In this compelling autobiography, Lennart Johansson emerges not just as a football administrator but as a guardian of the beautiful game's soul. The timing of this English translation couldn't be more poignant, offering crucial insights into football governance at a moment when the sport faces unprecedented commercialisation.
Johansson's journey from a working-class boy cycling to AIK matches to becoming UEFA's longest-serving president reads like a testament to integrity in an era often lacking it. His creation of the UEFA Champions League, widely considered his proudest achievement, revolutionised European football. Yet, what makes this book particularly fascinating is how it reveals the human side of a man who wielded enormous power but never lost touch with his roots.
The narrative, co-written with his friend Soeren 'Sulo' Karlsson, strikes a perfect balance between personal anecdotes and historical significance. Johansson's account of his 1998 FIFA presidential campaign against Sepp Blatter offers particularly illuminating insights into football politics. His candid reflections on this period reveal both the idealism and pragmatism that characterised his leadership style.
What sets this autobiography apart is its authenticity. Unlike many sports memoirs that often feel sanitised, Johansson's voice comes through clearly—principled, occasionally stubborn, but always focused on football's broader social impact. His decision to direct his royalties to AIK, his childhood club, perfectly encapsulates the values he championed throughout his career.
The book's most powerful moments come when Johansson discusses his vision of football as a sport for everyone. His role in bringing English clubs back into European competitions demonstrated both his diplomatic skills and his understanding of football's cultural significance. These sections provide valuable lessons for current and future sports administrators.
While the prose occasionally meanders, as many translated works do, this actually adds to its charm, capturing Johansson's straightforward, no-nonsense approach to both life and football administration. The book's structure, moving between personal memories and professional achievements, keeps readers engaged while providing crucial context for understanding modern football's development.
"A Mate Among Bigwigs and Trophies" is more than just a sports autobiography; it's a crucial historical document of football's transformation from a beloved sport into a global business, told by someone who fought to preserve its soul while adapting to changing times. For anyone interested in football administration, sports history, or simply the story of a man who never forgot his roots while reaching the sport's highest offices, this book is essential reading.
The timing of this English translation feels particularly relevant now, as football faces new challenges around super leagues, financial fair play, and broadcasting rights. Johansson's principles and experiences, detailed in these pages, offer valuable guidance for navigating these modern challenges while staying true to the sport's core values.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You Last Week March 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change. Publisher: Visit New Haven Publishing
Published: March 13, 2025Price: £17.99 Paperback: 226 pagesISBN-10: 1915975107ISBN-13: 978-1915975102Dimensions: 229 x 152 (mm)
