The GAME THAT WOULD BE KING: The Uncharted History of Soccer 800-1800 AD

In an era where soccer dominates global sports culture, Brendan Murphy's "The Game That Would Be King" arrives as a revolutionary text that challenges everything we thought we knew about the beautiful game's origins. This meticulously researched volume doesn't just push back the timeline of soccer's history—it explodes it, taking readers on an ambitious journey through a millennium of sporting evolution. Murphy, already established in the soccer history sphere through his work on Sheffield FC, brings both scholarly rigour and narrative flair to this sweeping chronicle. His background as both an academic and storyteller serves him well, as he weaves together complex historical threads into a compelling tapestry that spans continents and centuries. The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to contextualise soccer within the broader spectrum of ball games throughout history. Murphy skilfully establishes connections between ancient Egyptian ball games and mediaeval British folk football, while also giving voice to lesser-known variants such as trapball and knappan. Rather than presenting these as mere curiosities, he demonstrates how each contributed to the evolutionary chain that led to modern soccer. Particularly fascinating is Murphy's treatment of the mediaeval period, where he illuminates the complex relationship between folk games and social order. The author's exploration of how these early ball games reflected and sometimes challenged the political and religious structures of their times adds crucial depth to what could have been a mere catalogue of historical sports. The writing style is refreshingly accessible for such a scholarly work. Murphy is gifted at bringing historical figures and events to life, peppering his narrative with well-chosen anecdotes and contemporary accounts that provide colour and context. His description of mediaeval match days, complete with contemporary accounts of chaos and celebration, makes these distant events feel immediate and relatable. Where some sports histories can become bogged down in statistics and dry facts, Murphy maintains momentum through careful pacing and thematic organization. The book's structure, moving both chronologically and geographically, helps readers understand the parallel development of different ball games across cultures while maintaining focus on soccer's eventual emergence as the dominant form.
One minor criticism might be that the book occasionally ventures into tangential territories—the detailed explorations of hockey, hurling, and other concurrent sports sometimes threaten to overshadow the main narrative. However, these diversions ultimately serve to illustrate the interconnected nature of sporting evolution and enrich our understanding of how soccer emerged as the preeminent global game.
The inclusion of previously unpublished research and newly unearthed historical documents makes this book not just a comprehensive overview but a genuine contribution to sports scholarship. Murphy's work will likely serve as a foundational text for future studies in the field, while remaining accessible enough for the casual sports enthusiast.
"The Game That Would Be King" is more than just a sports history—it's a cultural archaeology that reveals how deeply games are woven into the fabric of human civilization. For anyone interested in soccer, sports history, or the evolution of human recreation, this book is an essential read that illuminates the past while enhancing our appreciation of the modern game.
In an age where soccer's future is being shaped by technology and globalisation, Murphy's examination of its past provides valuable perspective on how the sport has continuously adapted and evolved. This book stands as a testament to soccer's enduring ability to reflect and shape the societies that play it, making it a vital addition to any serious sports library. 
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Publisher: Visit Meyer and Meyer Sport UK
Published: November 20, 2025
Price: £18.95
Paperback: 344 pages
ISBN-10: 1782552855
ISBN-13: 978-1782552857
Dimensions: 216 x 140 (mm)