Football has gifted us with some of the most inspiring, famous and unforgettable characters of our generation, so it’ll come to no surprise that their books are just as entertaining.
So whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or treating yourself to an autobiography you’ve always wanted, here’s my top picks for the best football books available online.
Best Football Books for 2026: Autobiographies, Kids Books And More
At a glance…
- Best Autobiography: ALEX: The Man Behind The Legend
- Best for Kids: Ultimate Football Heroes: Series 1 Collection
- Best for Character: Keane: The Autobiography
- Best for Emotion: BIG DUNC
- Best for Honest Insights:
A Life in Football: Ian Wright - Best for Football Nerds: Expected Goals by Rory Smith
ALEX: The Man Behind The Legend
- Best Football Book for: Autobiographies
- Amazon Cost: £22.99
- RRP: £22.99
- Amazon Rating: 4.6 Stars
This is the most up-to-date look at the life of the most successful manager in British football history. It covers everything from his incredible recovery after a life-threatening brain haemorrhage to the inside story on why he chose David Moyes as his successor and how he really felt about what followed.
It also gets into his thoughts on van Gaal, Mourinho, Solskjaer and the chaos before Ten Hag took over. There’s plenty in here for proper football nerds but also a more personal look at his life off the pitch including his long marriage to Cathy and his relationship with his sons. Whether you loved him, hated him or just respected him, it’s a fascinating read. Even for a Newcastle fan like me.
Ultimate Football Heroes: Series 1 Collection
- Best Football Book for: Kids
- Amazon Cost: £19.00
- RRP: £69.99
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 Stars
If you’re trying to get a young football fan into reading, the Ultimate Football Heroes Series 1 Collection is honestly a great shout.
It’s a 10-book set that covers some of the biggest names in the game like Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Haaland, Saka and Kane. Each book tells the player’s story in a way that’s super easy for kids to get into with short chapters, loads of football action and just the right mix of drama and inspiration. It’s ideal for readers who’d rather be kicking a ball than picking up a book until now.
Keane: The Autobiography
- Best Football Book for: Character
- Amazon Cost: £19.99
- RRP: £19.99
- Amazon Rating: 4.6 Stars
If you’re after a no-nonsense football read, Keane is exactly what you’d expect from a book about Roy. It’s intense, honest and full of drama. It dives into his time as Manchester United captain, his relentless drive to win and all the chaos that came with it. From legendary performances to on-pitch bust-ups and that infamous World Cup fallout with Ireland, it doesn’t hold back.
This one gives a proper look into what made Keane tick both as a player and as one of the most fiery characters in football. Love him or loathe him, he’s one of the game’s biggest personalities and the book is packed with the kind of stories that show exactly why.
BIG DUNC
- Best Football Book for: Emotion
- Amazon Cost: £11.50
- RRP: £22.00
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 Stars
Big Dunc: The Upfront Autobiography is as wild and honest as you’d expect from a man like Duncan Ferguson. He’s one of football’s most iconic hardmen and this book doesn’t shy away from the chaos. From his early days causing headlines on and off the pitch to serving time in prison for a headbutt during a match, Ferguson lays it all out. There are stories about partying with princes and gangsters, chasing off burglars and rebuilding his life through Everton.
But it’s not just madness and mayhem. You also get a real sense of the man behind the headlines. Fiercely loyal, full of passion and now a proper community figure in Merseyside, Big Dunc’s story is a mix of grit, humour and redemption. It’s one of those autobiographies you won’t want to put down.
A Life in Football: Ian Wright
- Best Football Book for: Honest Insights
- Amazon Cost: £7.92
- RRP: £12.99
- Amazon Rating: 4.4 Stars
Ian Wright: A Life in Football is way more than your average footballer’s autobiography. It’s sharp, funny and properly honest. Wrighty takes you from a South London council estate all the way to becoming an Arsenal legend and one of the most loved figures in the game. He talks about everything from his early struggles and his time in prison to breaking records at Arsenal and finding a second career on TV.
What makes this book stand out is how real it is. He dives into the highs and lows of life after football, the impact of racism, the importance of music and what it meant to play alongside icons like Dennis Bergkamp. Whether you support Arsenal or not, this one’s full of heart and personality. It’s Wrighty being Wrighty and it’s class.
Expected Goals by Rory Smith
- Best Football Book for: Football Nerds
- Amazon Cost: £14.99
- RRP: £20.00
- Amazon Rating: 4.3 Stars
If you’re curious about the data side of football like I am, Expected Goals by Rory Smith is a must-read. It’s a smart, genuinely fascinating dive into how analytics is reshaping the game – from scouting and recruitment to tactics and boardroom decisions. Smith takes you inside the clubs that are leading the way in innovation and shows how numbers are changing the way football is played, watched and understood.
What I liked most is how it blends proper data insight with real stories from inside the football world. Even if you’re not a stats nerd, it’s written in a way that’s easy to follow and full of lightbulb moments. If you want to understand the game on a deeper level, this book is a brilliant place to start!
Final Thoughts: What Are The Best Books for Football Fans?
There’s something out there for every football fan – whether you want an inspirational autobiography from Sir Alex Ferguson, or an insightful insight into the life of one of the most intriguing characters in the game in Big Dunc.
Football books can be the perfect affordable gift for footy fans, so be sure to add these to your wish list and make those loved ones happy!
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