Soccer History

It was the biggest event in the history of women's sports. And for the Americans, it came down to five kicks. After regulation play and two overtimes in the final game of the 1999 women's World Cup soccer match, the score was 0-0. Penalty kicks would decide the world champion. The Chinese and the Americans would each pick five players. One kick per player. With the score tied 4-4, the Americans had one more chance to win it all.

A whirlwind history of soccer's improbable rise―from ancient traditions to worldwide cultural focus How did a simple kicking game conquer the world? In this concise yet comprehensive history, sports historian Brian D. Bunk traces soccer's unlikely, meteoric rise, showing how a pastime humbly...

READ BY ACTOR GEORGE NEWBERN NATIONAL BESTSELLER “Franklin Foer’s dark and witty tale of the soccer world reveals the meaning of globalization in all its joys and horrors.”—Robert Kagan Now available in audio, just in time for the 2026 World Cup in North America, the bestselling sports...

From tennis legend Billie Jean King to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team, athletes have fought for equity and fairness for women in professional sports. Discover the pro athletes who have used their platform to speak out and affect change for all women.

In this extraordinary tour de force, David Goldblatt tells the full story of soccer's rise from chaotic folk ritual to the world's most popular sport - now poised to fully establish itself in the USA. Already celebrated internationally, The Ball Is Round illuminates soccer's role in the political and social histories of modern societies, but never loses sight of the beauty, joy, and excitement of the game itself. 

Soccer is the most popular game in the world, but does it truly belong in the heart of American sports culture? The answer is a resounding yes—and the 150-year journey of elite men’s soccer in the US is filled with drama, surprises, reversals, and triumphs that rival any world-class match.

"Jaime Hector's narration is brilliant. His Haitian French accents are consistent, and his lilting, singsong voices bring the story to life." — Kirkus (Earphones Award Winner) A global soccer star’s epic ride to the 1950 World Cup places him in shooting distance of his dreams and his own...

From Michelle Akers to Megan Rapinoe, bold and inspiring profiles of the pioneers, champions and future heroines of women's soccer around the world. Women's soccer has come a long way. The first organized games on record -- which took place three hundred years ago in the Scottish Highlands --...

Bloomsbury presents Who Are Ya? by Kevin Day, read by Kevin Day and Gary Lineker. "Excellent" –The Times "Kevin's immense knowledge shines on every page." – Gary Lineker "A football book by a fan for the fans. A treasure trove." – Alan Davies "An entertaining romp through the back alleys...

Bloomsbury presents Don Revie by Christopher Evans, read by Richard Burnip. SHORTLISTED FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2022 The life and times of Don Revie – one of the most complex and controversial men ever to grace the game of football. Whenever the greatest managers the game has...

Bloomsbury presents Va-Va-Voom by Tom Williams, read by Luis Soto. ‘Excellent' – Simon Kuper, author of the bestselling FOOTBALL AGAINST THE ENEMY ‘The definitive story of how French football came of age’ – Christian Karembeu THE PLAYERS, THE TEAMS, THE GOALS, THE GAMES, THE SCANDALS...

True Genius is the definitive family-backed account of his remarkable career published to coincide with what would have been his 75th birthday. The games, the goals, the glory. This is the untold story. Written by celebrated Manchester United author Wayne Barton, this biography goes into...

'Magnificent . . . Goldblatt is the doyen of sports historians and brings to this account his forensic and telling eye for detail' - Mail on Sunday A Sunday Times Best Sports Book of the Year The epic exploration of society, politics, and economics in the twenty-first century through the prism...

In this compelling new book, relying on original reporting from the most dangerous corners of Rio to the halls of power in Washington, DC, Dave Zirin examines how sports and politics are colliding in remarkable fashion in Brazil, opening up an international conversation on the culture, economics, and politics of sports.

**Narrated by the author!** Roger Bennett is bringing his skills as one of the best soccer commentators in the world to the audio edition of his best-selling book WE ARE THE WORLD (CUP). Experience Bennett’s intimate story of how soccer has shaped him and the world, direct from the man who...

“Engrossing, insightful . . . [The Long Game] pulls no punches when describing the critiques and failures of the U.S. soccer system over the past few decades.” —Miguel Salazar, The New York Times Book Review The gripping account of the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s winding saga...

With rare and unrivaled access, bestselling coauthor of Soccernomics and longtime Financial Times journalist Simon Kuper tells the story of how FC Barcelona became the most successful club in the world—and how that era is now ending FC Barcelona is not just the world’s highest grossing...

FROM THE NO.1 FOOTBALL SERIES - OVER 3 MILLION COPIES SOLD! NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED IN AUDIO - Listen to Virgil van Dijk's story for the first time! Name: Virgil van Dijk Nationality: Dutch Hero Rating: 90 Virgil van Dijk started his football career at the age of seven with his local youth team...

FROM THE NO.1 FOOTBALL SERIES - OVER 3 MILLION COPIES SOLD! NEW IN AUDIO! Perfect for reluctant readers and all fans of the beautiful game. Name: Kevin De Bruyne Nationality: Belgian Hero Rating: 90 Kevin De Bruyne is arguably Manchester City's best player. This is the story of how the young...

Founded in 1864, Wrexham AFC is the oldest club in Wales, with passionate fans and a proud history of giant-killing in the cups. But in recent years, the Red Dragons had fallen on hard times. In 2008, the club dropped out of the Football League - and a long, gruelling quest to escape non-league...