The Greatest Football Biographies and Autobiographies
In our exploration of the literary world of football, we now turn to biographies and autobiographies. Many of these books allow the players and managers themselves to tell their stories, often with the help of a journalist or some other collaborator. Familiar events can look very different when described from the perspective of the people who experienced them.It is worth mentioning that we are not ranking the books here, we are just listing 18 great football biographies that are worth reading. We also include Goodreads reader ratings (on a 1- to 5 scale) for each book listed here.
A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke
Original title: Robert Enke: Ein allzu kurzes Leben
Ronald Reng is a German journalist and author who was friends with Robert Enke, a goalkeeper who played for Benfica, Barcelona, Hannover 96, and the German national team, among others. Reng and Enke had agreed to write the goalkeeper's biography together; however, Enke suffered from depression for six years until his suicide in 2009. Reng decided to continue with the idea of writing the biography, and thus A Life Too Short was born. The journalist slightly changed the focus, dedicating significant space to Enke's struggle with depression.Goodreads rating: 4.53
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Andrea Pirlo
I Think Therefore I Play (Andrea Pirlo)
Original title: Penso quindi gioco
The biography was written by Andrea Pirlo himself in collaboration with Alessandro Alciato and was published in 2013 when the player was still active (in fact, enjoying a successful spell at Juventus). Pirlo has cultivated an image of being a serious man; however, in this book, he recounts his sporting life from a somewhat more humorous perspective through numerous anecdotes involving some of the great names he played alongside, such as Maldini, Lippi, and Berlusconi, and on grand football stages like the World Cup.Goodreads rating: 3.81
I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Original title: Jag är Zlatan
It's always interesting to listen to Zlatan Ibrahimovic speak because of his frank yet unique way of talking about himself. Given this, a biography written by him (along with Swedish journalist and author David Lagercrantz) is a striking concept, and the result is surprisingly humorous. Zlatan recounts his life from childhood to the beginning of his first stint at AC Milan (the biography was released in 2011). The Swede candidly discusses some of the situations he experienced during his career, such as his time at Barcelona and his well-known less good relationship with Pep Guardiola.Goodreads rating: 3.86
Luka Modric
My Game: Luka Modric's Autobiography
Original title: Moja igra
A work by Robert Matteoni, who collaborated with the Croatian player to bring us this comprehensive biography of Luka Modric's life and career. As expected, the Croatian avoids controversial comments or opinions that might cause a stir; however, his story is fascinating in itself, a tale of turning dreams into reality. His story takes him from a childhood shaped by the Croatian War of Independence to becoming the best player in the world, including his successful spell at Real Madrid and Croatia's historic run to the 2018 World Cup final. My Game includes forewords by Sir Alex Ferguson and Zvonimir Boban, with Ferguson expressing his admiration for Modric despite never having coached him.Goodreads rating: 4.23
Cantona: The Rebel Who Would Be King (Éric Cantona)
French journalist, author, and artist Philippe Auclair demonstrates his admiration for Éric Cantona by writing this biography of the French star. Cantona was always a controversial figure, with a somewhat difficult personality and a strong mentality that was evident throughout his career as a professional footballer. Auclair sought testimony from more than 200 people associated with Cantona to create a portrait that captured the essence of the former footballer. The journalist aimed to delve deeper and get to know the man behind the myth, revealing a side of Cantona less familiar to the general public.Goodreads rating: 4.16
Trautmann's Journey: From Hitler Youth to FA Cup Legend (Bert Trautmann)
For many readers, the name Bert Trautmann might not ring a bell, even though he has one of the most remarkable stories of any footballer. Trautmann was originally from Germany and lived through the Nazi era, which led him to fight in World War II, first as a radio operator and later as a Fallschirmjäger (military paratrooper). He was captured by the British army and taken to the United Kingdom, where he realised he could have a much better life than in his native Germany. As if that weren't enough, Trautmann went on to have a successful career in English football, spending 15 years at Manchester City. In the 1956 FA Cup final, he suffered a broken bone in his neck but remarkably played the final 17 minutes as Manchester City defeated Birmingham City 3-1. In short, a thrilling and unique story that is well worth reading.Goodreads rating: 4.20
Roy Keane
The Second Half (Roy Keane)
There's little that can be said about Roy Keane as a player and football personality that hasn't already been said, but The Second Half tells the Irishman's story through Keane's own thoughts, written by the award-winning Roddy Doyle. Seeing the various situations the Irishman experienced during his long football career from Keane's perspective helps us understand him much better and also leads to the conclusion of how his mentality allowed him to become a role model among so many stars and great personalities with whom he shared the field for years.Goodreads rating: 3.80
Yo Soy el Diego (...de la gente) (Diego Maradona)
Another of football's greatest and most important figures decided to write this biography. Maradona tells his story in the first person, working with journalists Daniel Arcucci and Ernesto Cherquis Bialo. The Argentine star recounts his humble beginnings in Villa Fiorito and his rise to the greatest glory football can offer. It's fascinating how Maradona speaks of those he considers friends and enemies, and how he experienced his setbacks and resurgences, both on and off the pitch, from his own perspective. Direct, clear, and uncompromising, just as he was in life, he remained so in writing this book.Goodreads rating: 3.71
Brian Clough: Nobody Ever Says Thank You
One of the most important figures in English football, and simultaneously one of the most controversial, has a captivating biography written by the renowned Jonathan Wilson, author of, for example, Inverting the Pyramid. Nobody Ever Says Thank You reviews Clough's career, highlighting key moments and delving into his personality, explaining how he used a kind of shield-a strong and controversial persona-that helped him become known. It's quite interesting to see this side of such an important figure in English football, one who has earned his legendary status.Goodreads rating: 4.25
Footballer: My Story (Kelly Smith)
The book tells the story of Kelly Smith, one of the best female footballers in English history (for some, the best), as told by Smith herself. Footballer recounts her greatest moments of success, which gradually diminished and disappeared due to injuries that led to other problems such as alcoholism and depression. She also shares her own personal experiences and how these contributed to further difficulties, such as moving to the United States to live alone, which exacerbated these demons that plagued her for a period of her life.Goodreads rating: 3.75
Paul Merson
How Not to Be a Professional Footballer (Paul Merson)
Paul Merson was a famous footballer in England back in the 90s thanks to his time at Arsenal. He was a very traditional British player of the 80s and 90s in terms of personality, lifestyle, and so on. Merson wrote this biography in the form of a manual where, in a somewhat humorous way, he tries to explain things he did and experienced to teach what not to do. The book has a huge collection of anecdotes of all kinds, recounted with a mix of seriousness and humor, resulting in a very entertaining read.Goodreads rating: 3.79
The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw: The Robin Friday Story
The protagonist of this book is little known outside the UK, and even in the UK itself, he may not be so well-known to the average fan. Robin Friday was nicknamed the "Lower League George Best," and, true to that moniker, he was a player whose talent on the pitch was matched by his controversial lifestyle, much like the Northern Irish legend. Friday was capable of the best things on the pitch, but also of the worst, both on (such as violent incidents involving opponents) and off, with his abuse of alcohol and drugs, his womanizing, and his consistently controversial behavior. Paul McGuigan and Paolo Hewitt focus the book on explaining how Friday possessed a talent that could have taken him to the highest level, but how his lifestyle and lack of commitment to his profession prevented him from achieving what could be expected of a player with such ability.Goodreads rating: 3.70
Sir Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography
Published in 2013, Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography was written with journalist Paul Hayward and looks back on Ferguson's extraordinary managerial career, particularly his 27 years at Manchester United. It hints at the brutal honesty and clarity that characterized his long and successful coaching career. Sir Alex focuses on recounting his experiences managing Aberdeen and Manchester United through anecdotes that illuminate his principles regarding the strategic management of a team, as well as his approach to players and, above all, the people at each club where he worked. It would be difficult to find a better person to discuss these topics.Goodreads rating: 3.94
Quiet Leadership: Winning Hearts, Minds and Matches (Carlo Ancelotti)
This is Carlo Ancelotti's memoir and leadership book, written by the Italian manager together with Chris Brady and Mike Forde after completing his first stint as Real Madrid coach in May 2015. Quiet Leadership is a book in which the Italian uses stories and experiences from his long career to showcase his management style. Ancelotti explains how he handles egos, personalities, and leadership with a calm and understated approach. It's worth remembering that throughout his career, the Italian has coached many of the greatest players of their respective generations, while also working with some of the most demanding club presidents and owners in Europe and enjoying remarkable success across several different countries.Goodreads rating: 4.04
Johan Cruyff
My Turn: A Life of Total Football (Johan Cruyff)
Original title: Johan Cruyff - Mijn verhaal
The title My Turn echoes the famous Cruyff turn, the piece of skill he immortalised at the 1974 World Cup. Often recognized as one of the greatest players in history, as well as a truly great coach, the Dutchman was always a unique and singular individual with a way of being and thinking that left no one indifferent. The book reviews his career from his time as a player at Ajax to his coaching position at Barcelona, offering his perspective on many well-known moments as well as some lesser-known personal situations. It is always interesting to read someone with such a specific and unique vision of football and life in general. This book was published posthumously in 2016, after Cruyff died in March of that year.
Goodreads rating: 3.63
Gazza: My Story (Paul Gascoigne)
Paul Gascoigne was a player whose talent was as immense as the personal struggles he faced. Gazza recounts his sporting career firsthand, from his own perspective, through specific moments that the former player himself deemed important to mention. However, the Englishman opens up about his demons: alcohol, family problems, and even mental health issues. Despite how controversial he may be considered, Gazza doesn't shy away from the main topics that have led to his being labeled as such.Goodreads rating: 3.90
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Tony Adams statue outside Arsenal's Emirates Stadium
Addicted (Tony Adams)
In 1998, Tony Adams published his autobiography, written by himself and Ian Ridley while he was still an active professional player, captaining Arsenal. The former England defender recounts his career both at Arsenal and for England, discussing his relationships and experiences working with legendary managers like Arsène Wenger and top players like Dennis Bergkamp. Adams also shares his opinions on important figures in English football, as well as stories from his youth, but above all, he addresses his alcoholism, a topic that had been discussed openly before the book's publication. Interestingly, Addicted was followed by Sober in 2017, which continues Adams' story by covering his recovery, the latter years of his playing career and his life after football.Goodreads rating: 3.83
Blessed: The Autobiography (George Best)
In 2001, the legendary former Manchester United player published Blessed, written with Roy Collins, to tell his story, focusing less on his football career and more on his personal life. In this raw and candid autobiography, Best recounts his personal life alongside his on-field exploits. The Northern Irishman was a footballing genius whose extraordinary fame was accompanied by a life of excess, including women and alcohol. In Blessed, Best reflects openly on his triumphs, mistakes and regrets, as well as his long struggle with alcohol.Goodreads rating: 3.80
How the Books Rank on Goodreads
Ratings on Goodreads provide an interesting indication of how these books have been received by readers. At the time of writing this article, A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke stands out clearly with an average rating of 4.53, making it the highest-rated book on this list. It is followed by Jonathan Wilson's biography of Brian Clough and Luka Modric's autobiography, both of which also have averages above 4.20.At the bottom we find Johan Cruyff's My Turn: A Life of Total Football, with an average rating of 3.63. Naturally, this does not mean that it is a poor book, it is in fact quite interesting, but it is of course interesting that an autobiography by one of the most influential players in football history has received such a low rating in comparison to other books here.
These are the five highest-rated books on Goodreads (at the time of writing):
- A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke - 4.53
- Brian Clough: Nobody Ever Says Thank You - 4.25
- My Game: Luka Modric's Autobiography - 4.23
- Trautmann's Journey: From Hitler Youth to FA Cup Legend - 4.20
- Cantona: The Rebel Who Would Be King - 4.16