From the Pitch: 9 Autobiographies by Soccer Players
Book RaiderFootball. It’s not just a game, it's a lifestyle. It’s a series of sweat-inducing practices, adrenaline-charged matches, and hundreds of post-match pints. But beyond the spotlight of the stadium, behind the roar of the crowd, there’s a personal storyline etched in the journey of every footballer. Stories that go beyond the traditional strategies, the goal counts or their precious worth in fantasy football leagues.
So, you're intrigued by the drama of the World Cup, the thrills of the Premier League, or the surprises of the Europa league. But what about the off-pitch tales? The stories of grit, passion, and hard-earned fame? Well, buckle up, sports enthusiasts, because we’re diving headlong into the world of autobiographies penned by the wizards of the 'beautiful game'. Expect a tour full of tantrums, triumphs, and trophies that these soccer savants have lived and, gladly for us, decided to share.
I Think Therefore I Play
by Andrea Pirlo
Why I Think Therefore I Play is on this list: If you're a fan of the beautiful game and interested in the thought process that goes into it, this autobiography by Andrea Pirlo, one of Italy's finest midfield maestros, is just the right pick.
This book isn't just about Pirlo's time on the pitch - although there are plenty of jaw-dropping stories about that. It's also a deep dive into his philosophies and approach to the game. Pirlo opens up about his life, both on and off the pitch, his teammates, coaches, and the memorable matches that shaped his career.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the witty, self-deprecating humor and honest insights offered by Pirlo. He doesn't just recount events, he reflects on them. It’s a light-hearted, entertaining read that gives you a peek into the mind of a soccer genius. Plus, his stories about famous games might make you want to rewatch some of those classic matches.
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I Am Zlatan: My Story On and Off the Field
by Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Why I Am Zlatan: My Story On and Off the Field is on this list: If you're a soccer fan, you'll definitely know Zlatan. An autobiography of this Swedish superstar certainly fits the bill on a list of books by soccer players. Besides, who wouldn't be curious to know what makes Zlatan, Zlatan?
This book is a riveting journey through the life of one of the most enigmatic and entertaining footballers of our time. In his own words, Zlatan takes us through his extraordinary journey from a bike-stealing kid in a rough Malmö neighbourhood to a global soccer icon living the glitzy life. He offers an intimate glimpse into his life and career - the highs and lows, the struggle, the success, and his unique view of the beautiful game.
What readers like: Read dig the unfiltered, raw voice in which this book is written. It is a candid, no holds barred narrative, giving an honest look into the struggles and triumphs Zlatan has faced over the years. The bonus is – you could picture him saying all this, with his famous satirical smirk.
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When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World
by Carli Lloyd
Why When Nobody Was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World is on this list: For fans of round ball sports seeking inspiration from someone who has sweated and strived to make it to the top, this truly compelling autobiography from a soccer megastar is a must-read.
With a candid style and a knack for storytelling, soccer pro Carli Lloyd takes you on a journey behind the uniforms and game plans. Lloyd discusses her uphill battle in reaching the epitome of soccer, opening up about her struggles on and off the pitch. This isn't just a book about soccer, it's about resilience, determination, and sheer hard work. This story captures her relentless spirit that has seen her conquer the odds to become one of the soccer's top performers, earning her two Olympic gold medals. Talk about a game changer!
What readers like: Lloyd's book isn't some fluffy commentary. It's a raw and inspiring tale of grit and perseverance. Readers love the heartfelt honesty, hailing it as an amazing depiction of a tenacious woman in a fiercely competitive domain. If you're looking for a 90-minute, popcorn-consuming sports drama, you might need to look elsewhere. But if you're interested in the real deal, about battling prejudice, personal setbacks and naysayers, while the world is watching or not, then this is your book.
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My Story
by Steven Gerrard
Why My Story is on this list: If you're eager to dive into the soccer realm from a player's point of view, 'My Story' by Steven Gerrard is your ticket. As the captain of Liverpool FC and England, he's got tales to tell that align seamlessly with the soccer autobiographies theme.
'My Story' isn't just about the sweat and the goals. It tells the tale of the triumphs and hardships Gerrard faced on his way to the top. It takes you straight from the pitch and into the heart, mind, and life of a man who wasn't born a soccer star, but who worked tirelessly to become one. From his humble beginnings to captaining his club and country, this story reveals the internal conflict that comes with juggling personal life and the pressure to perform.
What readers like: Fans rave about the raw emotions expressed in Gerrard's words and his honesty when touching upon sensitive topics such as career setbacks and FC's highs and lows. Readers also enjoy his deep look into what it takes to keep pushing when the going gets tough. If you're in for an inspiring, deep-dive journey into a soccer fanatic's life, this book is a must-read.
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Totally Frank: The Autobiography of Frank Lampard
by Frank Lampard
Why Totally Frank: The Autobiography of Frank Lampard is on this list: Lampard’s journey from the local park to the Champions League final gives a thorough inside look at soccer life, making this book belongs on the From the Pitch list.
In 'Totally Frank', Lampard opens up about his early years, budding football career, and life in the limelight. From tales of his hard-grafting East End upbringing where he got his first taste of soccer, to lifting the Champions League trophy, he paints a riveting picture of the trials, triumphs and tribulations of life on and off the pitch.
What readers like: Fans dig how down-to-earth and honest Lampard is throughout the book. With his blend of humor, sincerity and undying love for the sport, readers find they're right there with him, sharing the highs and lows. If you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of top-tier soccer, here's your VIP pass.
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Commitment: My Autobiography
by Didier Drogba
Why Commitment: My Autobiography is on this list: The book is an autobiography written by Didier Drogba, one of soccer's most esteemed players, known for both his skills on the pitch and his philanthropic endeavors off it.
In 'Commitment', Drogba chronicles his life from struggling childhood in Ivory Coast, through the twists and turns of his professional career, to his humanitarian work. You'll feel like you're right next to him, from his early days playing barefoot in the streets of Abidjan to lifting the Champions League trophy with Chelsea. The book is a deep delve into the mind of a footballer, highlighting the grit, determination, and, well, commitment, required to reach the pinnacle of the game.
What readers like: Readers have praised the book for Drogba's candid storytelling, his vivid descriptions of key moments in his career, and his reflections on the broader state of the world beyond the green grass of a soccer field. Whether you're a soccer fan, a Drogba admirer, or just someone who loves a good success story, you'll find something to appreciate in this book.
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A Memoir of Hope
by Hope Solo
Why A Memoir of Hope is on this list: If you're curious about the journey of a soccer player right from the pitch, you can't miss out on this one. Not just any player but, we're talking about Hope Solo, one of the world's top goalkeepers. Here, the pitch has been swapped for the pages. Slam dunk? No! That's a different sport.
A Memoir of Hope doesn’t just swivel around the soccer field. It's an honest and direct account of Hope Solo's life, navigating through personal battles, her controversial career episodes, to her sports career. It kicks off from her early life, carrying us through her fascinating journey to becoming an Olympic gold medallist. It’s a riveting story of strength, resilience, and relentless determination, coupled with the bruises and goals of the beautiful game.
What readers like: Soccer fan or not, readers appreciate athlete memoirs that take them off the field and behind the scenes. Here, you get a real-life account of Hope's journeys, downfalls, and uplifting moments, all with the match insight that would even make the couch potatoes feel like they're on the field. Also, Hope's writing style? It's more engaging than a nail-biting penalty shootout.
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Crossing the Line: My Story
by Luis Suarez
Why Crossing the Line: My Story is on this list: Straight from the pitch, this autobiography belongs to one of the most prolific strikers in soccer history - Luis Suarez. It's as real as it gets from a person who lived and breathed football.
This book is like being on a stadium tour with Luis Suarez himself. He walks us through his humble beginnings to his controversial football journey. Suarez isn't one to sugarcoat things, he paints his story with bold strokes on a canvas filled with grit, determination and snippets of his not-so-perfect career.
What readers like: Readers love the raw, unfiltered version of Suarez's football career. The book dives into the attainment of glory and the tribulations of the pitch, giving an undiluted sneak peek into the often glossed over aspects of professional soccer. Transformation, redemption, and a hefty dose of soccer - what's not to love?
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El Nino: My Story
by Fernando Torres
Why El Nino: My Story is on this list: If you love digging beneath the surface with an autobiographical spelunking helmet, Fernando Torres provides a treasure trove in 'El Nino: My Story'. It fits neatly into our collection because let's face it, it's about soccer, directly from the horse's, or rather, player's mouth.
Ever wondered what it's like to shoot goals under stadium lights and millions of eyes? The golden boy of Spanish soccer, Fernando Torres, conceived this autobiography with honesty, humility and a dash of humor that makes you feel like you're kicking back with him over lunch. This book spans his humble beginnings, football struggles, and triumphs. It's an experience like no other, with Torres guiding you by the hand, and the heart, through a field of memories and moments that tell his story.
What readers like: Readers have fallen in love with this book. They rave about the honest insight they get into the life of a top-level footballer. Fernando’s humility in success and his gritty perseverance in failure makes this an inspiring read. It's been praised for going beyond mere career highlights, dipping into personal anecdotes and emotions. Plus, a few readers mentioned they finally understood why soccer was more than a game. It’s a life, according to Torres and thankfully, he invites us into his.
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