The Best Soccer Books – Part 2

For anyone interested in soccer, there are also many soccer books available on a variety of topics, from the dark side of soccer such as match fixing and hooliganism to biographies and interesting background stories.

This article is the second part in a series about the best soccer books. Please make sure to read The Best Soccer Books – Part 1 as well.

I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Lagercrantz, Ruth Urbom

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the best football players in the world, but also a controversial person. In this soccer book you can read the memoirs of the Swedish players, how he went from being a little kid in a poor neighborhood in Malmo to being a soccer genius on the pitch. I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a remarkable book and absolutely not your average autobiography, with amazing stories about his career, which took him until now to top clubs like Ajax, Internazionale, Barcelona en Paris Saint Germain. Definitely one of the most interesting autobiographies of recent years!

A Life Too Short, The Tragedy of Robert Enke – Ronald Reng

On 10 November 2009, Germany’s national goalkeeper Robert Enke shocked the world of soccer by stepping in front of a passing train. Enke was only 32 years old.

Award-winning writer Ronald Reng tells the story of a professional soccer player who seemed to have it all, but also had a darker side, fighting his demons and fears and demands of sport at the highest level. A Life Too Short is an intensively moving book that transcends soccer, you do not have to like soccer to enjoy this book.

This soccer book is the Winner of the British Sports Book Awards 2012 – Football Book of the Year and Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year.

Any chance of a game? – Barney Ronay

This book will evoke a lot of recognition for amateur soccer players, as it gives a glimpse into the world of football at a lower level. ‘Any chance of a game?’ tells the humorous story of the pain and pleasure a Sunday League team, which has an interesting mix of ability, age and enthusiasm.

This is a sharp and funny soccer book, which will bring memories to the amateur players among us!

Brilliant Orange, The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer – David Winner

Brilliant Orange does not only give an interesting insight in Dutch soccer, it also links the Dutch idea of soccer to philosophy, culture, art and politics. It is an informative book that will also entertain people who are not interested in The Netherlands or soccer.

There are a lot of great anecdotes about Dutch star players and coaches like Johan Cruijff, Marco van Basten, Louis van Gaal and Dennis Bergkamp. This book is definitely worth a read if you are a soccer fan and interested in the ideas behind soccer.

Congratulations You Have Just Met The ICF – Cass Pennant

‘Congratulations You Have Just Met The ICF’ tells the story of the hooligans of the Inner City Firm, a well-known firm of West Ham United hooligans in the Seventies and Eighties. Author Cass Pennant was one of the famous persons of the ICF and he gives a first-hand insight in the rivalry with Millwall, the battles with other hooligans and other events. It is an easy to read and entertaining book and Pennant gives a vivid description of the violence and other activities of one of the hardest firms.  

Other soccer books

If you are interested in soccer books, then please make sure to read our article ‘The Best Soccer Books – Part 1‘.