Fantastic football books

They don’t call it the beautiful game for nothing! It’s no wonder that lots of children enjoy watching football, with its ups and downs and twists and turns.

The front cover of a girl with her hair up holding a football in front of her chest, from the front cover of Finding Her Feet

So if you know children who are obsessed with goals, tackles and tactics, why not try out one of these footie books? With everything from poems to facts and fiction, they’re sure to find something they love.

  • The Footballing Fairy

    by Elli Woollard, illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich 

    4 to 5 years 

    • Fairy tale
    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Femi the fairy adores playing football, but her shots aren’t always on target, which often gets her into trouble. A charming picture book about following your dreams, with rhyming text and vibrant illustrations. 

  • Sammy Striker and the Football Cup

    by Catherine Emmett, illustrated by Joe Berger 

    2023 5 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Can Sammy work out why she can’t score a goal? Fizzing with energy and positivity, this rhyming picture book explores finding the confidence to embrace your individuality.

  • Fantastic Football Poems

    by John Foster and Korky Paul 

    2018 5 to 14 years 

    • Funny
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Famous children’s poems and lesser-known gems are featured in this imaginative, funny and engaging collection of poems for footie fans.

  • Football School: Epic Heroes

    by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttelton, illustrated by Spike Gerrell 

    2021 5 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Funny
    • Historical
    • Non-fiction

    This collection of 50 real-life tales from around the world spans a period of more than 75 years and spotlights the remarkable achievements, both on and off the pitch, of a variety of football heroes.

  • Rashford Rules

    by Simon Mugford, illustrated by Dan Green 

    2020 5 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    Highly-illustrated biography of Manchester United striker and anti-poverty campaigner Marcus Rashford.

  • Me and Aaron Ramsey

    by Manon Steffan Ros 

    2024 5 to 14 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Coming-of-age

    Sam and his dad love football. When an accident has long-lasting effects, everything at home changes. A moving depiction of a father-son relationship, set in Wales.

  • Football School: Where Football Explains the World

    by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, illustrated by Spike Gerrell 

    2016 5 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Funny
    • Non-fiction

    This book is packed with true stories, real science and fascinating facts that all relate back to football. Funny, informative, and hugely entertaining, it is recommend for fans of non-fiction books.

  • Barry Loser is the Best at Football NOT!

    by Jim Smith 

    2018 5 to 14 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Funny

    When the posh kids from Avocado Hill challenge the Mogden Maniacs to a football match, Barry Loser decides to get his team into shape – but whether they’ll pay any attention is another matter. More LOL-worthy stuff from the popular series.

  • Jaz Santos vs. the World

    by Priscilla Mante 

    2021 9 to 14 years 

    • Funny

    When Jaz’s mum leaves home, she knows that she has to be the best at football to get her back. Warm-hearted and funny, this book explores the sexism in society and gives lots of opportunities to learn about real-life women football players. 

  • A Different Kind of Freedom: A Romani Story

    by Richard O’Neill

    2023 9 to 14 years 

    • Historical

    Lijah loves football, but his Romani father doesn’t want him to play. How can Lijah follow his passion if he has to hide it from his dad?

  • Bobby Bains Plays a Blinder

    by Bali Rai, illustrated by Daniel Duncan 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Dyslexia

    Bobby wants his nana-ji and Trevor to be friends because they both love football. A heart-warming story of community and kindness – and football! Dyslexia friendly, and appealing to all readers. 

  • Roar

    by Beth Mead and Matt Oldfield, illustrated by Mark Long 

    2023 9 to 14 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Interactive
    • Non-fiction

    Written by professional footballer, Beth Mead, this inspirational book is part autobiography, part motivational manual. It features a wealth of activities designed to inspire readers to achieve their dreams and is essential reading for anyone who is interested in sport.

  • You are a Champion

    by Marcus Rashford and Carl Anka 

    2021 9 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    England footballer Marcus Rashford shares tips and advice that he’s learned on his journey from being a football-mad kid in Manchester to a sports megastar and political activist, as well as how to handle issues of confidence and anxiety.

  • Finding her Feet

    by Eve Ainsworth, illustrated by Luna Valentine 

    2023 9 to 14 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Dyslexia

    Can Lily’s talent for football help her overcome the challenges of starting at a new school? This dyslexia-friendly story is interspersed with women’s football facts.

  • Johnny Ball: Undercover Football Genius

    by Matt Oldfield, illustrated by Tim Wesson 

    2021 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Funny

    A wise, witty and very funny illustrated story of the youngest football coach ever and his race to finish at the top of the league.

  • Over the Line

    by Tom Palmer 

    2016 9 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Dyslexia

    Set during World War I, this book tells the compelling true story of the professional footballers who signed up to fight. It’s sure to enthral readers and pique their interest in the period.

More to discover

Explore some of our resources about the link between books and football.

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