If you’re a fan of football, then you’re sure to enjoy reading some of the best memoirs and biographies of the game’s biggest stars and most successful managers. Here is a list of 11 of the best football memoirs, autobiographies & biographies of all time:
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Pelé, by Pelé
The Autobiography
Published in 1977 by Simon & Schuster
This autobiography is a must-read for any fan of Pelé, one of the greatest footballers of all time. Pelé tells the story of his life and career in his own words, and the book is full of fascinating insights into his life on and off the pitch.
The Miracle of Castel di Sangro, by Joe McGinniss
A Tale of Passion and Folly in the Heart of Italy
Published in 1999 by Simon & Schuster
This book tells the story of Castel di Sangro, a small Italian soccer club that made an improbable run to the Serie B playoffs in 1996. McGinniss spent a year embedded with the club, and he provides a unique and fascinating insight into the world of Italian football. The book is also a celebration of the passion and spirit of the Italian people.
Quiet Leadership, by Carlo Ancelotti
Winning Hearts, Minds and Matches
Published in 2016 by Penguin
This book is a fascinating look at the leadership philosophy of Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most successful managers in football history. Ancelotti is known for his quiet and understated approach to leadership, and he has won trophies with some of the biggest clubs in the world, including AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
The Second Half, by Roy Keane
Published in 2014 by Orion
This book is a brutally honest and revealing autobiography from Roy Keane, one of the most passionate and controversial players in soccer history. Keane tells the story of his life and career in his own words, and he does not shy away from the difficult moments. The book is a must-read for any fan of soccer or anyone who is interested in the life of a professional athlete.
A Life Too Short, by Ronald Reng
The Tragedy of Robert Enke3
Published in 2010 by Random House.
This biography tells the tragic story of Robert Enke, a talented German goalkeeper who died by suicide in 2009 at the age of 32. Enke had been struggling with depression for several years, and his death was a shock to the world of football. Reng’s book is a sensitive and insightful account of Enke’s life and death, and it provides valuable insight into the pressures and challenges faced by elite athletes.
My Turn, by Johan Cruyff
The Autobiography
Published in 2016 by Macmillan
This autobiography is a must-read for any fan of Johan Cruyff, one of the most influential figures in football history. Cruyff was a revolutionary player and manager, and his autobiography is full of fascinating stories and insights from his career.
Pep Guardiola, by Guillem Balagué
Another Way of Winning: The Biography
Published in 2012 by Orion
Pep Guardiola by Guillem Balagué is a comprehensive and insightful biography of Pep Guardiola, one of the most successful soccer managers of all time. Balagué has had unprecedented access to Guardiola and his inner circle, and he provides a fascinating look at the manager’s philosophy, methods, and motivations.
I Think Therefore I Play by Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Alciato
Published in 2013 by BlackPage Press
I Think Therefore I Play is a captivating autobiography offering a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Andrea Pirlo, renowned for his elegance and vision on the pitch, provides profound insights into his football philosophy throughout the pages of his autobiography.
Messi, by Guillem Balagué
The must-read biography of the World Cup champion
First Published in 2013. Updated throughout Messi’s career with a new update due to be published 20 February 2023
Messi by Guillem Balagué is a definitive account of Lionel Messi’s life and career. Balagué has had unprecedented access to Messi and his family, and he provides a fascinating and revealing look at the player’s rise to greatness.
Cristiano Ronaldo, by Guillem Balagué
The Biography
First published in 2015 by Orion, updated in 2019
Cristiano Ronaldo by Guillem Balagué is a comprehensive account of Cristiano Ronaldo’s life and career. Balagué has had unprecedented access to Ronaldo and his family, providing a fascinating and revealing look at the player’s rise to greatness.
I am Zlatan Ibrahimović, by Zlatan Ibrahimović, David Lagercrantz
First published in 2011 by Penguin
I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović is a must-read autobiography for any fan of Zlatan Ibrahimović, one of the most outspoken and controversial figures in football. Renowned for his incredible talent and unwavering self-confidence, Ibrahimović’s autobiography is brimming with entertaining and insightful stories from his illustrious career.
If you enjoyed this list of the best Football Memoirs, Autobiographies & Biographies of all time, make sure you check out some of our other Biography & Memoir recommendations
