As the FIFA World Cup 2022 gets underway, soccer enthusiasm is at its peak. To stoke their passion for the game, bibliophiles who want to go deep into the sport are turning to books.
Here is a list of the best football-based books of all time
1. Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography
This is the fascinating and enjoyable autobiography of the man who changed not only the face of English football but also the course of football history. From 1986 through 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson, widely regarded as the best manager in British soccer history, led Manchester United to new heights. This would bring back memories if you were a Manchester United supporter.
2. Ronaldo: The Obsession for Perfection by Luca Caioli
This book chronicles the inside biography of Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best footballers in history, according to renowned Italian sports journalist Luca Caioli. Numerous aspects of Ronaldo’s life, both on and off the field, are revealed by him. The book focuses on both the lesser-known facets of his life as well as his goal-scoring prowess and his rivalry with Messi.
3. One night in Turin by Pete Davies
In his book, writer Pete Davies explores how England’s World Cup team of 1990 changed football in Britain from a criminal activity to a source of pride. After Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed penalties and England was eliminated from the 1990 World Cup in the semi-finals, Davies weaves a tale of despair, tears, misery, and, in the end, grief.
4. Inverting the pyramid by Jonathan Wilson
Jonathan Wilson’s masterpiece gives us a thorough account of the development of tactics and offers insightful information about how and why some teams have persisted in using a particular approach to football for years. This book is a gold mine for football enthusiasts interested in learning about the background of different player positioning strategies because it profiles the coaches, teams, and their player positioning tactics.
5. The man who saved FC Barcelona by Sue O’Connell
Sue O’Connell, the wife of Mike O’Connell, the grandson of Patrick O’Connell, spent many years writing this biography. It digs into the life of Irishman Patrick O’Connell, who prevented FC Barcelona from going out of business. More than anything else, it is the narrative of his family. Yet it is as illuminating as you want to learn about this man.