Whether they're dreaming of scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final or simply can't get enough of the beautiful game, there's a football book to inspire every young reader. From action-packed fiction to fascinating true stories, these books will keep football fans aged turning the pages long after the final whistle.
For younger readers, Football Academy by Tom Palmer is a fantastic series that combines exciting matches with relatable friendships and teamwork. Dan Freedman's hugely popular Jamie Johnson books, inspired by the hit TV series, follow a talented young footballer chasing his Premier League dream. The Academy by T.Z. Layton follows one boy's journey from the US to play for a fictional academy called The London Dragons.
Girls looking for football heroes will love The Kicks series by Alex Morgan, the US football star. Packed with teamwork, determination and plenty of match action, they're perfect for readers who want to see girls leading on the pitch. Another excellent choice is Kick by Mitch Johnson, a powerful story about one boy's love of football and the realities behind football boot production. When they've finished, Strike by the same author, has just been published.
Kids looking to feel inspired by their heroes endeavours off-pitch, will love star player Marcus Rashford's turn as author of The Breakfast Club series.
Teen readers will enjoy Booked by Kwame Alexander, a novel in verse that mixes football, family and growing up with humour and emotion. The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow also resonates with sporty teenagers navigating school, friendships and change. Girls will love The Girl With the Red Boots, a thrilling adventure which follows 14-year-old aspiring footballer, Kadeen as she tries to settle in to a new life having escaped the crime lord who killed her older brother.
For older readers interested in the history and culture of football, Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby (best suited to older teens) remains one of the most engaging books ever written about being a lifelong football supporter.
If facts are more exciting than fiction, there are plenty of brilliant options. Football School by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton cleverly combines football with science, geography, maths and history, making learning genuinely fun.
Young fans fascinated by the world's biggest stars will enjoy the Ultimate Football Heroes series, featuring biographies of players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bukayo Saka, Mary Earps and Lauren James. These accessible books show the dedication, resilience and hard work behind sporting success, while ensuring girls as well as boys have inspiring role models. The Most Incredible Football Stories you never knew by Matt Oldfield is another sure-fire winner.
For readers who enjoy quizzes, records and amazing statistics, annual football fact books from DK and similar publishers are packed with incredible moments from the game.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup capturing imaginations across the globe, now is the perfect time to build excitement through reading. The tournament, hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico, is the biggest World Cup ever, featuring 48 nations competing for football's greatest prize. You can follow fixtures, teams, news and tournament information on the official FIFA website: 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Whether your young reader dreams of becoming the next superstar, enjoys thrilling football adventures or loves discovering the stories behind the game's greatest players, these books are guaranteed to fuel their passion for football—on and off the pitch.