Books About Soccer

Last updated: June 3, 2026

Soccer is the world's most popular sport, and for good reason—it's fast, passionate, and full of unforgettable stories, both on and off the field. This list brings together fiction and nonfiction picks about "the beautiful game" for readers of all ages, from picture books to biographies and novels. Whether your kid is on a team themselves, a super fan of a league or a particular player, or celebrating major competitions like the World Cup, there's something here for everyone. For other sporty entertainment, see our collection of Soccer Movies and TV Shows and a list of the Best Sports Books.

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Tiny T. Rex Tries Soccer book cover: Tiny T. Rex, in soccer jersey and cleats, kicks a soccer ball on a green field
BOOK

Tiny T. Rex Tries Soccer

age 3+

Tiny dino doesn't give up on soccer in sweet sports tale.

Messi's Magic book cover: Smiling adult Lionel Messi in pink soccer jersey in full stadium holds a soccer ball and points his finger toward the sky
BOOK

Messi's Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T.

age 4+

Young Messi dreams big, never gives up in inspiring bio.

World Cup book cover: Children with different skin and hair colors playing soccer on a green background
BOOK

World Cup: Celebrate the World

age 4+

Colorful, text-heavy intro to World Cup soccer mania.

World Soccer Kings book cover: A yellow silhouette of a soccer player kicking a soccer ball on a teal background
BOOK

World Soccer Kings

age 7+

Catchy verse in unique poetry book of famous soccer stars.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team Poster Image
BOOK

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team

age 8+

Compelling, exciting, educational story of 2018 cave rescue.

Sol Goes for the Goal book cover: Four girls playing soccer outdoors on a sunny day
BOOK

Sol Goes for Goal!: Hillside Valley, Book 2

age 8+

Sweet soccer story about pressure and first crushes.

The Academy Series book cover: View from behind of boy in soccer uniform holding ball, looking at a blue sky with tall buildings, bright yellow clouds
BOOK

The Academy Series

age 8+

Fast-paced soccer series about grit, growth, and teamwork.

Key Player Book Image
BOOK

Key Player: Front Desk, Book 4

age 9+

Mia tackles prejudice, discrimination in heartwarming tale.

The Beautiful Game book cover: A girl in a red soccer jersey kicks a ball under a bright blue sky
BOOK

The Beautiful Game

age 9+

Tween girl navigates puberty, grief in dynamic sports tale.

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy book cover: A figure running down pink stairs, holding a trophy
BOOK

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy

age 9+

Soccer history meets mystery in fun, multicultural caper.

Booked Poster Image
BOOK

Booked

age 10+

Soccer player faces divorce, bullies in fast-paced novel.

Pele: The King of Soccer book cover: Against yellow sunbeams, a soccer player’s black silhouette is seen mid-air, horizontal and kicking a green ball
BOOK

Pelé: The King of Soccer

age 10+

Super graphic novel bio of a soccer superstar and his world.

Tangerine Book Cover: Boy in a field of tangerine trees mid-kick, soccer ball in air in the foreground.
BOOK

Tangerine

age 11+

Soccer player's ominous story about family trauma, friends.

One Life book cover: Illustrated person in blue hoodie with short pink and purple dyed hair on a patterned background
BOOK

One Life: Adapted for Young Readers

age 12+

Inspiring memoir of soccer champion promotes bold advocacy.

Furia Poster Image
BOOK

Furia

age 13+

Argentinian teen's exciting fight to reach her soccer dream.

Exposure Poster Image
BOOK

Exposure

age 15+

Gritty retelling of Shakespeare tale for older teens.

Mandie Caroll

About the Author

Mandie Caroll

Mandie Caroll edits book reviews, curates book lists, and geeks out on all things kids' lit as the Books Editor. Her passion for kids' books was sparked as a teacher, where she witnessed books inspire wonder, provide comfort, and empower her students. After working as a higher education administrator, Mandie earned her MFA in Creative Writing, during which she served as an editorial intern at Common Sense and then transitioned into a book and TV reviewer. Before joining the editorial team full time, Mandie wrote and edited app and website content as a content designer. When not at work, Mandie reads YA fantasy, writes personal essays, memoir, and lengthy but impassioned social media posts, watches the Avatar: The Last Airbender with their almost-teenager over and over, dotes on her two chiuhuahuas, knits stuff, rambles around nature in the East Bay, or bakes passionfruit butter mochi.