Best Soccer Books of 2026

Inverting The Pyramid: The History of Soccer Tactics is a must-read for any soccer fan, coach, or player who wants to understand the evolution of soccer tactics. Jonathan Wilson's historical detective work takes readers through the development of the game from the Scottish passing game to Dutch "Total Football," and how it influenced modern-day Barcelona's style of play. The book also sheds light on the lives of coaching geniuses who have spread their distinctive styles across the globe. Overall, this book is an outstanding work that provides a definitive understanding of soccer tactics and is essential for any fan of the beautiful game.

Soccer IQ: Things That Smart Players Do, Vol. 1 is a book that focuses on helping soccer players improve their decision-making skills on the field. Written by Dan Blank, a coach with over two decades of experience, the book offers simple solutions to common mistakes players make, from hunting rebounds to playing in the rain. The book is an easy read and provides practical advice that can help players solve their soccer problems. It also includes a bonus chapter on the college recruiting process. Soccer IQ is a must-read for players looking to take their game to the next level.

Soccer Smarts for Kids: 60 Skills, Strategies, and Secrets is a comprehensive guide for young players to enhance their skills and knowledge of soccer. Coach Andrew Latham's easy-to-understand strategies and tips cover everything from fitness to mental motivation. The book includes basic to advanced techniques, player profiles, playbook essentials, and fundamental soccer definitions. The author's experience as a youth development coach in North America and the United Kingdom shines through in this book. Overall, Soccer Smarts for Kids is a must-read for young soccer enthusiasts looking to improve their game and have more fun on the field.

WOLFPACK by Abby Wambach is an empowering manifesto for women to unleash their individual power, unite with their Wolfpack, and change the world. Based on her viral 2018 commencement speech, Wambach shares her wisdom as a leader and her experience as co-captain of the 2015 Women’s World Cup Champion Team to help women transform failure into wisdom and power, lead from wherever they are, champion each other, and demand what they’ve earned. This book is a must-read for those determined to teach their kids there are no limits and for everyone trying to lead a team, a company, or their own life.

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.

How to Watch Football: 52 Rules for Understanding the Beautiful Game, On and Off the Pitch is a short, illustrated guide that shares fifty-two simple 'rules' for understanding and enjoying the beautiful game-both on and off the pitch. Covering the key concepts, tactics, and philosophies that are shaping the sport today, it reveals surprising new perspectives on familiar elements of gameplay, while highlighting lesser-known aspects of the industry and its history. This book is a must-read for football fans who want to deepen their understanding of the sport.

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.

The Club: How the English Premier League Became the Wildest, Richest, Most Disruptive Force in Sports is a fascinating and well-researched account of how the Premier League evolved from humble beginnings to become the global powerhouse we know today. With behind-the-scenes access to key decision-makers and players, authors Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg provide an in-depth look at the league's transformation and the impact of money, ambition, and drama. This book is a must-read for soccer fans and anyone interested in the business of sports. The authors' attention to detail and storytelling ability make this book a standout in the crowded field of sports literature.

National Geographic Kids presents "It's a Numbers Game! Soccer: The Math Behind the Perfect Goal, the Game-Winning Save, and So Much More!" This book explores the numbers and math behind soccer, from counting the seconds on the clock to positioning the feet for the perfect dribble. Readers will learn about soccer greats from around the world and how they use geometry and statistics to enhance their game. With fun activities at the end of each chapter, this book is perfect for players and enthusiasts of all levels. The book's bright colors, photos, and text bubbles make it visually appealing, and its lessons will help players improve their skills. Overall, this is an engaging and unique read for soccer fans and math enthusiasts alike.

The Best World Cup Trivia Book Ever is a must-have for every football fan. It contains over 300 interesting trivia questions, random fun facts, and stories about memorable games and players. The book covers the history of the World Cup, including the first-ever co-hosts and the highest goal scorer in its history. The author ensures that readers will learn something new about the World Cup, making this book an exhaustive and engaging collection of football trivia. As a roundup review website editor, this book is a perfect addition to the children's soccer book category, and it is highly recommended to anyone who loves football.