"The Soccer 100" stands as a monumental achievement in sports literature, offering an authoritative and captivating journey through soccer's rich history through the lens of its greatest players. The collaborative effort between The Athletic's distinguished team of writers, led by veterans Oliver Kay and Michael Cox, delivers a masterwork that transcends mere player rankings to become a compelling narrative of the beautiful game's evolution.
The book's structure, presenting 100 detailed profiles, strikes an impressive balance between contemporary stars and historical legends. From Dixie Dean's seemingly unbreakable 1928 scoring record to the electrifying 2022 World Cup final featuring Mbappé and Messi, the temporal scope is breathtaking. Each profile is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, weaving together statistical achievements with personal narratives that bring these sporting icons to life.
What sets this volume apart is its commitment to comprehensive coverage. The authors don't merely focus on goal-scorers and flashy forwards; they give equal weight to defensive maestros and tactical innovators. The inclusion of transformative figures like Johan Cruyff, whose influence extends beyond his famous turn to revolutionise how the game is played, demonstrates the book's dedication to telling the complete story of soccer's development.
The Athletic's global perspective proves invaluable, offering insights that go beyond European-centric narratives. Their treatment of legends like Pelé, Puskás, and Maradona is particularly noteworthy, exploring how these players transcended sport to become cultural phenomena in their respective nations. The writing maintains a perfect balance between analytical depth and accessible storytelling, making it engaging for both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts.
While the concept of ranking the 100 greatest players inevitably invites debate, that's precisely what makes this book so engaging. The well-researched arguments and compelling narratives behind each selection provide readers with the context needed to understand these choices, even if they might disagree with some placements. The book succeeds not just as a ranking system but as a comprehensive historical document of soccer's greatest artists.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You Last Week, November 2025
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Published: November 18, 2025Price: £40.00 Hardback: 880 pagesISBN-10: 0063412675ISBN-13: 978-0063412675Dimensions: 152 x 228 (mm)
