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The best way to understand soccer is to hear from the people who have made it to the top of the game. And soccer autobiographies provide us with a wonderful insight into the game from those that have lived and loved it.
So, we’ve decided to introduce you to five of the most inspiring soccer autobiographies that you need to add to your reading list this year.
Peter Crouch: How to be a Footballer
English center forward Peter Crouch looks like he would have been better suited to a career in the NBA rather than one in the English Premier League.
At 6”7, Peter Crouch played as a target man throughout his career, but he was known more for the quality of play with his feet rather than his prowess in the air.
But what we have all come to love about Peter Crouch since his retirement is his affable personality and his excellent sense of humor. His podcast – That Peter Crouch Podcast – is one of the best sports podcasts out there.
In his autobiography, Peter Crouch tells us how he made it as a professional soccer player, with a whole host of anecdotes and funny stories interwoven into the narrative.
In many respects, Peter Crouch’s story is one for the underdog and tells the story of a humble guy who worked exceptionally hard to make it to the top.
The bottom line is that Peter Crouch is one of the best-loved characters in English soccer, and his autobiography tells his story in a light-hearted and fun-filled manner.
Carlo Ancelotti: Quiet Leadership: Winning Hearts, Minds, and Matches
With many people looking to the likes of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola as the greatest managers in the modern game, they often overlook Carlo Ancelotti.
But the reality is that the Italian is a legendary coach in every sense of the word, with five UEFA Champions League titles to his name.
What is most remarkable about Ancelotti’s success is the way that he seems to go about his business. He avoids the spotlight and lets his players do the talking, which has enabled him to cement his place at the pinnacle of soccer over the past few decades.
In this excellent autobiography, Ancelotti breaks down his life in the game, from his glory days as an AC Milan player to his early experiences in the dugout.
We hear how he forged close relationships with the likes of David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Cristiano Ronaldo and understand why some of the best players in the history of the game regard Carlo as the best in the business.
So, if you’re looking for insight into the world of elite soccer coaching, Carlo Ancelotti’s autobiography is a great option for you.
Pele: Why Soccer Matters: A Look at More Than Sixty Years of International Soccer
The greatest soccer player ever to have lived? Undoubtedly. Pele is an icon who entertained soccer fans all around the world throughout the sixties and seventies.
His ability on the ball and the pace at which he played the game ensured that he was light-years ahead of his opponents, and he guided his country to triumph after triumph at several World Cups.
Since hanging up his boots, Pele has been involved in many humanitarian projects in his native Brazil, as well as contributing to worthy causes in different parts of the world.
This inspiring soccer autobiography is a reflection on the life of soccer’s greatest ever player and takes the reader on a journey from the streets of Brazil to the grand stage of international soccer.
There might never be a soccer player anywhere close to Pele’s ability, so take the opportunity to understand his life in his own words by ordering his book today.
Tony Adams: Sober: Football. My Story. My Life
During his professional career, Tony Adams was a lion on the field. In fact, he was arguably one of English soccer’s most impressive central defenders.
But in spite of his incredible success on the field with Arsenal, Tony struggled with his demons off it. He fought his addiction to alcohol throughout his career, which makes his achievements even more impressive.
In spite of a few experiences in club management, Adams has remained out of the spotlight since his retirement from the game, but his battles have continued.
This incredibly personal story provides us with an insight into Tony’s life, achievements, and struggles and shows the human side of soccer as we’ve never seen it before.
It’s one of the most inspiring soccer autobiographies that we’ve read, and it should be high up on the reading list of any soccer fan this season.
Johan Cruyff: My Turn: A Life of Total Football
While Pele is widely considered to be the greatest player of all time, Johan Cruyff isn’t far behind him. The Dutch midfielder inspired a brand of the game that would become known as ‘total football,’ such was his dedication to the intricacies of the game.
Cruyff embodied a soccer philosophy and entertained the world in an Ajax team that took no prisoners. He orchestrated soccer in such a way that entire teams have been built on the premise in the decades that have followed.
While his autobiography reflects on his personal achievements in the game, we also learn everything there is to know about ‘total football,’ which is an incredibly valuable insight into the game for aspiring coaches.
One of the true greats of European soccer, Johan Cruyff, is a name that will live long into the future, and we are sure that he will continue inspiring soccer players, coaches, and teams long into the future.
Recap: The most inspiring soccer autobiographies
If you’re a fan of the beautiful game, then picking up an autobiography from people who have succeeded in soccer is a great source of inspiration.
Whether you’re a fan, player, or aspiring coach, we hope the above five inspiring autobiographies will motivate you and provide you with a glimpse into the beautiful game at the very top level.
Keen for some more soccer book inspiration? Check out our ten recommendations for the best soccer books to read this year!