8 Best-Selling FIFA Books Millions Love

BuzzFeed journalist David Mack and other experts recommend these FIFA books packed with proven insights and compelling stories.

David Mack
Updated on June 28, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the world of FIFA, where passion runs deep and stories run wide. With millions tuning in to every World Cup and following FIFA's every move, the demand for trustworthy, insightful books has never been greater. These titles have been embraced by readers hungry to understand FIFA's rich history, controversies, and iconic figures.

David Mack, a seasoned journalist with BuzzFeed News and former ABC News correspondent, stands out among the experts who endorse these books. His on-the-ground reporting and keen insight into FIFA's scandals and triumphs have helped shape public understanding, making his recommendations particularly valuable.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and narratives, readers seeking content tailored to their specific FIFA interests might consider creating a personalized FIFA book that combines these validated approaches with their unique goals and background. This way, you get expert-backed knowledge crafted just for you.

Best for investigative FIFA scandal insights
David Mack, a seasoned journalist with BuzzFeed News and former ABC News correspondent, found himself drawn into this book amid growing public interest in FIFA’s corruption. His enthusiasm shines through in his endorsement: "Today is a GREAT day to read Ken Bensinger’s rollicking book about FIFA corruption!" This recommendation highlights how the book captures the intricate scandal with a compelling narrative. David’s perspective aligns with many fans eager to understand how deeply corruption had infiltrated soccer’s most prestigious organization, making it a must-read for those seeking clarity on the subject.
DM

Recommended by David Mack

BuzzFeed News journalist, former ABC News correspondent

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, Sports Governance

Ken Bensinger challenges the conventional wisdom that FIFA’s corruption was a distant, isolated issue by tracing how American investigators uncovered a sprawling international scandal. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the key figures involved, like Chuck Blazer and Sepp Blatter, and the complex web of bribery and fraud that reached the heart of soccer’s global governance. The book offers a vivid narrative that reveals how law enforcement gradually exposed decades of criminal activity tied to the World Cup, illustrating the interplay between sports, politics, and law. If you want to grasp the real story behind one of sports’ largest scandals, this book provides essential insights without sensationalism.

View on Amazon
Best for understanding FIFA corruption history
David Conn is an award-winning journalist for the Guardian who has been deeply involved in covering the FIFA crisis over many years. His experience reporting on the multilayered corruption within global soccer lends this book a rare depth and credibility. Conn’s passionate yet detailed account draws from exclusive interviews and extensive research, making it a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the behind-the-scenes turmoil at the heart of FIFA.
2017·336 pages·FIFA, Soccer, Sports, Corruption, Governance

During his extensive career covering global soccer, journalist David Conn uncovered layers of corruption that reshaped how the world views FIFA. This book details the cascade of scandals from the 2015 indictments of top executives to the controversies surrounding World Cup host selections in Russia and Qatar. You’ll gain insight into the complex web of bribery, kickbacks, and racketeering that permeated FIFA’s leadership, alongside profiles of key figures like Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer. If you want a vivid, fact-driven narrative that combines investigative rigor with a genuine passion for soccer, this book offers a thorough exploration of one of sports’ biggest crises.

View on Amazon
Best for personalized FIFA tactics
This AI-created book on FIFA strategy is crafted specifically for your background, skill level, and the challenges you face in the game. By sharing what aspects of FIFA you want to focus on and your goals, you receive a tailored guide that covers the techniques and tactics most relevant to you. This personalized approach makes learning more effective by zooming in on what you need rather than generic advice.
2025·50-300 pages·FIFA, FIFA Fundamentals, Gameplay Techniques, Player Roles, Match Analysis

This tailored book explores battle-tested FIFA methods customized to your unique challenges and goals. It examines proven tactics and insights that millions of readers have found valuable, blending popular knowledge with your personal interests. By focusing on your background and specific objectives, this book reveals effective gameplay techniques, strategic decision-making, and skill development tailored to your level and style. It emphasizes practical learning experiences that deepen your understanding of FIFA dynamics and help you elevate your performance. Through this personalized approach, you gain focused content that matches your needs, making your journey to mastering FIFA both engaging and efficient.

Tailored Guide
Tactical Innovation
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for exploring FIFA's political controversies
Heidi Blake, a multi-award-winning investigative journalist formerly of The Sunday Times Insight team and now BuzzFeed’s UK investigations editor, brings rigorous expertise to this exposé. Her proven ability to uncover hidden truths drives this detailed account of FIFA’s corruption and the controversial Qatar World Cup bid. Blake’s background ensures readers get a meticulously researched narrative that goes beyond surface-level sports reporting, uncovering the political and financial undercurrents shaping global soccer.
2015·480 pages·FIFA, Sports Politics, Corruption, Investigative Journalism, International Relations

Unlike most sports books that focus on gameplay or stars, this investigation by Heidi Blake and Jonathan Calvert uncovers the murky world of FIFA's political maneuvering. Drawing from their work at The Sunday Times’ Insight team, they expose how Qatar secured the 2022 World Cup through secret payments and influence peddling, revealing the depth of corruption that challenges the sport's integrity. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind FIFA’s controversial decisions, including examples like lavish junkets and leaked documents that paint a vivid picture of global soccer politics. This book suits anyone interested in the intersection of sports, politics, and ethics rather than just match highlights.

View on Amazon
Best for connecting with soccer legends
Kofi Allen’s The Fifa 100 offers a rare glimpse into soccer’s most celebrated figures through a collection of evocative portraits commissioned for FIFA’s hundredth anniversary. This book stands out for combining artistry with biography, featuring images by leading photographers that capture the essence of players like Pelé, Beckham, and Maradona. It’s a tribute that goes beyond statistics, inviting you to appreciate the beauty and history of the game in a way few other FIFA books do.
The Fifa 100 book cover

by Kofi Allen·You?

2004·216 pages·FIFA, Soccer Players, Sports Photography, Athlete Biographies, Soccer History

When Kofi Allen compiled The Fifa 100, he drew on the unique opportunity to showcase not just statistics or game highlights, but the very spirit of soccer’s greatest players through powerful, intimate portraits. This book reveals the choices of Pelé, arguably the sport’s most iconic figure, spotlighting legends like David Beckham and Diego Maradona alongside lesser-known but equally compelling athletes. Beyond the striking photography by renowned artists such as Marc Quinn and Helena Christensen, you gain insight into the players’ careers and personalities. If you appreciate the artistry and history of international soccer, this collection offers a memorable way to connect with the game’s most influential figures.

View on Amazon
Best for detailed World Cup history
The Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup stands out for its detailed coverage of the tournament’s entire history, offering a rich resource for anyone drawn to the sport’s biggest global event. It lays out the origins, development, and milestones of the World Cup with thorough entries on players, coaches, stadiums, and officials, supported by comprehensive appendixes. This book meets the needs of fans, players, and researchers seeking a solid factual grounding in FIFA’s marquee competition, helping you appreciate the event’s scale and significance through a unique encyclopedic approach.
Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup book cover

by Tom Dunmore, Andrew Donaldson·You?

2015·406 pages·FIFA, Soccer, Sports History, World Cup, Player Profiles

Drawing from extensive research into the FIFA World Cup's rich history, Tom Dunmore and Andrew Donaldson compiled a detailed reference capturing every major aspect of the tournament since 1930. You explore not just game results but the stories of key players, coaches, stadiums, and officials that shaped the event’s legacy, with chapters dedicated to each finals tournament and appendixes listing top performers and records. This book suits anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge about the World Cup beyond the matches themselves, especially soccer fans and sports historians seeking factual depth rather than casual commentary. It offers a thorough lens on the event’s cultural and sporting significance without overwhelming you with fluff.

View on Amazon
Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on FIFA skills is tailored to your experience level and specific goals. By sharing what you already know and what you want to improve, this personalized guide covers the topics that matter most to you. The result is a focused resource that helps you boost your gameplay quickly, without wading through irrelevant information. It's like having a coach who understands exactly where you are and where you want to go.
2025·50-300 pages·FIFA, FIFA Basics, Gameplay Techniques, Player Roles, Tactical Approaches

This tailored book explores the dynamic world of FIFA with a focus on accelerating your skills within a concise 30-day timeframe. It combines widely recognized knowledge with your unique interests, creating a personalized roadmap that matches your background and specific goals. The content reveals essential FIFA concepts, gameplay tactics, and historical context, all curated to help you progress rapidly. By addressing what matters most to you, the book ensures a focused learning experience that integrates proven insights millions have valued, while adapting them precisely to your pursuits. This approach makes mastering FIFA engaging and efficient, perfectly suited to your passion and timeframe.

Tailored Guide
Gameplay Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for immersive World Cup tournament experience
The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Official Book stands out as the go-to resource for anyone eager to delve into the tournament’s intricacies. It combines vivid photography with expert insights on teams and players, making the complex tournament easier to follow and enjoy. This guide helps you connect with the event whether watching live or from afar, offering detailed information on stadiums and host cities that enriches the overall experience. By providing a tournament progress chart, it invites you to actively track and engage with every match’s developments, making it a valuable companion for soccer enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection to FIFA events.
2014·128 pages·FIFA, Sports, Soccer, Tournament Analysis, Player Profiles

This official guide to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil offers an immersive look at the tournament's teams, star players, and venues through rich photography and detailed analysis. Jon Mattos compiles insights that allow you to track the tournament’s progress and deepen your understanding of each match’s stakes. Whether you're following the games at home or lucky enough to be in Brazil, this book provides a clear, engaging way to engage with the event’s unfolding drama. Its blend of visual storytelling and expert commentary makes it a solid pick for fans wanting to relive the excitement or prepare for future tournaments.

View on Amazon
Best for FIFA governance and politics analysis
Alan Tomlinson's examination of FIFA stands out for its thorough analysis of the political and economic forces that have shaped the organization since its founding in 1904. This book has proven popular among those interested in the intersection of sports, society, and global institutions, offering readers a clear framework to understand FIFA's development, crises, and future challenges. Its focus on leadership figures like Joseph Blatter and the World Cup's rise provides a valuable lens for anyone wanting to grasp the broader implications of FIFA's influence on international soccer and global culture.
2014·196 pages·FIFA, Sports, Soccer, Sports Governance, Global Organizations

Alan Tomlinson's deep dive into FIFA uncovers the complex interplay of politics, power, and money behind one of the world's biggest sporting institutions. Drawing on decades of experience in sports sociology, Tomlinson takes you through key episodes like the rise of the World Cup and the scandals under Joseph Blatter’s tenure, offering detailed insights into the organization's internal workings and external influences. You’ll learn about FIFA’s growth from a small European body to a global powerhouse, the role of nationalism in its evolution, and how media and globalization have shaped its trajectory. This book suits anyone keen to understand the socio-political forces shaping international soccer, beyond the pitch.

View on Amazon
Best for visual football heritage exploration
This FIFA Museum Collection book opens a unique window into football's rich history, illustrated by over 400 detailed images and nearly 2,000 historical exhibits. It offers a broad narrative from the sport's ancient roots to its rise as a global phenomenon, making it a treasured resource for football fans eager to understand the game's cultural journey. Presented in FIFA's four official languages, this book's multilingual approach and extensive visual documentation ensure that enthusiasts worldwide can connect deeply with football's past and its enduring legacy.
1997·298 pages·FIFA, Sports History, Cultural Heritage, Illustrations, Memorabilia

Unlike most sports history books that focus narrowly on recent developments, this volume traces football's evolution over a millennium, offering a vivid journey from ancient China and Greece through medieval Europe to the sport's global emergence in 19th-century England. The Spi Group's meticulous curation shines through more than 400 color illustrations and nearly 2,000 artifacts, including paintings, memorabilia, and trophies, all presented in FIFA’s four official languages. You’ll gain a nuanced appreciation for football’s cultural significance and its visual heritage, with detailed depictions that bring each era to life. This book suits anyone fascinated by football history and its global impact, though casual fans seeking just quick facts might find it dense.

View on Amazon

Popular FIFA Strategies, Personalized for You

Get proven FIFA insights tailored to your unique interests and goals in minutes.

Expert-backed knowledge
Customized learning paths
FIFA insights focused

Trusted by thousands of FIFA enthusiasts worldwide

FIFA Mastery Blueprint
30-Day FIFA Jumpstart
Strategic FIFA Foundations
FIFA Success Code

Conclusion

The collection of FIFA books featured here highlights a few clear themes: the persistent allure of football's cultural and historical roots, the critical examination of governance and corruption, and the celebration of legendary players and tournaments. If you prefer proven methods to understand FIFA’s complex world, start with investigative narratives like "Red Card" or "The Fall of the House of FIFA." For validated approaches to the sport’s heritage and player profiles, "The Fifa 100" and the "Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup" offer rich details.

Combining these resources provides a broad, nuanced picture of FIFA’s multifaceted nature—both on and off the pitch. Alternatively, you can create a personalized FIFA book to tailor these proven methods to your specific interests and needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in deepening their understanding and appreciation of FIFA’s global impact. Your next FIFA read awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Red Card" for a gripping, clear view into FIFA's corruption scandal. It’s accessible, engaging, and recommended by journalist David Mack, making it a solid entry point before exploring more detailed histories or player profiles.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to FIFA?

Not at all. Books like "The Fifa 100" and the "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Official Book" offer approachable insights into players and tournaments, perfect for newcomers wanting to connect with FIFA’s story and stars.

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

Begin with scandal-focused books like "Red Card" and "The Fall of the House of FIFA" for context, then explore cultural and historical works such as "Fifa Museum Collection" and "Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup" to deepen your understanding.

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

You can pick one based on your interest—choose investigative books to understand controversies or pictorial and historical books for culture and legacy. Each offers a unique angle on FIFA’s story.

Just because a FIFA book is popular, does that mean it's actually good?

Popularity here reflects both expert endorsements and widespread reader validation. Books like "Red Card" have earned praise for factual depth and compelling narratives, making them well worth your time.

Can I get a FIFA book tailored to my specific interests or skill level?

Yes! While these expert-recommended books cover broad themes, you can create a personalized FIFA book tailored exactly to your focus areas and experience, combining proven approaches with your unique needs.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!