intersection of sports, power, and international crime, this book offers a gripping and thorough account.

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Gianni Infantino is the current President of FIFA, the international governing body of football, with deep experience from roles within FIFA and UEFA. His authoritative perspective drives this detailed review of the 20 FIFA World Cups, combining exclusive interviews, official documents, and rich photography to tell the stories behind the tournament's global influence.
2021·320 pages·FIFA, Soccer, Sports History, World Cup, Player Interviews

Unlike most FIFA histories that skim the surface, this book dives deeply into the World Cup's rich legacy through the eyes of Gianni Infantino, FIFA's current president. Drawing from his extensive involvement with FIFA and UEFA, Infantino presents not just match highlights but also behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive interviews with iconic players, and detailed official documents that reveal the tournament's evolving impact. You'll explore pivotal moments across all 20 editions, gaining insight into the cultural and sporting significance shaped over decades. This book suits anyone eager to understand the World Cup beyond scores – from passionate fans to sports historians.

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Best for personalized FIFA insights
This AI-created book on FIFA history is written based on your unique interests and knowledge level. You share your background, which areas of FIFA intrigue you most, and your learning goals. The book then focuses on delivering exactly what you want to explore about FIFA’s evolution, tournaments, and broader impact. This personalized approach makes complex FIFA history accessible and engaging by addressing your specific questions and priorities.
2025·50-300 pages·FIFA, FIFA History, World Cup Evolution, Tournament Analysis, Player Legacies

This personalized book explores the fascinating evolution and global impact of FIFA, crafted specifically to match your interests and background. It covers FIFA's historical milestones, key tournaments, governance dynamics, and the cultural significance of its events. Through a tailored narrative, it reveals how FIFA has shaped international soccer and influenced sports governance worldwide. By focusing on your specific goals, this book offers a unique pathway through FIFA’s complex history, blending broad context with detailed insights that matter most to you. Whether you're intrigued by tournament trends, player legacies, or organizational challenges, this tailored approach deepens your understanding with engaging, relevant content.

Tailored Content
Tournament Analysis
1,000+ Happy Readers
Jen O'Neill is a former Sunderland Women player and columnist for The Times in England. Her extensive background as an editor and analyst for She Kicks magazine and her broadcasting work on women’s soccer provide her with unique qualifications. These experiences led her to author this official guide, offering readers detailed insights into the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Her expertise ensures the book is a trusted companion for anyone interested in the tournament’s teams, venues, and history.
2019·96 pages·FIFA, Soccer, Sports, Women’s Soccer, Tournament Analysis

Jen O'Neill draws on her rich experience as a former Sunderland Women player and respected soccer analyst to craft a detailed portrait of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. You gain a thorough understanding of the tournament's structure, from the qualifying rounds to the spotlight on each of the 24 teams and their key players. The book's chapters on venue specifics and historical retrospectives offer both context and depth, making it more than just a preview. If you follow women's soccer or are keen on tournament analysis, this book offers accessible insights with vivid photography and handy stats to enrich your knowledge.

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Best for soccer statistics enthusiasts
Keir Radnedge has covered soccer for more than 50 years and written countless books on the subject. As a journalist, he worked for the Daily Mail and The Guardian and was General Editor of World Soccer, the most respected English language publication on the world game. This extensive experience uniquely qualifies him to compile this official FIFA publication, offering readers an authoritative and updated compendium of the sport’s most significant records and stories.
2020·224 pages·FIFA, Soccer Record, Soccer, Player Records, Manager Achievements

When Keir Radnedge first realized the scale of FIFA's global impact, he set out to capture its rich history in this official publication. Drawing on over 50 years covering soccer for major outlets like the Daily Mail and The Guardian, Radnedge presents detailed records of legendary players, champion managers, iconic stadiums, and extraordinary matches, updated through the 2020 European Championship and Copa America. You gain access to a trove of statistics and narratives that bring the game’s milestones to life, ideal if you want to deepen your understanding of international soccer's evolution. This book suits enthusiasts keen on the sport’s historical context more than casual fans looking for current season analysis.

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Best for up-to-date FIFA records
Keir Radnedge is a renowned sports journalist and author with extensive experience covering international football events. His expertise and firsthand exposure to the sport’s global stage uniquely position him to compile FIFA World Football Records 2022, a meticulously researched volume that brings together updated stats, national team records, and compelling stories from major tournaments worldwide.
2021·FIFA, Soccer Record, Soccer, Football Records, International Teams

Keir Radnedge's extensive background as a sports journalist covering international football events shines through in this detailed compendium. FIFA World Football Records 2022 compiles a vast array of statistics and stories from major world and continental tournaments, offering updated records for over 35 national teams alongside insights into standout matches and players. You’ll find not just numbers but narratives that bring the sport’s history alive, including sidebars highlighting key stats across more than 170 FIFA member nations. This book suits anyone deeply interested in the evolving landscape of international football, whether you follow the sport professionally or passionately.

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Best for custom learning paths
This AI-created book on FIFA records is tailored to your football knowledge and interests. You share which records and player achievements you want to focus on, plus your current understanding of FIFA stats. Then, you receive a book that matches your background and helps you quickly grasp the key data behind the sport’s greatest moments. Personalizing the content means you get to explore FIFA’s complex statistics in a way that makes the most sense for you.
2025·50-300 pages·FIFA, FIFA Records, Player Achievements, Tournament Stats, Historical Data

This tailored book explores FIFA’s key records in a way that matches your background and specific interests. It reveals the stories behind player achievements, historic match statistics, and tournament milestones, focusing on what matters most to you. By combining a personalized approach with rich content, it covers essential FIFA records and their significance, providing a clear path through complex data. Whether you’re a newcomer or an avid fan, this book guides you step-by-step to quickly grasp the nuances of FIFA’s statistical landscape, enabling a deeper appreciation of the sport’s legendary moments and record-holders.

Tailored Guide
Record Analysis
3,000+ Books Created
Best for visual World Cup storytelling
The FIFA World Football Museum, based in Zurich and led by Creative Director David Ausseil, brings unparalleled expertise to this book. Their exclusive access to archives and global network of soccer experts ensures a rich, authoritative history of the FIFA World Cup. This background makes the book an invaluable companion for anyone wanting to explore the tournament’s legacy through official documents, vivid photography, and insightful commentary.
The Official History of the FIFA World Cup™ book cover

by FIFA World Football Museum, Gianni Infantino··You?

2018·304 pages·FIFA, Soccer, Sports History, World Cup, Player Profiles

What started as a curated exhibition project by the FIFA World Football Museum evolved into this detailed chronicle covering every FIFA World Cup tournament from 1930 onward. You get a vivid tour through 20 tournaments, enriched by official documents, iconic photos, and statistical insights that bring the sport’s biggest moments to life. Alongside the legendary matches and star players, the book also shines a light on lesser-known athletes, offering a rounded perspective on World Cup history. If you’re eager to deepen your understanding of how FIFA’s premier event has shaped soccer globally, this book offers a rich, visually engaging resource.

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Best for uncovering FIFA corruption
Andrew Jennings is an award-winning investigative sports reporter who devoted four years to exposing the hidden corruption and mismanagement within FIFA. His deep investigative work offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of football’s governing body, revealing how power and money intertwine in this international institution. Jennings’ expertise and dedicated research uniquely position him to unpack the complex scandals that have shaped FIFA’s modern history.
400 pages·Corruption, Bribery, FIFA, Strategy, Governance

Andrew Jennings, an award-winning investigative sports reporter, spent four years uncovering the murky underbelly of FIFA’s leadership, presenting a meticulous account of corruption, bribery, and vote rigging within the organization. You gain insight into how FIFA’s top officials, including Sepp Blatter, manipulated power structures and financial flows for personal gain, supported by extensive interviews and rare documents spanning continents. Chapters detail the privatization of international sport revenues and the electoral strategies that secured Blatter's grip on FIFA. This book suits anyone keen on understanding the intersection of sports, politics, and corruption, especially those interested in governance failures in global institutions.

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Conclusion

These seven books together paint a vivid picture of FIFA’s multifaceted world—from the thrilling highs of the World Cup to the shadowy depths of corruption. If you're intrigued by the intricacies of tournament history and iconic matches, start with The Official History of the FIFA World Cup™ and The Official History of the Fifa World Cup. For those drawn to the gritty realities behind the scenes, Red Card and Foul! offer compelling investigative journalism.

For readers who thrive on numbers and records, World Soccer Records 2021 and FIFA World Football Records 2022 deliver extensive statistical depth that brings the sport’s evolution to life. Meanwhile, fans of women’s soccer will find FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ The Official Book a valuable resource for tournament analysis and player insights.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized FIFA book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and deepen your appreciation for the beautiful game’s governing heartbeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which FIFA book should I start with?

Start with The Official History of the FIFA World Cup™ for a rich overview of the tournaments and iconic moments. It sets a solid foundation before diving into more specialized books like Red Card or Foul! for corruption insights.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to FIFA?

Not at all. Books like FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ The Official Book provide accessible insights. The histories and records books offer engaging narratives that welcome readers at all experience levels.

What’s the best order to read these FIFA books?

Begin with broad histories such as The Official History of the Fifa World Cup and World Soccer Records 2021. Then explore investigative works like Red Card and Foul! to understand FIFA’s governance complexities.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your interest—choose Red Card or Foul! for corruption stories, or the official histories for tournament lore. Each offers unique perspectives without needing to read them all.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast FIFA changes?

While FIFA evolves, historical and investigative books remain relevant to understand its roots and challenges. Updated records books like FIFA World Football Records 2022 provide the latest stats and developments.

How can I get FIFA knowledge tailored to my specific interests without reading multiple books?

Great question! While these expert books offer solid foundations, you can create a personalized FIFA book tailored to your interests, skill level, and goals, bridging expert insights with your unique needs.

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