Insta360 is the leader in the space of capturing action. Most of their products include a camera, from 360 or action-focused to professional VR or webcams. However, it looks like they managed to integrate a lot of the technology into their Insta360 Flow product, which is a gimbal for smartphones. It brings stabilization, together with the AI-powered technology of action tracking. The price is reasonable for a great build and intuitive interface in case you want to manually capture the moments. The stabilization is great and the integration with the smartphones works as you would expect. Furthermore, the community is large and there are all kinds of tricks and tips on how to get the most out of it on their forums.

Buy it from Amazon or their store.

It definitely is a level up to the Insta360, but it comes at a price. It supports smartphones, integrated with a remote control or even an Apple Watch. The XBot is actually designed for soccer as primary usage, making it a perfect solution for our needs. The tracking is optimized and tested for soccer!

Another great thing about the XBot is the range of accessories that you can find with it. Considering the size of the field and the number of players, you definitely want to set the camera at some elevation to capture the entire field. The XBot tripod is stable, and high quality and adds on to the already great functionality of the XBot to get the perfect view of the field and action.

You can buy it from Amazon or directly from the XBot store (use code RONDOCOACH for $25 off your purchase).

If you have a high-quality mirrorless camera with good lens, this might be a better option for you. While you need to operate it (one-hand handling is great), it will give the best capture from all the options. You can still mount your smartphone on top of it and use it for capturing, but also to adjust the force sensitivity of your movement and stabilization.

If you want to watch the game with your coffee, while the video is being captured automatically, this is not for you. But if you want to be actively tracking the action, capturing the plays and the players throughout the game, this is the option to pick. We also highly recommend it for capturing footage to be sent to soccer scouts and college recruiters. We have even seen some parents sending soccer videos before tryouts (tread carefully there).

Similar to the DJI stabilizer, you will be manually operating this gimbal and won’t be able to use your smartphone. However, the most important aspect here is that you will be able to record games in the worst possible conditions, such as rain and snow. The gimbal is relatively cheap for what it does, but it does require a GoPro or one of the other compatible devices. The secret weapon is a waterproof design with limited functionality and compatibility. Also, the sturdiness and durability of the device are great, but then you will likely run it through tough conditions and you will end up really testing it.

There is nothing wrong with this gimbal and we would definitely recommend it if you are looking to spend minimally on a stabilizer for your smartphone. However, it just misses a lot of the magic that the other options have. The integration with smartphones is there, but minimally (suggests angles and adjusts zoom and light). This also means you need to manually move it. It comes with a tripod, but you will likely need a table or a chair to get the height and stability right. It is sturdy, but not as robust as the others, especially when extended as more of a selfie stick. Of course, it doesn’t have waterproof characteristics or cross-compatibility with other devices, such as high-quality cameras. Overall, if you know exactly what you need it for, it is a great option. If you need anything beyond to feel the magic of AI and motion tracking, you will need to spend a bit more.

Net Gains is probably the most comprehensive book on soccer analytics. The author has played Division I soccer in the US and has transferred his passion for soccer into his life as an ESPN staff writer. In addition to his personal story, he guides us through the history of using data to gain an edge in soccer. He starts in the 50s and 60s and the very basics of soccer statistics. In contrast, he shares information about the exponential growth of data inputs that we get today through video analysis, GPS tracking, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and so on. However, he is also honest and questioning the models that we have today that cannot explain some phenomena today and how some players and some teams cannot be explained through data. If you plan to read only one book, then this is the one.

Perhaps a bit more current and Europe-focused, Football Hackers digs straight into the details of what you need to know about the world of soccer statistics. Analyzing the possession, shots taken, tackles, and so on, Biermann tries to help differentiate what is important and what is just empty data. Indirectly, he proves the rule that “If it’s important then it can be measured, but not all that can be measured is important”. The book can look very math-oriented and requires a genuine interest in soccer analytics and/or math and statistics. However, it’s a requirement for anybody who wants to get an edge or at least avoid being outsmarted based on accessible data.

The rise of Expected Goals (xG) in soccer analytics is evident, as many pundits share these statistics more than any other info to show how the game went. For example, a team can have dominant possession, but it can be defensive and not have a single chance. Similarly, a shot on goal from far away doesn’t mean it is a good chance. In contrast, a team can have a penalty and miss the goal, which is a great chance without a shot on goal. The book explains what xG is and how to quantify it. It makes the case of why it is a better indicator of the dominance in the game. The book doesn’t have the complexity of the other books on this list, but it gives the right framework so that you would understand the xG on a much better level when you see it in real life.

This does not naturally fall in the category of soccer statistics books. However, Nate Silver is the modern guru of statistics and his classic is something that every person who wants to understand data should read. His work in politics, in addition to his obsession with baseball, explains over and over again why probability is not certainty, and why only certain data is important. As we encounter variables in our analysis we have to assign appropriate weight to them. While this book will not teach us how to do that in soccer, it will help us think about the world of data. I have reread the book multiple times, pausing and thinking along the way with the new information and in the context of the recent games and seasons, of my teams that I coach and the professional ones that I have watched.

Possibly the most famous book on this list, helped by Brad Pitt starring in the movie. It shows how one of the poorest baseball teams in MLB went on the most impressive winning streak using data analytics to scout the sports talent. This is a true story that changed the way baseball teams use data. Obviously, this cannot be directly used in soccer, but certain aspects of it already are. With players playing key factors, it shows how there are no straight replacements in sports. One great player can be sold and two weaker players can be bought for that money. But the end result can be better or worse depending on the characteristics. The right data models can tell us which one is the better option. European soccer clubs like Leicester, Brighton, Borussia, Leipzig, and others have tried this approach. They cannot compete with the giants financially, so they have to be shrewd. I am certain we will see a soccer book like this in the upcoming years. Until then, enjoy Moneyball in the world of baseball.

Written by a professional poker player, we learn to think of our decisions as a process. It is not just the result that matters. Say we play against a better team overall, but we have taller players. We will try playing for set pieces and crosses. We might still lose the game, but we increase our chances of success. The book explains how we should think about maximizing our chances. That doesn’t guarantee success, but it makes us think in terms of probability. We naturally do that in our lives. I still travel by car, bike, and airplane. We limit our downside by wearing helmets and seatbelts. There would be unfortunate accidents, but we try to minimize them. Thinking in Bets will teach us exactly that. My only advice is to pause and reflect while reading the book. Think about your teams and matches, and how to maximize your chances of success.

One of my favorites is a personalized picture frame and team photos of each game of the season. I occasionally rotate through them. The players are now much older, but I still have the pictures from U10 and cycle through them on that picture frame. I think somewhere between 5 and 15 photos is a good number. Ideally, the players would also sign the photos at the back. Putting that all together with the picture frame creates a perfect, inexpensive gift for the coach – ideally at the end of the season.

This one is just fun, while also being practical. Ideally, you would pick colors that fit the club colors, too. For example, if the uniforms that the team usually wears are black and white, then don’t pick a red or blue hoodie. Of course, this can work with other clothes, usually a T-shirt or a hat. Socks are usually not great, as they often wouldn’t show – a reminder that you are buying a gift for the coach, not the players. Just don’t get something that is hard to find the right fit, including any kind of shoes.

I personally don’t use whistles when coaching, but I occasionally act as a referee or need to lend my whistle to a referee. This often happens at the youngest age groups where we have a parent act as a referee. For this purpose, having a whistle or two is great. I would likely not buy one myself, so it’s great that I got one as a present. It’s either that the players saw that I can use one or they prefer me using the whistle than my voice. Well, obviously that is not going to change anytime soon.

Unlike other sports, soccer can be played in rough weather. I never use an umbrella, but my players can often see me with a tumbler full of hot tea during evening practice or coffee for early games. I don’t run as the players do and often have multiple games in a row. In fact, I often have a second tumbler in the car after the game. So, having a quality tumbler that keeps the temperature is important. When spending such a long time on the pitch, I just need enough warm tea and some protein bars and I am good to go.

The other side of the coin – summer weather can be brutal in some places. I always have at least two water bottles. When the players are very young, I often have several spare ones, as they always forget theirs. In fact, more often they just don’t bring enough. This is true for both boys and girls playing soccer. So, I just transfer some of the water from one of my gigantic water bottles into their empty ones. In any case, I always have one with me, so it’s an easy, practical gift that can bring good feelings to every practice and every game.

This one is a little tricky and depends on the coach. When the players are very young, this can create more chaos than benefit. They might think it’s a toy and not focus on the actual tactic. However, as they get into their teenage years, the coach needs a tool to quickly show a concept to them.

One idea to personalize it is to sign it on the backside with a Sharpie. And this doesn’t have to be an electronic one. In fact, the idea for this gift is a signed tactics board I have seen gifted to a fellow coach many years ago, even before I met him.

There is nothing more important than keeping your feet dry. You just can’t move properly and will subconsciously avoid hitting the ball if they are wet and cold. The snow might melt on your feet, but the feet will become so cold that you will get injured or at least sick.

Sleef, a company from South Florida, has come up with “cleat covers”. While not designed to protect from snow, using polyester and spandex, work great. We can’t recommend them strongly enough! They cover only the parts that get wet, but the tip of the foot stays uncovered for better control. Also, they provide extra protection against slipping or rolling the ankles. As we mentioned before, players slip and bump into each other. You have to be extra careful to avoid getting injured by twisting the ankle and these covers will help you with that.

The neck warmer is vital to get the warmup ready. I cover most of my face so that the air that I breathe is warmed up at the beginning. Breathing freezing air can be detrimental for your lungs and your warmup will take much longer. Over time, I lower it to cover only my mouth and then just the neck. You don’t want your neck warmer to take too much water if it’s still snowing and you don’t want to be too rigid so that you cannot move your head to scan the pitch. Nike happened to get the right technology for that, but there are several others we recommend, too.

Bula – Great for cold weather, but absorbed too much water

Sleef – Waterproof and very cheap, but somewhat thinner

Adidas – Closest to Nike, but a bit more limited in movement

The worst thing when I play soccer in the winter is when I get my feet wet. The only thing coming close to it is for my hands to get wet and freezing, even with the rest of the body dry. Now, you can’t just take your skiing gloves and look like you are wearing mittens on the pitch. You need water-resistant gloves with some protection. We found FanVince to work best for this, as they don’t absorb water. The protection if you slip is decent, which is also important. What you don’t want is to keep swapping gloves because they get wet, so these are the way to go. Finally, you want to have a little bit of grip, as this is still a physical sport and you might need to do throw-ins in the game.

There was a saying that most of the heat dissipates from the head. That was proven to be wrong, but there is no doubt that we need to make sure that the head must remain dry and warm. The best way to achieve that is with a beanie. Now, we have tried hundreds of beanies, probably even more. The reason why we are picking OtterShell is because it’s the best balance between waterproofing and keeping warm, while also allowing for movement. There are other solid beanies, too. But, let’s not overthink it – don’t get anything weirdly shaped, too large, or bulky. If you find something that works better for you, let us know, as we are always looking out for better products.

Layers, layers, layers! During winter this is crucial. Nobody does that for sports than Under Armour. We are looking for snow gear for soccer, but UA is good for all sports. We recommended a lighter version for rain that is still waterproof. However, you will need a base layer that provides that extra thermal insulation. Also, back injuries are very common during this time, so get the sturdier ones that will protect you from those kinds of injuries and provide extra support. I usually get colors to match with the uniform, but other players like to stand out with different colors. It’s really a matter of preference – UA has it all.

I used to wear leggings but changed to leg sleeves instead. If you want just a thin layer of support, then Tough Outdoors would do. However, if you want true winter protection, then Sleef is much better for you. It really adds that extra protection and I tend to use them even when it’s not as cold. It doesn’t limit movement of the ankles and the hips are free to rotate, too. So, I like combining it with the cleat covers for the ankles and I feel indestructible. Obviously, that’s not a good idea because I am definitely not. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend these for the winter and the snow.

Brilliant gift! I have seen that this works as a gift every time!

Let’s be honest – you rarely see the shin guards of players. However, I’ve heard of players wearing the same shin guards for over a decade for luck. They are very personal and don’t really wear out, except maybe for the lining sometimes. The important aspect is that they can inspire the players. In the ritual of getting ready for the games, being able to get into the right mindset just by looking at the shin guards can be massive. Whether looking at the picture of your partner, soccer hero or super hero, whatever motivates you to give the maximum effort will go a long way.

If you live in any place that has less than perfect weather conditions, you need a neck warmer. It has been a game changer for me to warm up and stay warm throughout the game. You can start by covering your nose and mouth at the beginning, then I initially tried my snowboarding balaclava at a game, then ended up buying multiple ones just for soccer. I have them in different thickness and material, to differentiate when I need water protection from the rain vs. warmth from the cold.

The amazing feature on this product is that you can put whatever picture you want! From a photo of your favorite player to one from your dog, everything works. You don’t have to limit yourself to just words, numbers or logos.

Most professional players don’t have personalized cleats, even though they represent the manufacturers. However, you can still stand out with your cleats. There are three reasons why we like these cleats. Firstly, they are quality Adidas cleats and look good! You have to buy solid cleats if you want to play well. Secondly, they stand out because of their color. Thirdly, they are several years old. That’s a good thing – the technology is only so much evolving, but the prices drop and it is unlikely that others have the same ones. That means that you will stand out just because of that! Hunt for bargains with cleat models 3-5 years old!

“You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” In a ceremony at practice every year, the captain of the team for the previous year hands over the armband to the new captain for the upcoming year. The club is the real owner of the armband and the captain is the ambassador who sets the example for future players and captains.

Unlike the other products, armbands already make you stand out from your teammates. So, it’s not for a captain to get one with their name on it. The club needs to build its brand by giving personalized ones to the captain of each team.

You will stand out by wearing wrist bands anyway. They are not that common, even though they can be very practical. They are designed for very hot days, but I really like them because it provides the extra protection of the wrist in case of a fall. Recently they became more popular as covers for smart watches, but I strongly recommend against wearing smart watches while playing. You really don’t need them and there are over-the-chest or at the cleats more accurate devices to measure all the data you need.

How to personalize it? Any way you want! You can add a name, a logo or even just the jersey number. It all depends on your personal preference.

When I was younger I thought that the quality of the beanie didn’t matter. However, I learned that you have to get at least a decent one to protect you from the cold weather and the snow. Even more, you want protection from the rain, instead of soaking the water on your head. No fancy materials and super waterproof requirements, but you want to not absorb all the water to last 90 minutes.

This is the best one we’ve tried and it can also be personalized. If you live in a cold place, likely all the teammates will have beanies and the club might require the same color for all of them. However, you will be able to get away with your name or at least a number to differentiate yours. It’s a great personal touch, but also a way not to lose yours.

We keep hearing about the lack of unstructured play that the kids have these days. All of a sudden coaches are “forced” to dedicate half of the practice to the players just kicking a ball without much structure. Instead what they need is a soccer ball just being around the house that they can kick whenever they want. While watching TV or waiting for dinner to be ready, just have it be there. The great thing about this plush toy is that you can use it from a very young age. Most kids have a plush toy they are attached to. They go everywhere with it, eat with it, fall asleep with it… Sometimes it’s a dinosaur or a bunny, but imagine if it’s a soccer ball. Give it a try and you never know – maybe it’s going to develop an instant love for soccer!

Kids need to have fun, but they need to see a ball moving and be able to kick it. So, regular soccer balls will not do because they are too heavy. Neither would random balls because they just have different physics. Instead, get the right size balls, size 2 or 3, that are appropriate for the feet size. The kids love them and they can practice hitting it differently. You want as realistic a representation of the soccer world as possible but in a controlled environment. I would definitely recommend having at least one ball for indoors and one for outdoors.

This one is a bit tough because they grow so fast! If you are playing only indoors, then you don’t need them right away. If you see that the kid loves playing, you can use it as a stepping stone to get them playing outside with other kids or maybe a rec league. However, once they get on the grass, get them the shoes. If you are wondering about the soil – get one level below the recommended one. If they play on grass, get the turf shoes. If they play on turf, get the futsal one. They will feel more comfortable, have better control, and can use their shoes outside of soccer. You don’t want them to outgrow the shoes after 5 practices.

Human brains are good at synthesizing information and signals. Kids need to have multiple stimulants to develop affinity and interest. Obviously, one is to have the family around – playing with parents and siblings is vital at the beginning. But also, unlike pro athletes, you can’t have them play for hours and hours. Instead, you can read books to them about soccer. Of course, you can also do other things like watch some videos or even bake cookies shaped like soccer balls. Those are fun. However, you want to grow persons first, and soccer players second. Let me not convince you why books work. They do at this age and hopefully for the rest of their lives.

It’s not a soccer game without a goal! The reason why I like this goal is that it’s scalable. Firstly, it’s a popup goal that can be folded and transported whenever you need to. Secondly, it has options to either work as a full goal or be marked with holes on the sides. This is so crucial as your kid gets too good for the open goal or needs to challenge themselves. Thirdly, this goal works great for the backyard or park. There are pins you can use to ground it and bring stability. I have used many other goals and they are good if you have large groups of players. However, this is the one you want for your kid – it’s great for indoors, great for beginners, and excellent when they get better and want to play outside.

Not everything needs to be about playing soccer. Whatever your kid needs to be engaged, you should do that. If the kid needs to do a dance with the ball, that’s ok. Sometimes you might need to include a candy, a song, or a goofy outfit. For those into the arts, we found a great idea to paint a lamp with their favorite colors. The actual painting is interesting, but also it keeps reminding the kid of soccer because it’s there all the time. Don’t forget that they need multiple inputs and reminders to inspire them. There are other ideas for painting and decorating, but we liked this one as a great reminder on a daily basis.

If there is one thing that you have to keep dry is the feet. Other things are annoying, but if the feet are wet, then it’s a possibility to get an avoidable injury. Sleef, a company from South Florida , has come up with “cleat covers”. While not designed for rain protection, with polyester and spandex only, they work great. We can’t recommend them strongly enough! They cover only the parts that get wet, but the tip of the foot stays uncovered for better control. Also, they provide extra protection against slipping or rolling the ankles, which is more common in rainy weather. The added bonus of keeping the laces tied is particularly useful for the youngest soccer players.

The neck warmer is needed as much for rainy as it is for cold weather. In fact, I have several of them because I wash them after every practice or game. Other options, like Bula or Adiddas, have been underwhelming in rainy weather. They get wet quickly, often doing a disservice after half an hour. However, it looks like Nike has cracked the code with Dri-Fit and has come up with a material that stays dry the longest. It’s not perfect by any means, but it is exactly what you need for the rainy season. Don’t overthink it, get several pairs and keep your neck warm.

The worst thing when playing soccer in the rain is to get your feet wet. The only thing coming close to it is for the hands to be wet and freezing, even with the rest of the body dry. Instead, find a simple solution by getting water-resistant gloves. They need to be light, so don’t get skiing gloves. I have found that the FanVince works best and I don’t need to swap them even with heavy rain. If you end up getting lighter ones, like Head or Nike, you might need a double pair, as they absorb too much water. Then I need to have two pairs, one for each half.

For cold weather, a beanie is a must. However, when there is heavy rain outside, even the best beanie absorbs too much water. Ottershell has been the best I have tried, but I still have to swap it in heavy rain. It also depends a lot on your preference. As I have a fair amount of hair, although much less thick over time, keeping it dry is important, but my head is protected anyway. For players with much longer hair, it can really add to the weight of the head when it’s wet. Finding the right balance is important, so just pick one – Ottershell is our preference, but if you have another one already, just stick with that.

Layers, layers, layers! Staying warm and dry is all about layers. And nobody is doing that better than Under Armour. They are not really focused on soccer, even though they have cleats and clothes. However, they are best when it comes to base layers for team sports. If you live in super cold areas, you can look for skiing/snowboarding base layers, but usually, it’s too much. Instead, get several of the UA long-sleeve base layers, just like you would use an extra t-shirt for layering. We like to have matching colors with the uniform, but kids like to have fun and mix gear colors to stand out from time to time.

For a long period of time, I thought that the way to go is leggings. The issue is that they took away from my flexibility and didn’t really add any stability or protection. I decided to try leg sleeves instead, as a friend of mine suggested. They are a game changer! I use them both to keep my shinguards in and to keep me dry and warm when it’s raining or cold. In fact, I even tried wearing them when skiing and snowboarding and they are great on very cold days. They also provide solid support, so I feel much better putting on hard tackles when wearing them. They are a must in my rainy gear now!

.If you’re a young female soccer player seeking an uplifting and game-changing read, this book is an absolute must-buy! Dan Blank is famous for writing many books for current youth players. However, we think that this is his best book. This book should be your personal guide, unlocking the secrets to success on and off the field. Blank’s insightful advice and motivational anecdotes are specifically tailored to empower girls. The book is her to help girls overcome obstacles, enhance their skills, and cultivate a winning mindset. Bursting with infectious enthusiasm, this book will leave you feeling inspired, confident, and ready to take on any challenge. Regardless of the gender, get this book!

“Furia” by Yamile Saied Mendez is a captivating fiction book that will ignite a love for soccer in girls. The story follows Camila, a fierce and determined protagonist, as she battles societal expectations and pursues her soccer dreams. With vivid storytelling and relatable characters, Mendez’s book celebrates the power of sport and inspires young girls to embrace their passion for soccer. It’s a compelling tale that will leave them cheering for Camila’s victories both on and off the field. It is a great read for book lovers that might not even like soccer, or for soccer players that might not like reading. 

This is an absolute gem that early teen girls will adore, providing a perfect avenue for them to fall head over heels in love with soccer. Morgan’s impeccable storytelling effortlessly transports readers into the world of the protagonist, offering a relatable and inspiring journey. The book beautifully captures the essence of teamwork, determination, and the sheer joy that soccer can bring. This book is a must-have for any early teen girl seeking an empowering and enjoyable literary adventure that will ignite their love for soccer and inspire them to reach for the stars.

“Play Like a Girl” by Ellie Roscher is a remarkable and inspiring book that celebrates the global impact of girls in sports. Roscher’s heartfelt storytelling shines a light on the challenges of extreme gender inequalities in Kenya, especially in the world of sports. It is an uplifting story of perseverance and persistence to deliver opportunities for girls who live in the slums and seemingly have no hope. However, starting from 11 girls and 2 volunteers, now the soccer academy runs with 20 full-time staff (in 2017 at the time the book was released). An inspiring story, that just happen to be related to soccer! 

“Kicking Off” is a great book that blends fiction and non-fiction elements into it. The goal is clearly to create an entertaining read and inspire teenagers to get into soccer. Happening in 1917, the book helps paint the picture of what it was like to live in the middle of a war. In a little idealistic setting, the protagonist, Hettie, is an outcast in Britain that manages her way through a rough world. However, with the right lessons of persistence and fighting spirit, this book put soccer, and the love for competition as the centerpiece of this coming-of-age story. It’s a great gift to stimulate reading books and the love of soccer!

Targeted for the youngest generation of soccer lovers, this book is illustrated to instill the love of soccer, but also open discussions about social issues. As it says in the title, the topic of the apartheid is central, as it is soccer, to the story. With only 40 pages filled with colorful illustrations, this is a great book on multiple levels. Reading it several times for bedtime stories and start seeing the layers of questions that your kids start to ask and comment on. A truly interesting book that is worth buying for the young ones!

“The Barcelona Way” delves into the secrets of one of the most successful soccer clubs in history, FC Barcelona. Damian Hughes examines the unique culture, leadership, and values that have made Barcelona a global powerhouse. Guardiola has won 14 out of the possible 19 trophies while being the coach of the first team in Barcelona. However, it is not the results, but the culture of the club that makes this club unique. You can see it in La Masia, but also in the “alumni” today. Hughes outlines the key principles and the way the club operates. It is a useful read for winning the infinite game. You can see it as a case study of how to grow the right culture in the very, very long run. 

“Soccernomics” is a groundbreaking book that uses data analysis and economic principles to explore the inner workings of the soccer world. The dynamics always changing in the world of soccer. So, the authors regularly release new editions to incorporate this news. The World Cup 2022 edition certainly looks at the first World Cup in winter and in the Middle East, as well as coming right after the pandemic. Additionally, in between the two World Cups there was a failed attempt to create the Super League. That was a fascinating development in the financial and club management world of soccer. Some people might consider it a bit drier than the other books. However, it is a must-read for those who wish to understand the economics and statistics behind soccer.

Robinson and Clegg take readers on a thrilling journey through the evolution of the English Premier League (EPL) in “The Club.” It is fascinating how this book gives an overarching view of what Jordan’s or Dein’s books tell about their own clubs. The book tells the story of the EPL from its humble beginnings to its global dominance. It offers an in-depth exploration of the league’s transformation into a multi-billion dollar business. How fast we take things, like oligarch money or transfers of 100 million, for granted is astonishing. It is packed with fascinating anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and interviews with key figures. This book captures the essence of the EPL’s rise and the impact it has had on soccer and the business world at large.

You might have heard of the story of Crystal Palace making their way back to the Premier League in the 2010s. It is depicted in the documentary series “When Eagles Dare”. If you wonder what has happened before then to get the club to that position in the first place, this is the book to read. Jordan became a multimillionaire at 32 after selling his company and decided to buy his neighborhood club. Unfortunately, the club got relegated and lost most of its value. Jordan looks smug and is a person that people either love or hate. Nevertheless, the book that he wrote is truly original and is a great read if you want to learn a lot about the management of English soccer clubs.

“Mr. Arsenal”, as called by Thierry Henry, David Dein has been pulling the strings in the golden age of Arsenal with Wenger as the team manager. Published in 2023, Dein has taken time to reflect and deliver a memoir of his time at Arsenal. He shows his struggles with the board of the club (he was a part owner), the formation of the Premier League, his dedication to women soccer, his current NGO to bring soccer education to prisons, and many more. While it is particularly worth reading for Arsenal fans, we strongly recommend this book as the book to read in 2023. It will help you understand the road of the Premier League and the philosophy of leading a club before the rich-owner money came into it.

This can be classified as a book for professionals through the lens of soccer. Loge is a professor of media and public affairs and has worked in politics of public policy. So, don’t expect a book about the role of the inverted wingback or the best way to practice the rabona. The lessons of people management, communication, leadership, decentralized ownership, and responsibility, are conveyed by a soccer fan, making them more easily digestible. We enjoyed reading it and frankly, they were more useful for our day-to-day jobs which have nothing to do with soccer.