10 Best-Selling Soccer Players Books Millions Love

Top Soccer Players Books recommended by Sheryl Sandberg, Timothy Burke, and Ned Boulting—leaders in business, journalism, and sports media sharing proven picks.

Sheryl Sandberg
Timothy Burke
Ned Boulting
Updated on June 27, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a sport as global and passionate as soccer. Soccer players' stories resonate deeply because they reveal the human side behind the athleticism and fame. These 10 best-selling Soccer Players books have captured the imagination of millions, proving their lasting value and appeal.

Among the leading voices endorsing these works are Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, who champions Abby Wambach's inspiring memoir; Timothy Burke, a seasoned journalist whose appreciation for Philippe Auclair's biography of Thierry Henry highlights the complexities of elite soccer careers; and Ned Boulting, whose nod to Ronald Reng’s biography of Robert Enke emphasizes the often unseen mental health struggles of athletes. Their recommendations have helped guide readers towards books that offer rich, authentic perspectives.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and compelling narratives, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Soccer Players needs might consider creating a personalized Soccer Players book that combines these validated approaches into a focused, custom experience.

Best for inspiring women athletes
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and founder of LeanIn.Org, endorses this memoir, highlighting its powerful inspiration for girls worldwide. Her leadership background and advocacy for women's empowerment align closely with Abby Wambach's story of breaking barriers in soccer. This endorsement underscores the book's relevance not just to sports fans but to anyone interested in stories of overcoming adversity and championing equality.
SS

Recommended by Sheryl Sandberg

Former COO of Facebook and LeanIn.Org Founder

Forward: A Memoir book cover

by Abby Wambach··You?

Abby Wambach's decades of elite soccer experience led to this candid memoir revealing her journey from a determined young girl playing on boys' teams to becoming the top goal scorer in soccer history. You gain insight into her fierce competitive spirit alongside her personal struggles balancing leadership, family, and advocacy for women's rights. Chapters detail her 2015 World Cup triumph and the complexities behind public success, offering perspective on resilience and courage beyond sports. This book suits anyone wanting an honest, inspiring look at what it takes to excel at the highest level while challenging societal norms.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for soccer biography enthusiasts
Timothy Burke, a respected consultant and former journalist with a track record at The Daily Beast and Deadspin, highlights this book as a standout in soccer literature. He shares his appreciation with "@PhillyBeach93 his book is fantastic", reflecting how Philippe Auclair’s detailed account of Thierry Henry’s career deepened his understanding of the personal and professional complexities faced by top athletes. Burke’s recommendation aligns with the broad appeal this book holds for anyone intrigued by the intersection of talent, pressure, and legacy in professional soccer.
TB

Recommended by Timothy Burke

Consultant, former journalist at The Daily Beast and Deadspin

@PhillyBeach93 his book is fantastic (from X)

2013·352 pages·Soccer Biography, Professional Soccer, Soccer Players, Soccer, Sports

What happens when meticulous sports journalism meets the dazzling career of a soccer legend? Philippe Auclair, an award-winning author known for his deep dives into football narratives, offers a nuanced portrait of Thierry Henry, capturing both his brilliance and the isolation that accompanied his rise. You’ll discover the complexities behind Henry’s celebrated moments—like ending Manchester United’s reign and the controversial 'Hand of Gaul'—alongside his struggles during the 2010 World Cup. This book unfolds through a rich tapestry of interviews and first-hand observations, giving you insight into the highs and lows of a world-class striker’s journey. If you're fascinated by the personal battles behind athletic fame, this is a book that speaks directly to your curiosity.

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Best for custom winning techniques
This AI-created book on mastering soccer legends is designed specifically around your interests and background. By sharing what aspects of soccer you want to focus on and your skill level, you receive a tailored guide that dives deeply into the techniques and mindset that iconic players use. It’s a personalized way to explore proven knowledge, making your learning both relevant and engaging for your unique goals.
2025·50-300 pages·Soccer Players, Soccer Fundamentals, Player Mindset, Technical Skills, Tactical Awareness

This tailored book explores the techniques and mindset that define soccer legends, offering a personalized journey through the skills and attitudes that drive success on the field. It covers essential aspects such as tactical awareness, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and leadership qualities, all tailored to match your background and goals. By focusing on your specific interests and experience, this book reveals how iconic players have approached challenges and crafted their winning edge. It dives into the nuances of playing styles and training habits, providing a unique, customized learning experience that connects proven popular knowledge with your personal soccer aspirations.

Tailored Content
Player Mindset Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for leadership lessons in soccer
Sir Alex Ferguson, who played for Queen's Park and other professional clubs before managing Manchester United for 27 years, brings unmatched experience to this autobiography. Known for his strategic mind and leadership, Ferguson shares his journey managing one of the world's top soccer clubs. His reflections on creating a winning culture and handling legendary players provide readers with a unique perspective on professional soccer's inner workings.
Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography book cover

by Sir Alex Ferguson··You?

Millions have turned to this autobiography to understand the mindset behind one of soccer's most legendary figures, Sir Alex Ferguson. Drawing from his long tenure managing Manchester United, Ferguson offers a detailed narrative of his leadership style, team-building philosophies, and handling of high-stakes rivalries, such as those with Liverpool and Arsenal. You'll discover insights into managing transitions within a top-tier club, including the challenges of integrating star players like Ronaldo and Rooney. This book suits anyone interested in leadership lessons from the sports world or fans eager to peek behind the scenes of British soccer's golden era.

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Best for candid player autobiographies
This autobiography stands out in the soccer players category by providing an unfiltered look into Diego Maradona's extraordinary life and career. It captures his journey from a Buenos Aires shanty town to becoming arguably the greatest soccer player of his generation, while also addressing the personal and professional challenges he faced. The book's straightforward narrative and intimate photographs draw you into the highs and lows of Maradona's story, making it a vital read for anyone interested in the sport's history and the complexities behind athletic fame.
2007·336 pages·Autobiography, Soccer Players, Soccer Biography, Soccer, Sports Biography

What if everything you thought you knew about soccer legends was challenged by Maradona himself? This autobiography dives into the life of Diego Maradona, revealing not just his unmatched skill on the pitch but also the personal battles that shaped him. You gain insight into the pressures of early fame, the infamous 1986 World Cup moments, and the complexities behind his turbulent career in Napoli and later controversies. The chapters offer vivid accounts of his rise from poverty to global stardom and the toll success took on his personal life. If you're drawn to the human stories behind sports legends, this book offers a candid look at one of soccer's most polarizing figures.

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Best for understanding player life stories
Tom Watt’s book offers a distinctive glimpse into soccer through the personal stories of its greatest players, enriched with striking photographs. Celebrating the sport’s global reach and emotional resonance, it captures how soccer has shaped lives beyond just the game itself. Released around the 2010 World Cup, this book appeals to those eager to connect with the human side of soccer legends and understand the profound influence of the sport on individual destinies.
2010·224 pages·Soccer Biography, Soccer Players, Soccer, Biography, Player Stories

Tom Watt, known for his work on David Beckham's autobiography, crafts a vivid portrait of soccer's influence beyond the pitch in this book. By blending captivating photographs with first-person narratives, he reveals how the sport reshaped the identities and destinies of the world's top players. You’ll gain insight into the personal journeys behind their fame, exploring chapters that spotlight transformative moments and cultural impact. This book suits anyone intrigued by soccer’s human side, especially those curious about how the game molds character and life paths rather than just stats or tactics.

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Best for rapid skill boosts
This AI-created book on soccer training is crafted based on your unique experience and goals. You share which soccer skills and tactical areas you want to improve, along with your current level, and it focuses precisely on what will help you progress. Tailoring this book means you get targeted insights that resonate with your playing style and ambitions, making your learning journey both efficient and engaging.
2025·50-300 pages·Soccer Players, Soccer Fundamentals, Skill Development, Tactical Awareness, Physical Conditioning

This tailored book offers a focused journey into accelerating soccer skills and game insight within a 30-day span. By combining popular, reader-validated techniques with your individual interests and background, it explores targeted training methods, tactical understanding, and performance enhancement approaches. The personalized content ensures that the material matches your current level and goals, allowing you to concentrate on areas most relevant to your growth as a soccer player. This tailored approach deepens your grasp of both physical and mental aspects that influence the game, promoting rapid improvement through customized exercises and strategic reflections.

Tailored Guide
Performance Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for exploring athlete mental health
Ned Boulting, a respected sports journalist and documentary maker, praises this biography with the simple yet powerful endorsement: "It’s a brilliant book." His appreciation reflects a wider recognition of Ronald Reng’s sensitive portrayal of Robert Enke’s life, a story that transcends sports to address mental health in elite athletes. Boulting’s recommendation invites you to look beyond the headlines and consider the personal costs faced by professionals like Enke, making this a significant read for anyone intrigued by the human stories behind soccer’s public facade.
NB

Recommended by Ned Boulting

Sports journalist and documentary maker

@amylawrence71 @honigstein It’s a brilliant book (from X)

Ronald Reng’s deep friendship with Robert Enke drives this intimate biography, revealing the hidden struggles behind a celebrated goalkeeper’s life. You gain insights into the psychological pressures elite soccer players endure, including the stigma of mental illness in professional sports. Chapters detail Enke’s career milestones alongside his personal battles, offering a rare look at how success and despair can coexist in athletes. If you’re interested in the human side of soccer beyond the pitch, this book provides a sobering, empathetic perspective that challenges simplistic views of athletic life.

William Hill Sports Book of the Year
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Best for celebrity soccer biographies
Beckham: Both Feet on the Ground offers a candid account of one of soccer's most recognized figures, David Beckham. This autobiography captures the nuances of his rise from modest beginnings to international stardom, appealing to anyone interested in the realities behind fame in the world of soccer players. Its appeal is rooted in its honest storytelling, covering pressures on athletes, personal sacrifices, and leadership both on and off the pitch. The book serves as a valuable window into the life of a professional athlete navigating family, fame, and sport.

David Beckham's autobiography offers a rare glimpse behind the public persona of a global sports icon. Co-written with Tom Watt, it explores Beckham's journey from a working-class East London boy to the captain of England's national team, sharing candid reflections on fame, family, and the pressures of a celebrated career. You gain insights into his personal motivations and the sacrifices behind his success, especially in chapters detailing his early struggles and the balancing act between public life and private family moments. If you're drawn to stories of resilience and the human side of elite athletes, this book delivers a straightforward narrative without pretense.

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Best for visual soccer player tributes
The Fifa 100 stands apart in soccer literature by focusing on the artistry and legacy of the game's greatest athletes rather than match statistics or tactical analysis. This collection, featuring Pelé’s handpicked legends and portraits by renowned photographers, offers a rare glimpse into the strength and grace behind soccer’s top performers. It appeals to fans who want to celebrate the sport’s cultural heartbeat through stunning visuals and insightful biographies, combining history and aesthetics into a tribute that honors the spirit of soccer and its icons.
The Fifa 100 book cover

by Kofi Allen·You?

2004·216 pages·FIFA, Soccer Players, Soccer, Sports, Athlete Portraits

Unlike most soccer books that focus on statistics or match analysis, The Fifa 100 offers a unique visual and narrative tribute curated for FIFA's centenary. Kofi Allen, drawing on the iconic selections of Pelé and the artistry of world-class photographers, presents over 100 portraits capturing the essence and movement of legendary players like David Beckham and Diego Maradona. Alongside compelling biographies and forewords by Pelé and Sepp Blatter, you gain insight into the players’ careers and their impact on the sport’s history. This book suits anyone fascinated by soccer’s cultural and aesthetic dimensions rather than just scores or tactics.

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Best for entertaining soccer history fans
Roger Bennett is a writer, broadcaster, and founder of the Men in Blazers Media Network, known for his New York Times bestselling work and deep engagement with soccer culture. His background lends a unique voice to this book, which blends humor, expert commentary, and compelling storytelling to celebrate the pantheon of soccer’s greatest players. Bennett’s extensive media experience ensures this book resonates with fans eager to connect with the sport’s history and personalities.
Men in Blazers Present Gods of Soccer: The Pantheon of the 100 Greatest Soccer Players (According to Us) book cover

by Roger Bennett, Michael Davies, Miranda Davis, Nate Kitch··You?

2022·224 pages·Soccer, Soccer Players, Player Biographies, Sports History, Women’s Soccer

Drawing from their deep involvement in soccer media, Roger Bennett and his coauthors deliver an engaging collection that assembles their definitive list of the 100 greatest soccer players. You’ll find compelling stories that go beyond stats—like the resilience of Garrincha, who overcame physical challenges, and Briana Scurry’s pioneering role for Black women in the sport. The book uses humor and vivid photo illustrations to make each profile resonate, exploring how individual careers shaped both men’s and women’s soccer history. If you’re passionate about the sport’s cultural and personal impact, this book offers a fresh perspective that’s as entertaining as it is informative, though it’s less about technical analysis and more about storytelling.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for quick legendary player profiles
This book offers a focused look at the most celebrated figures in soccer, drawing on memorable quotes and moments that have defined their careers. Its approachable style and concise format make it ideal for those wanting a quick yet engaging overview of soccer legends. The author’s collection of anecdotes and historical highlights brings these players to life, making it a fitting choice for anyone interested in the sport’s rich tapestry and the heroes who have shaped it.
2015·34 pages·Soccer Players, Soccer, Sports, Player Profiles, Legendary Athletes

What started as a simple curiosity about the greatest figures in soccer history became a succinct guide through the legends who shaped the game. Larry Edwards draws on well-known quotes and vivid anecdotes, like British commentators marveling at Pele or Gerard Piqué describing Messi’s elusive dribbling, to capture the essence of these iconic players. You’ll gain insight into what made these athletes not just skilled but revered worldwide, with chapters that highlight their impact at club and national levels. This book suits anyone eager to understand soccer’s greatest talents from a narrative that’s accessible even for younger readers. If you want detailed tactics or exhaustive stats, this isn’t the book for you, but for a lively introduction to soccer royalty, it fits the bill.

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Tailored player stories
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Endorsed by top experts and thousands of soccer enthusiasts

Mastering Soccer Legends
30-Day Soccer Player Boost
Soccer Player Leadership Code
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Conclusion

Looking across this collection, clear themes emerge: leadership and resilience, the personal costs of fame, and the cultural impact of soccer legends. These books offer proven frameworks for understanding the athlete’s journey, from Abby Wambach’s empowerment story to Alex Ferguson’s masterclass in leadership.

If you prefer proven methods and personal insights, start with autobiographies like "Forward" or "Maradona". For validated approaches blending biography and cultural context, combine "The Fifa 100" with "Men in Blazers Present Gods of Soccer". Each offers a unique window into the sport’s giants.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Soccer Players book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in appreciating the beautiful game through its players' stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Forward" by Abby Wambach for an inspiring, personal journey or "Thierry Henry" for a deep soccer biography. Both are highly recommended by experts and offer accessible entry points into soccer players' lives.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Soccer Players?

Not at all. Many, like "Best Soccer Players of All Time," provide approachable stories and profiles suitable for newcomers while still engaging seasoned fans.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both have value. Newer books like "Men in Blazers Present Gods of Soccer" offer fresh perspectives, while classics like "Maradona" give timeless insight into legendary careers.

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

You can certainly pick one that fits your interest. Each book stands strong alone, but together they offer a richer understanding of soccer players' diverse experiences.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Most here lean toward biography and storytelling rather than coaching theory. For leadership lessons, "Alex Ferguson" offers practical insights into managing teams and players.

Can personalized Soccer Players books complement these expert picks?

Yes! While these expert-recommended books provide valuable frameworks, personalized Soccer Players books tailor content to your goals and background, combining proven methods with your unique needs. Explore options here.

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