Top 6 Must-Read Best Football Autobiographies for Fans

Are you a football fan looking for some compelling reads that offer a unique glimpse into the lives of players, managers, and other key figures in the sport? Look no further! The “Top 6 Must-Read Best Football Autobiographies for Fans” list has got you covered. From Andrea Pirlo’s philosophical musings in “I Think Therefore I Play” to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bold and charismatic journey in “I Am Zlatan,” these autobiographies provide personal insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and captivating narratives that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re interested in legendary managers like Sir Alex Ferguson or tragic tales like Paul Lake’s, there’s something for every football enthusiast to enjoy in these must-read books. So grab a copy, dive into the lives of your favorite football personalities, and enrich your understanding of the beautiful game like never before.

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Contents

Best Football Autobiographies Quick List Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite footballers’ lives?Top 6 Football Autobiographies Lesser-Known Gems Conclusion

Best Football Autobiographies Quick List

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite footballers’ lives?

Football autobiographies are a fantastic way to gain insight into the personal and professional journeys of the players, managers, and other key figures in the sport. With compelling narratives, personal reflections, and behind-the-scenes stories, these books offer fans a unique glimpse into the lives of their favorite football icons. Here are the top eight must-read best football autobiographies for fans looking to delve deeper into the world of football.

Top 6 Football Autobiographies

I Think Therefore I Play” by Andrea Pirlo (2014)

Andrea Pirlo’s autobiography provides a concise yet profound look at his illustrious career, highlighting his experiences at top clubs like Milan, Juventus, and the Italian national team. Pirlo’s philosophical insights and candid reflections make this book a standout read for football enthusiasts.

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I Think Therefore I Play" by Andrea Pirlo (2014)
Andrea Pirlo is one of the finest footballers of his generation – a World Cup and Champions League winning playmaker who has redefined his position at the base of midfield, and one of the most deadly free-kick takers the game has known.
This is his story, in his words. It is written with a level of humour and insight which confound his image as a dead-eyed assassin on the field of play. All the big names are in there: Lippi, Ancelotti, Conte, Maldini, Shevchenko, Seedorf, Buffon, Kaka, Nesta, Balotelli, Costacurta, Gattuso, Berlusconi and Ronaldo ("the real one").
But they're not always in their work clothes. We hear Berlusconi playing the piano and telling "various types of jokes" at Milan's training ground.
We see Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi drawing Nesta's ire as they take him on a mystery tour of the German countryside in a hire car days before a World Cup semi-final. And we smell the aftermath of Filippo Inzaghi's graphically-described pre-match routine. With the 2014 World Cup being his last international tournament, this is a timely salute to a special talent who may yet have one final chapter left to write.

I Am Zlatan” by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2011)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s autobiography offers a bold and charismatic portrayal of his journey from a challenging upbringing in Sweden to becoming a football superstar. Known for its honesty and humor, this book provides a captivating glimpse into the life of the enigmatic striker.

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I Am Zlatan" by Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2011)
I AM ZLATAN – the explosive, critically-acclaimed memoir of Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, one of the world's most gifted and controversial footballers
'Why be a Fiat when you can be a Ferrari?'
Welcome to planet Zlatan. This is the story of how a Swedish immigrant rose from poverty to become a football genius.
In his own inimitable style, Zlatan recalls every struggle, every goal, and every training ground bust-up on his journey to dominate the world's top clubs, including Barcelona, PSG and now Manchester United.
Full of wicked one-liners and amazing stories, Zlatan lifts the lid on some of the biggest names in football, including Guardiola, Messi and his new manager, Jose Mourinho.

How Not To Be A Professional Footballer” by Paul Merson (2011)

Paul Merson’s autobiography is a raw and honest account of his career, exploring his battles with addiction and the highs and lows of professional football. This gripping read delves deep into the challenges that come with life in the spotlight of the football world.

How Not To Be A Professional Footballer" by Paul Merson (2011)
An anecdote-driven narrative of the classic footballer's ‘DOs and DO NOTs’ from the ever-popular Arsenal legend and football pundit Paul Merson, aka ‘The Merse’.
When it comes to advice on the pitfalls of life as a professional footballer, Paul Merson can pretty much write the manual. In fact, that's exactly what he's done in this hilarious new book which manages to be simultaneously poignant and gloriously funny.
Merson was a prodigiously talented footballer in the 80s and 90s, gracing the upper echelons of the game – and the tabloid front pages – with his breathtakingly skills and larger-than-life off-field persona.
His much-publicised battles with gambling, drug and alcohol addiction are behind him now, and football fans continue to be drawn to his sharp footballing brain and playful antics on SkySports cult results show Soccer Saturday.
The book delights and entertains with a treasure chest of terrific anecdotes from a man who has never lost his love of football and his inimitable joie de vivre through a 25-year association with the Beautiful Game.

Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography” by Alex Ferguson (2013)

Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography offers a comprehensive look at his legendary managerial career, particularly his tenure at Manchester United. From his management philosophy to key moments and relationships with players and rivals, this book provides an in-depth understanding of one of football’s greatest minds.

Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography" by Alex Ferguson (2013)
Sir Alex announced his retirement as manager of Manchester United after 27 years in the role. He has gone out in a blaze of glory, with United winning the Premier League for the 13th time, and he is widely considered to be the greatest manager in the history of British football.
Over the last quarter of a century there have been seismic changes at Manchester United. The only constant element has been the quality of the manager's league-winning squad and United's run of success, which included winning the Champions League for a second time in 2008. Sir Alex created a purposeful, but welcoming, and much envied culture at the club which has lasted the test of time.
Sir Alex saw Manchester United change from a conventional football club to what is now a major business enterprise, and he never failed to move with the times. It was directly due to his vision, energy and ability that he was able to build teams both on and off the pitch. He was a man-manager of phenomenal skill, and increasingly he had to deal with global stars. His relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, for instance, was excellent and David Beckham has described Sir Alex as a father figure.
Over the past four years, Sir Alex has been reflecting on and jotting down the highlights of his extraordinary career and in his new book he will reveal his amazing story as it unfolded, from his very early days in the tough shipyard areas of Govan.

Lesser-Known Gems

While the popular football autobiographies often steal the spotlight, there are several lesser-known gems that offer equally compelling stories and unique perspectives on the beautiful game.

I’m Not Really Here” by Paul Lake (2011)

Paul Lake’s autobiography is a poignant account of his career, tragically cut short by injury. The book provides a heartfelt look at his journey from a promising young player to coping with the aftermath of a career-ending injury, offering insights into resilience and determination.

I’m Not Really Here" by Paul Lake (2011)
Paul Lake was Manchester born, a City fan from birth. His footballing talent was spotted at a young age and, in 1983, he signed coveted schoolboy forms for City. Only a short time later he was handed the team captaincy. An international career soon beckoned and, after turning out for the England under-21 and B teams, he received a call-up to the England training camp for Italia '90.
Despite missing out on a place in the final squad, he suitably impressed the management, with Bobby Robson earmarking him as an England captain in the making. As a rising star Paul became a target for top clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool, but he always stayed loyal to his beloved club, deeming Maine Road the spiritual home at which his destiny lay.
But then, In September 1990, disaster struck. Paul ruptured his cruciate ligament and sustained the worst possible injury that a footballer can suffer.
And so began his nightmare. Neglected, ignored and misunderstood by his club after a succession of failed operations, Paul's career began to fall apart. Watching from the side-lines as similarly injured players regained their fitness; he spiralled into a prolonged bout of severe depression. With an enforced retirement from the game he adored, the death of his father, and the collapse of his marriage, Paul was left a broken man.
Set against a turning point in English football, I'm Not Really Here is the powerful story of love and loss and the cruel, irreparable damage of injury; of determination, spirit and resilience, and of unfulfilled potential and broken dreams.

Born to be a Footballer” by Brady (2023)

This recent autobiography has garnered praise for its honest insights, amusing anecdotes, and recollections of extraordinary moments in football. The book’s compelling storytelling and personal reflections make it a hidden gem worth exploring for fans of the sport.

Born to be a Footballer" by Brady (2023)
The #2 Irish Bestseller
"Being a footballer was my destiny."
After being expelled from school for playing football for his country, fifteen-year-old Liam Brady travelled to London to join Arsenal, and soon became an indispensable part of their glorious 1970s team.
Rightly considered one of the Republic of Ireland's best-ever footballers, he went on to enjoy successes with Juventus, Sampdoria and West Ham, as well as managing Celtic and Brighton and Hove, and becoming assistant manager of his national team.
Today he is best known for his much-respected TV punditry and searingly intelligent insights into the game he adores.
Full of honest insights, amusing anecdotes and recollections of extraordinary times, with Born to be a Footballer Brady delivers a compelling story of a fifty-year career that is unparalleled in Irish sport.

Themes and Insights

Football autobiographies often touch upon various themes and offer valuable insights into the challenges, triumphs, and personal growth that players experience throughout their careers. Let’s delve into the common themes and life lessons found in these autobiographies.

Overcoming Adversity: Many football autobiographies highlight the struggles and challenges that players face on and off the field, depicting their resilience in overcoming adversities.
Mental Health: Some footballers candidly discuss their battles with mental health issues, bringing awareness to the psychological pressures of professional football.
Professional Pressures: Autobiographies often shed light on the immense pressure and expectations that come with a career in football, offering a glimpse into the highs and lows of the sport.
Personal Growth: Through their narratives, footballers share stories of personal growth, self-discovery, and the lessons learned from their experiences on and off the pitch.

Impact on Fans

Football autobiographies not only provide fans with a deeper understanding of their favorite players but also resonate on a personal level, creating a profound connection between readers and the sport they love. Here’s how these books impact fans and offer a unique insight into the world of football.

Resonance with Fans: Readers often find themselves relating to the stories and struggles shared in autobiographies, creating a sense of empathy and connection with the players.
Deeper Connection to the Sport: Autobiographies offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of footballers, managers, and other personalities, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the sport.
Personal Anecdotes: Fans may discover personal anecdotes, inspirational quotes, and motivational stories in these books that leave a lasting impression and inspire a new perspective on football.

Conclusion

Football autobiographies serve as windows into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the individuals who shape the sport we love. By exploring the top must-read autobiographies and hidden gems, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of professional football and the personal journeys of their favorite players. So, grab a copy, dive into the stories, and embark on an enlightening journey through the world of football.