8 New Soccer Biography Books Reshaping the Game in 2025

Unlike most soccer biographies that dwell solely on career highlights, this book dives deeply into the personal journeys and life lessons of 55 iconic football players, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Cafu. You’ll gain insights into the mindset and discipline that fueled their success, as well as practical takeaways you can apply beyond the pitch. The inclusion of players’ net worth adds a unique dimension, linking athletic achievement with financial outcomes. Whether you're passionate about football or interested in success principles through a sports lens, this book offers a multi-faceted perspective that goes beyond traditional sports biographies.

After exploring the global impact of one of soccer's most iconic figures, Leslie Holleran presents a focused portrait of Lionel Messi that captures his career highlights and remarkable achievements. You’ll gain insights into Messi’s journey through seven Ballon d'Or wins and his leadership in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, all distilled into an accessible narrative. This book offers a snapshot of Messi’s influence on the sport, ideal for readers wanting a clear, concise understanding of his legacy without overwhelming detail. If you’re seeking an inspiring yet straightforward overview of a legendary athlete’s career, this book fits the bill nicely.

This tailored book explores the latest developments in soccer biographies, focusing on the freshest stories and emerging insights from 2025. It examines key players' journeys, leadership qualities, and the evolving culture of the sport, all matched to your background and interests. By tailoring content to your goals, it offers a personalized lens through which to understand the nuances of modern soccer legends and their impact on the game. Delving into cutting-edge narratives and novel discoveries, this book reveals how contemporary biographies reflect broader trends and personal resilience in soccer. It provides an engaging, focused learning experience that highlights new perspectives and keeps you ahead of evolving player stories and soccer culture.

The breakthrough moment came when Ryan G. Van Cleave traced Kylian Mbappé's journey from a precocious seven-year-old scoring his first goal to a World Cup champion by 19. This biography offers a concise yet vivid portrait of Mbappé's rapid rise and his impact on soccer, detailing key milestones like his professional debut at 16 and his role in France's historic victory. You gain insight into the dedication and talent behind one of soccer's defining figures, making it particularly suitable if you want to understand the making of a modern sports icon. While brief, the book serves well for young readers or enthusiasts seeking an accessible introduction to Mbappé's career and influence.

When Clayton Geoffreys decided to write about Lionel Messi, he drew on his extensive background studying leadership and perseverance, aiming to reveal what truly drives one of soccer's all-time greats. The book traces Messi’s journey from his early years through his record-breaking tenure at Barcelona, his time at PSG, and his ongoing impact in MLS with Inter Miami. You’ll gain insights into Messi’s resilience during challenging club transitions and his leadership on the international stage, especially his pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory. This biography suits anyone eager to understand the personal and professional milestones that define Messi’s legacy beyond just his stats and trophies.

The counterintuitive approach that changed Clayton Geoffreys's perspective in this unauthorized biography is his focus on the detailed evolution of Kevin De Bruyne's club and international career rather than just his accolades. You gain a nuanced understanding of De Bruyne’s progression through clubs like Genk, Chelsea, Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg, and ultimately Manchester City, where his leadership and skill matured. The book breaks down chapters by seasons and tournaments, such as Manchester City’s treble-winning season and Belgium’s 2018 World Cup run, providing insights into the challenges and triumphs behind the headlines. If you're fascinated by the trajectory of elite athletes or want to grasp what shapes a world-class midfielder, this book offers a clear lens into De Bruyne’s career and legacy.

This tailored book, crafted to align with your unique interests and background in soccer biography, explores the evolving world of player development with a focus on midfield mastery. It examines the latest breakthroughs and emerging tactics shaping tomorrow's game, drawing on the lives and careers of celebrated soccer players. By addressing your specific goals, it reveals how contemporary insights and future-ready approaches intertwine with personal stories of resilience and skill. The book offers a dynamic learning experience that matches your curiosity about trends set to influence soccer's next generation of midfielders.

Unlike most soccer biography books that target general audiences, this one focuses on young readers eager to understand the legends who shaped the sport. James H. Jordan and Jennifer L. Trace bring to life iconic figures like Messi and Maradona through vivid storytelling and illustrations that capture both their skill and determination. You’ll find chapters that highlight not just career milestones but also the personal struggles and triumphs that define greatness, making it accessible and inspiring for kids. If you want to introduce your child to soccer’s rich history and the values behind the game, this book offers an engaging and age-appropriate gateway.

Drawing from a detailed exploration of Emma Hayes' life, this biography captures the essence of a coach who revolutionized women's soccer through resilience and tactical innovation. You’ll gain insight into her early struggles in Camden and how those shaped her leadership style, as well as her strategic mind behind Chelsea Women’s success. The book offers exclusive interviews and personal stories that reveal her approach to overcoming setbacks and pushing for gender equality in the sport. If you’re interested in leadership within sports or the evolution of women’s football, this book provides a focused narrative on one of its most influential figures.

What if everything you knew about soccer stardom was filtered through the lens of one player’s relentless drive? Clayton Geoffreys traces Mohamed Salah’s rise from a modest start at Al Mokawloon to becoming a key figure in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph. You’ll gain insight into the blend of natural talent and sheer determination that propelled Salah, including his crucial role in Egypt’s World Cup qualification. The book offers detailed chapters on his early life, club career, international play, and personal challenges, making it a solid pick if you want to understand the nuances behind his success rather than just his highlights.