Best Soccer Biographies Books of 2026

Surviving to Drive is an exhilarating account of the 2022 season inside Formula 1 from the team principal of Haas, Guenther Steiner. Steiner takes readers behind the scenes, giving an unobstructed view of what really takes place in the high stakes motor racing world. From hiring and firing drivers to balancing books, designing, launching, and testing a car, and of course the race calendar itself, Steiner provides an uncompromising and searingly honest look at the realities of running a Formula 1 team. This book is a fascinating and entertaining read for any motorsport enthusiast.

Men in Blazers Present Gods of Soccer: The Pantheon of the 100 Greatest Soccer Players is a humorous take on the definitive list of the greatest soccer players of all time. From David Beckham to Alex Morgan, this book shares the stories of both household names and cult icons. The book traces the evolution of the men's and women's games around the globe, one career at a time, making for an alternative telling of the history of soccer. The book is a great gift for soccer fans and a perfect companion for avid fans of the Men in Blazers podcast and weekly NBC show.

Open: An Autobiography is a #1 national bestseller that tells the story of Andre Agassi's remarkable life. From being groomed to be a tennis champion by his demanding father to achieving wealth, fame, and the game's highest honors, Agassi reveals his struggles with unhappiness and confusion off the court. In this candid autobiography, he writes about his marriage to Brooke Shields, his growing interest in philanthropy, and the highs and lows of his celebrated career. This well-written sports memoir is inspiring, honest, and devoid of triumphalist homily, making it one of the best sports autobiographies of all time.

An illuminating glimpse into the solitary passions of one of our greatest artists, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a memoir about Haruki Murakami's intertwined obsessions with running and writing. Murakami decided to keep a journal of his progress while training for the New York City Marathon and the result is a rich and revelatory work that elevates the human need for motion to an art form. With spare, engaging prose, Murakami shares his runner's high and offers a genuine memoir, filled with gentle minutiae that truly communicates the rhythm of his daily life and work. This book is a graceful explanation of Mr. Murakami's intertwining obsessions, conveyed with his characteristic ability to draw unexpected connections.

The Flea: The Amazing Story of Leo Messi is a captivating book that tells the story of Lionel Messi, from his childhood in Argentina to his rise as one of the greatest soccer players in the world. Written in a fun and easy-to-read style, this book provides background and insight into Messi's life and career. It is a rewarding read for both kids and adults. Michael Part, the author, is a soccer fan and screenwriter who has also written other soccer-related books. Overall, The Flea is a great addition to any soccer fan's bookshelf.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Rise of a Winner is a captivating children's book that narrates the life story of a young boy who became one of the greatest soccer players of all time. The book is written by Michael Part, a renowned author, and screenwriter. The author takes readers on a heartfelt journey of Ronaldo's rise to fame, from his humble beginnings on the streets of Madeira to his triumphs on the soccer field. The book is a must-read for young soccer fans who aspire to greatness. Overall, this book is a great addition to any children's soccer book collection, and it stands out for its inspiring and engaging storytelling.

Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win is a beautifully illustrated and inspiring book that highlights the achievements of fifty notable women athletes. The book features trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breaking female athletes in more than forty sports, including well-known figures like Billie Jean King and Simone Biles, as well as lesser-known champions like Toni Stone and Patti McGee. The book also includes infographics on topics that sporty women want to know about. This book celebrates the success of the tough, bold, and fearless women who paved the way for today’s athletes.

"Across the River: Life, Death, and Football in an American City" by Kent Babb is a powerful and necessary investigation into the harsh realities faced by young athletes in struggling neighborhoods. The book follows the Edna Karr High School football team through their 2019 season, as they not only strive for success on the field but also navigate the challenges of gentrification, eviction, mental health issues, drug trade, and gun violence. Babb's writing style transports the reader into the West Bank community and provides a rich and unflinching portrait of the coach, his players, and their environment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues faced by marginalized communities in America."

Memorias de la Copa del Mundo is a comprehensive guide to the history of the FIFA World Cup. Written by sports journalist José Manuel Martín, creator of the popular YouTube channel Memorias del Futbol, this book covers all 22 editions of the tournament, from Uruguay 1930 to Qatar 2022. The book is packed with detailed accounts of every World Cup, along with relevant statistics, illustrations, and QR codes that link to videos on the author's YouTube channel. It's a must-read for any soccer fan, and a valuable addition to any sports library.

Quiet Leadership is a memoir by Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most successful football managers of all time. The book reveals the story of his career and takes readers inside the dressing room, where he shares his methods, mentors, mistakes, and triumphs. Ancelotti's understated and calm leadership style has earned him the loyalty of some of the world's best players. The book is a treasury of anecdotes and insights, making it an enjoyable and insightful read for anyone interested in business leadership. Overall, the book is a rare glimpse into the world of football management and a must-read for anyone aspiring to be a great leader.