SOCCER LOVERS BOOK REVIEW: Editors’ Favorites for 2017
Soccer books have exploded on the scene with great force — and this is great to see but there are some books that are better than others. Here is our list of the top books we reviewed in 2017 or re-reviewed this year.
Here is our top list from our bookshelves:
- GOAL by Michael Donald — perhaps we just love the pictures or found chatting with him from his home in England so great, but if you love soccer, you need to check out this book with its fabulous interviews with every living FIFA World Cup Final scorer.
- Soccer Tough 2: Advanced Psychology techniques for Footballers by Dan Abrahams — the subtitle should really be for parents who love the players and their coaches, as well as for the players.
- Fueling Young Athletes by Heather Mangieri — a great nutrition guide for youth soccer players. Indispensable information if you want to perform at peak levels.
- FORWARD by Abby Wambach — just rereading sections of this book can inspire the reader and deepen one’s appreciation for the professionals who play the game we love.
- BRING THE NOISE: The Jurgen Klopp Story by Raphael Honigstein — an insightful read that takes you beyond the pages into the lives of the game in times of triumph and fading light.
- HOPE: My Life In Football by Hope Powell — England’s real women’s soccer pioneer. Honest, frank, open. Reading this book helps the non pro coach/fan understand the decisions made in the game.
- NO OTHER HOME: Living, Leading and Learning What Matters Most by Matt Beasler — this is not a typical sports biography but rich stories that ring true even if you are dreaming of a pro career.
- NORTH AMERICAN Soccer Guide 2017 by Charles Cuttone and Linda Cuttone — this is the quintessential soccer guide on paper so you can leave Google alone for a bit. Concise and clear, this soccer guide has stats, results, awards, rosters and more.
- SOCCER SCIENCE by Tony Strudwick — Using science to develop players and teams is the future, and while this book was published and we reviewed it in 2016, it makes this year’s top list because it is that great.
- Carli Lloyd: When Nobody Was Watching by Carli Lloyd with Wayne Coffey rounds out our top ten list because nothing is more heartwarming and encouraging on dark days than discovering that the amazing Carli Lloyd almost quit soccer. This book should be on everyone’s shelf even if they hate soccer.
Other great soccer books to consider:
The United States of Soccer: MLS and the Rise of American Soccer Fandom by Phil West — This tribute to the resilience of the beautiful game in America celebrates the MLS and its efforts to develop American audiences in a sports-saturated land.
Appetite For Soccer – Jumping levels In The Game…By Design by Tony Kees — a practical guide which explains the work that is involved in maximizing performance.
