If you ever wonder about the influence of Mino Raiola, recall that  Ibrahimovic mentioned him in his retirement speech in front of a full stadium: “This is for Mino Raiola”. Fortunately, Raiola published this exhilarating read before his death at age 54. In his 30-year career, he managed the likes of Nedved, Pogba, and Haaland. The writing style and extensive knowledge of the industry make this book a must-read for both football enthusiasts and aspiring agents. It is full of anecdotes, practical advice, and remarkable insights into the negotiations and deals behind the scenes. This book is a delightful treasure trove for anyone eager to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and exhilarating world of football.

Fascinating read from one of the most powerful agents in the world. Starting with Nuno Espirito Santo as a player, the career of Mendes is fascinating and crucial for the development of Portuguese soccer. He represented most of what Porto was when they won the Champions League, from Mourinho to Carvalho and Tiago. A super agent will not be complete if it doesn’t have a superstar – Cristiano Ronaldo. Now imagine if you have a book with insights into these deals, showing both tactical and strategic thinking. Get the book, you won’t regret it!

Erkug Sogut handles only one client – Mesut Ozil. Unlike other cases when there is a family connection, Ozil hired Sogut for his background as a lawyer and his similar background as a second-generation Turkish immigrant in Germany. Ozil’s brand is very tightly coupled with this heritage and Sogut manages both the legal aspect and the strategic thinking. It is truly a different kind of book to see the relationship of a low-key agent that handles this in a very professional manner. Sogut is still very young and we might see more superstars coming through his agencies. For now, it is a unique book to read and we strongly recommend it. 

Definitely an original book, but perhaps a bit outdated. Unlike some other agents on this list, Smith’s best-known client is still Maradona. Smith discusses the issues and concerns that soccer clubs and agents face, especially when it comes to financial regulations. As with other agents, the ego glows strongly, but perhaps PR packaging, in this case, was skipped. For those that can stomach the honesty, it is a great direct read. For the idealists, maybe it would be better to skip this one and focus on the ones that focus on the good stories of everything working out fine.

One non-soccer book on the list is Leigh Steinberg’s “The Agent: My 40-Year Career Making Deals and Changing the Game.” Steinberg spills the beans on his incredible journey, from representing individual players to pulling off mega-million dollar deals that make your jaw drop. This is the agent that is the inspiration for the famous movie Jerry Maguire with Tom Cruise. Don’t get us wrong, the world of soccer is very different than the world of football, especially in the USA. However, it is an entertaining read and an interesting perspective. Get ready for an adrenaline rush as he shares mind-blowing stories and practical tips that will make you feel like you’re sitting at the negotiating table with him.

If you can read only one book on the topic, this is it! Jon Cotterill lives in Sao Paulo for the last two decades, so he has been at the forefront of the biggest recruitment system in the world. Bringing players from Brazil, the largest soccer nation in the world, to Europe has been at the core of the scouting system. He covers the traditional connections with coaches and recruiters, the modernization of data analysts and video analysis, and even the psychology of it. It is a very thorough book, written by a journalist that can really convey information through storytelling.

Although not specifically about soccer scouting, this book explores the concept of talent development and how it can be cultivated. It delves into the science behind skill acquisition and provides insights that can be applied to scouting and player development. There are case studies in the book on how skills are aquired in various sports and it is a fascinating subject. In fact, we would recommend this book to everybody who tries to understand the process of learning, education and human development. If you are a coach and try to create your youth practice plan, or a parent try to evaluate the which soccer team to join, this is the book to read. Cannot recommend this book enough!

This book offers a detailed and fascinating exploration of the world of soccer scouting. It follows the journeys of several scouts and provides insights into their roles, challenges, and the crucial work they do in identifying and nurturing talent. It is interview-based and it is the best book to get as close as possible to the core of what soccer scouting is and the challenges that soccer scouts face every day in the world. They are a bit obsessed and the author does a fantastic job to capture their stories in a genuine way. It’s published 10 years ago, so some of the case studies are about players still active, like Raheem Sterling. It’s heavily focused on the UK, so it doesn’t paint a global picture, but still – a fantastic read!

“You cannot Moneyball your way through soccer, this is not baseball!!!” is what we hear so many times. Guess who was saying that you cannot statistically evaluate their players? Baseball scouts! This book examines the statistical and analytical aspects of soccer scouting and player evaluation. It explores the use of data and advanced analytics in identifying talented players and predicting match outcomes. Look at any of the large soccer clubs today and you can see that they have data scientists working on their teams. They do opposition research before games, instead of only coaches looking through videos. They do player and team performance analysis for their own team. Most importantly, they help the scouting team in recruiting the best players out there. This book shows that and shows that the biases in soccer a so big that the data-driven approach is vital to gain an edge in today’s world.

While not solely focused on scouting, this book provides a comprehensive view of Italian soccer and its scouting methods. It discusses the importance of scouting in Italy and provides an inside look at the country’s soccer culture. The authors are more than relevant to talk about the topic. Vialli is a legendary soccer player and manager (player-manager at Chelsea at age 33), while Marcotti is a famous sportswritter. To further the quality of the book, they have asked the best soccer minds of the world to pitch in, such as Wnger, Ferguson, Mourinho, Capello, Lippi… This book explores the soccer scouting at the highest level and we highly recommend the book if you are interested in that world.

A captivating memoir written by Duncan Hamilton, chronicling his time as a journalist covering legendary soccer manager Brian Clough. The wonder that Clough did is unprecedented and will never be repeated, and the value of scouting back in his days was underrated but crucial for his success. It is amazing how a great pair of a coach and a scout can do wonders for the team. Hamilton provides an intimate and revealing account of his close relationship with Clough. The enigmatic personality and managerial genius of one of the most iconic figures in British football history is what most of the book is about. That is the only reason why it’s so low on our list of scouting books. It is an amazing read that you should definitely have in your personal library of best soccer coaches’ biographies.

In this fascinating biography, Guillem Balague unravels the story of Pep Guardiola. The story starts with the player Pep, but then it shows how the renowned coach revolutionized the game with his tactical brilliance. Balague takes readers through Guardiola’s journey, from his playing days to his unprecedented success as a manager, highlighting his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to beautiful, attacking football. Fair representation of one of the most influential soccer figures in the last several decades.

Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson are almost synonyms. But it wasn’t always that way. Considered one of the most influential managers in soccer history, Sir Alex Ferguson provides an insider’s account of his remarkable career in this captivating autobiography. From his early days in Scotland to his unparalleled tenure at Manchester United, Ferguson shares personal anecdotes, managerial philosophies, and the trials and triumphs that defined his reign as one of the greatest coaches ever. Not the only biography out there, but definitely a great read.

Diego Torres delves into the complex personality and coaching style of Jose Mourinho, one of the most controversial figures in modern soccer. The controversy follows him everywhere and we think he loves it, he feeds off of it and he uses it to play mind tricks with his opponents. This insightful biography explores Mourinho’s intense drive for success, his innovative tactics, and the relationships that shaped his career, shedding light on the enigmatic coach behind his charismatic public persona.

Carlo Ancelotti, renowned for his calm and composed demeanor, shares his wisdom and experiences in this thought-provoking autobiography. “Quiet Leadership” offers a glimpse into Ancelotti’s approach to management, his ability to build strong connections with players, and the invaluable lessons he learned throughout his successful coaching career. The book was published in 2017, so his time in Italy, England, France, and Spain are all covered. However, we are looking forward to a new book or updated edition to share the latest stories from Napoli, Everton, and the return to Real Madrid and winning the UCL.

We waited for this one for a long time. Wenger provides a captivating and introspective account of his journey. From his childhood in Alsace to his transformative years at Arsenal Football Club, Wenger shares insights into his footballing philosophy and the challenges he faced. He talks about personal sacrifice, including a lack of time with his daughter. This inspiring book showcases Wenger’s revolutionary tactics and dedication to nurturing young talent, making it a must-read for soccer enthusiasts and fans of Arsenal alike.

In this charming bedtime board book, toddlers will follow along as adorable characters play a friendly soccer game, while the rhythmic text and colorful illustrations create a soothing and engaging experience that introduces them to the world of soccer. Our personal recommendation is to buy a plush soccer ball, just as it is on the cover.

With delightful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this interactive picture book takes toddlers on a counting adventure through soccer. From one ball to ten cheering fans, young readers will learn numbers while exploring the excitement of the game. Instead of mindlessly reading through lollipops or bees, this is a great option to teach math while also getting the passion for soccer out there.

Designed as a sturdy board book, this beginner’s guide to soccer is perfect for little hands. It is professionally made, so it covers the basics of the sport, such as the rules, different positions, and basic skills. With simple explanations and captivating illustrations that keep toddlers entertained and informed. In our opinion, it does miss the spirit of some of the other books.

Telling the remarkable story of Lionel Messi, through vivid storytelling and engaging illustrations. It takes readers on a journey from Messi’s humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to stardom. Showcasing the power of dreams, hard work, and perseverance, this book tells us how Messi might be the best player that ever played the game. It is a must-read for aspiring young athletes and fans alike, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of a true sports legend.

Follow the inspiring journey of Ajani, a young boy who dreams of becoming a soccer star, in this heartwarming picture book. Through detailed illustrations and relatable storytelling, toddlers will learn about determination, teamwork, and the joy of playing soccer. The story is truly one of the more remarkable, yet very remarkable and age-appropriate. It is probably the most fun you will have while reading it.

Ok, who doesn’t want to join Peppa Pig and her friends as they learn about soccer in this delightful storybook? Through playful illustrations and a fun narrative, discover the basics of the game, from kicking the ball to working as a team. The narration is familiar to Peppa the Pig fans, emphasizing fair play and having a great time.

Brother and Sister Bear embark on a soccer journey in this endearing Berenstain Bears book. This is a perfect book for siblings that one day might join a soccer team. Toddlers will learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, and the importance of practice, all wrapped in the lovable bear adventures. The illustrations are fun and dynamic and the narration is family focused.

This an insightful and inspiring account of one of soccer’s true legends. Cruyff’s influence on the game is monumental and felt today through the words of virtually anybody that has seen Barcelona or the Netherlands play. The autobiography takes readers through his remarkable career as a player, coach, and sporting executive, offering a deep understanding of his innovative football philosophy. With honesty and passion, Cruyff shares his personal philosophy, strategic insights, and his unwavering commitment to soccer. Everybody can benefit from reading this story, both soccer and non-soccer people.

It’s never too early to start consuming soccer through books and this one is a delightful and inspiring read that takes young readers on a journey through the life of soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The book gives fun storytelling and motivational messages, focusing on Ronaldo’s determination and resilience. Through colorful illustrations and age-appropriate prose, it tells the story of Ronaldo’s rise to stardom and emphasizes the values of hard work, perseverance, and self-belief. It’s a perfect book for every kid that is starting the soccer journey.

Zlatan Ibrahimović, the enigmatic Swedish striker known for his charisma and breathtaking goals, tells his story as only he could. This autobiography delves into his troubled upbringing, his rise to stardom, and his experiences playing for some of the world’s most renowned clubs. The biography does not include the time in the United States which we hope he will write about in a newer book now that he is retired. He is honest and often controversial in his reflections and opinions. It is a vital read for every young player looking for determination and self-confidence while finding their identity as a soccer player.

For over two decades, Sir Alex Ferguson was the driving force behind Manchester United’s dominance in English football. In “My Autobiography,” Ferguson recounts his remarkable career, sharing insights into his leadership philosophy, squad-building and human managing strategies, and the intense rivalries that defined his era. This biography offers valuable lessons not only for soccer enthusiasts but also for aspiring managers and leaders in any field. As we cannot be at his lectures at Harvard Business School anymore, reading about leadership and decision-making through this biography will have to do.

While not strictly a traditional soccer biography, “Fever Pitch” by Nick Hornby is a poignant memoir that beautifully captures the essence of being a passionate fan. Hornby shares his personal experiences as an Arsenal supporter with significant moments in the club’s history. Through the lens of football fandom, he explores the deep emotional connection between individuals and their teams, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the highs and lows of supporting a football club.

Another non-typical choice for this list, the book is a captivating and diverse collection of soccer narratives that delves into both the thrilling moments on the pitch and the intriguing tales behind the scenes. There are personal accounts, historical anecdotes, and cultural perspectives. It’s well-balanced and well-written, providing great stories of the beautiful game. The author has a baseball and military background, but as he is currently living in the Netherlands, he has undoubtedly witnessed soccer from a different perspective.