Best Soccer Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

"Tangerine" by Edward Bloor is a heartwarming story of an underdog who discovers his true potential in a new and strange town. Paul Fisher, a soccer player with thick glasses, moves to Tangerine County, Florida, where peculiar things happen, like a sinkhole swallowing the school. Despite his football-star brother's constant harassment, Paul joins the soccer team and makes new friends who help him uncover the secrets of his family and his town. This book is a must-read for middle graders who love stories about sports, friendship, and self-discovery. "Tangerine" is a modern classic that breaks the mold of traditional sports fiction books.

Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez is a powerful contemporary YA novel that tells the story of Camila Hassan, a rising soccer star from Rosario, Argentina. Camila must navigate through her abusive father, her narrow-minded mother, and her own feelings for her ex-boyfriend Diego, who is now an international soccer star. She dreams of playing in North America, but she needs her parents' permission to pursue her passion. This book is a must-read for fans of The Poet X and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. It is filled with heart-soaring romance, authentic details of life in Argentina, and breathless action on the pitch.

¡Gool!/Goal!: The Dream Begins: El sueno se inicia... (Spanish Edition) is a heartwarming tale of challenges and triumphs, tragedies and victories, set in the world of the most popular and exciting sport of all time. The story follows the journey of Santiago Muñez, a young boy from Mexico who travels to England to pursue his lifelong dream of playing professional football. The pressure to succeed in a challenging and industrial city takes a toll on Santiago, but his instincts, skills, and determination keep him going. The book is based on the spectacular movie of the same name and is a must-read for sports enthusiasts and movie lovers alike.

I Like Me Better is a heartwarming LGBTQ+ summer romance that follows soccer-star Zack Martin's unexpected community service at a seaside conservation center. Despite his new reputation, Zack finds himself falling for the cute intern, Chip, and suddenly has way more on the line than he ever expected. Robby Weber delivers yet another bright and bubbly, can't-help-but-turn-another-page summertime romp that reminds us that coming into your own and falling in love don't have to be mutually exclusive. A sweet story of soccer and summer romance with a lovable protagonist.

"Furia" by Yamile Saied Méndez is a powerful contemporary YA novel about a rising soccer star in Argentina. Camila Hassan has a double life, at home she is a careful daughter living under the abusive rule of her short-tempered father, but on the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, Camila gets the chance to see just how far her talents can take her. This book is a must-read for fans of "The Poet X" and "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter". It is a moving story about family, identity, love, and soccer that will resonate with any young girl who has been told she can't achieve her dreams."

The sequel to The Bad Boy and the Tomboy, Hitting the Crossbar, follows Macy and Sam as they navigate their new adventure of attending university on soccer scholarships. As they face the challenges of the adult world of college, dating, and growing apart from friends, their relationship is put to the test. Sam's hidden secrets from his past add to the strain on their relationship. The author, Nicole Nwosu, does an excellent job of capturing the struggles of young adulthood and the complexities of relationships. Hitting the Crossbar is a unique and engaging addition to the soccer fiction genre, perfect for teens and young adults.

Eye on the Ball is the first book in the Liam Osborne series by Anthony Potts. It follows the story of a shy 17-year-old boy from a broken home who dreams of playing professional football for Clifton Rangers. Despite facing numerous challenges, Liam fights for his dream and tries to convince those around him that he is worthy of the opportunity. Based on Potts' own experiences as a professional footballer, this book takes readers behind the scenes of the brutal world of professional sports. Overall, Eye on the Ball is an inspiring and engaging read for young adults who love football and sports fiction.

Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores complex issues such as the Muslim experience in America, addiction, and romance. The story follows Tom Bouchard, the captain of the Enniston High School soccer team, whose life takes an unexpected turn after Somali refugees move to his small Maine town. The book has received high praise from various publications for its multidimensional plot and its potential as a vehicle for classroom and book club discussions. Overall, Out of Nowhere is an excellent read for young adults interested in soccer fiction books and those who enjoy stories that tackle important societal issues.

The Passing Playbook is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Spencer Harris, a transgender athlete who must choose between fighting for his right to play and staying stealth. The book tackles themes of identity, privilege, and acceptance in a heartwarming and nuanced way. The author, Isaac Fitzsimons, uses character building to create a high-stakes narrative that circumvents the usual tropes of physical violence and trauma. This book is an excellent addition to the coming-of-age fiction genre, and it's a must-read for fans of Tobly McSmith's Stay Gold and Bill Konigsberg's Openly Straight.

The graphic novel "World Class" by Jay Sandlin, illustrated by Patrick Mulholland and colored by Rebecca Nalty, is a thrilling soccer story that combines the energy of Shonen manga with a heartwarming message about finding the right people in life. The story follows Adrian "The Colombian Cannon" Molina, who receives a full scholarship to an elite prep school in London, but struggles to fit in with the team's star striker, Titan Evans. With the help of Luciano DeSilva, Adrian learns to be confident and value his position on the team. The lively artwork by Mulholland and Nalty brings the action on the pages to life. Overall, "World Class" is an exciting and inspiring read for young adults and adults alike.