Top 12 FIFA Books

Craig Knight
12 min readMay 18, 2024

Get ready to delve into the captivating and diverse world of FIFA Books! In this article, we’ve rounded up the top titles that every soccer fan must have on their bookshelf. Whether you’re a hardcore fan, a casual observer, or someone who’s just interested in learning more about the beautiful game, we promise to offer an engaging and informative peek at the world’s most popular sport through these captivating books.

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1. The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA

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A Trip through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers

Join author Alvin Blanco on a riveting journey through the lives, music, and cultural impact of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan and its mastermind, RZA. In “The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA: A Trip through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers, “ readers get an unparalleled look at the Wu-Tang Clan’s rise from underdog supergroup to globally-recognized phenomenon.

Through insightful interviews with group members and thorough analysis of their entire discography, “36 Chambers” delves into the motivations behind their groundbreaking music, captivating wordplay, and enduring influence on the hip-hop world. As a testament to their unwavering dedication and musical prowess, this book reveals the Wu-Tang Clan’s untold story, painting them as more than just a celebrated music group, but as the catalyst of a powerful cultural movement. Get ready for an engrossing insight into the inner workings of one of hip-hop’s most renowned and respected collectives.

  • Authors: Alvin Blanco
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
  • Published Date: April 19, 2011
  • Page Count: 272
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Music
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. Africa, Football and FIFA

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Politics, Colonialism and Resistance

Africa, Football and FIFA sheds light on the political landscape surrounding the growth and development of football in the African continent through its relationship with FIFA. The book explores how the continent’s advancement in world football is entwined with its national political economy and uncovers the underlying power dynamics within the Football association. As an in-depth analysis of sports and diplomacy, this captivating read delves into the complexities of international football politics and provides a deeper understanding of FIFA’s role in shaping the future of African football.

  • Authors: Paul Darby
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published Date: October 08, 2013
  • Page Count: 256
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Sports & Recreation
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)

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The Men, the Myths and the Money

Get an insider’s look into the world of FIFA with this captivating book. Written by a leading academic, it delves into the political dynamics and history of one of the most prestigious sporting organizations in the world. From the men who have led FIFA to the World Cup as its exclusive product, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s growth.

Offering an in-depth look at FIFA’s relationships with key organizations, the book also explores the crises that have shaped its recent history. Particular focus is given to the post-Havelange administration and the response to successive scandals involving key figures.

This book serves as a foundation for those interested in understanding the growth and development of soccer, global politics, and the way sport has reflected the changing world in the post-colonial era. Providing an essential perspective on the sport’s governance and the global organizations that steer it, this book is a must-read for anyone with a passion for soccer or a curiosity about the world of sports.

  • Authors: Alan Tomlinson
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published Date: April 03, 2014
  • Page Count: 159
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Political Science
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. The FIFA World Cup 1930–2010

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Politics, Commerce, Spectacle and Identities

Embark on a historical journey with “The FIFA World Cup 1930–2010: Politics, Commerce, Spectacle and Identities,” a comprehensive study of the world-renowned football tournament.

This extensive volume delves into the fascinating world of the FIFA World Cup, spanning from the first event in 1930 to the 2010 edition. The book offers an insightful examination of the tournament’s profound impact on politics, commerce, spectacle, and national identities.

Written by the talented duo of Stefan Rinke and Kay Schiller, this meticulously crafted book boasts contributions from renowned scholars, including historians, cultural researchers, sociologists, and political experts. Exploring topics such as the political manipulation of the tournament, its economic influence on the host nations, the portrayal of national identity, and its global media impact, this scholarly masterpiece offers a riveting glimpse into the world of football.

Equipped with 530 pages and published by prestigious Wallstein Verlag, “The FIFA World Cup 1930–2010” serves as an indispensable addition to every sports enthusiast’s library, offering a unique perspective on the transformative power of this famous event and its enduring influence on society and culture throughout the last century.

  • Authors: Stefan Rinke, Kay Schiller
  • Publisher: Wallstein Verlag
  • Published Date: April 28, 2014
  • Page Count: 530
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Sports & Recreation
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup

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“Get ready for an extraordinary journey as you delve into the world of soccer with ‘Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup. ‘ Written by renowned sports historian Tom Dunmore, this meticulously crafted encyclopedia captures the thrilling spirit and remarkable history of the world’s most- watched sporting event. Boasting 406 pages and hundreds of in-depth entries on players, coaches, officials, stadiums, and each major country’s performances, this comprehensive reference volume is the ultimate guide for soccer enthusiasts, players, and researchers.

It also features a valuable bibliography of key World Cup texts, ensuring you’re equipped with all the essential knowledge to fuel your passion for the FIFA World Cup. Gather around and immerse yourself in the captivating world of soccer with ‘Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup. ‘ The journey begins here. “.

  • Authors: Tom Dunmore
  • Publisher: Scarecrow Press
  • Published Date: January 14, 2015
  • Page Count: 406
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Sports & Recreation
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. The Ugly Game

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The Corruption of FIFA and the Qatari Plot to Buy the World Cup

Embark on an intriguing journey through the murky world of international sports politics with The Ugly Game by Heidi Blake and Jonathan Calvert. This riveting exposé delves deep into the controversial machinations that led Qatar to secure the 2022 World Cup, casting a spotlight on the corruption within FIFA. As two fearless investigative journalists from The Sunday Times, Blake and Calvert have uncovered the tangled web of deceit and manipulation that has gripped the global soccer arena.

Prepare to be captivated by the shocking revelations and unveil the unsettling Qatari plot to control the world’s most prestigious sporting event.

  • Authors: Heidi Blake, Jonathan Calvert
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published Date: August 18, 2015
  • Page Count: 480
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Sports & Recreation
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. The Fall of the House of FIFA

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The Multimillion-Dollar Corruption at the Heart of Global Soccer

In 2015, FIFA, the multibillion-dollar organization governing the world’s most cherished sport, crashed under the weight of grand-scale corruption allegations. From the early morning raids in Zurich to the indictment of twenty-seven executives by the US Department of Justice, The Fall of the House of FIFA takes readers on a thrilling journey through the downfall of this once-imperial organization, detailing the widespread corrosion that extended throughout the soccer world — from the disastrous decision to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar to lesser-known embezzlement cases in Trinidad and South Africa.

Written by investigative journalist David Conn, this book delves deep into the corruption claims and the catastrophic series of scandals that continue to undermine the soccer community’s trust in FIFA. The Fall of the House of FIFA not only traces FIFA’s disastrous trajectory but also weaves in fascinating human portraits of legendary soccer figures such as Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer.

An exclusive interview with former FIFA President Sepp Blatter adds another layer to this captivating account of the biggest sport scandal in history. Throughout the book, Conn maintains a deep reverence for the sport and its unyielding power, making The Fall of the House of FIFA an irresistible and enlightening read.

  • Authors: David Conn
  • Publisher: Bold Type Books
  • Published Date: June 20, 2017
  • Page Count: 336
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Sports & Recreation
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. FIFA World Cup and Beyond

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Sport, Culture, Media and Governance

The FIFA World Cup and Beyond: An In-Depth Look at Global Soccer Culture is a captivating exploration of the influential aspects shaping modern soccer, all through the lens of the prestigious FIFA championship. Expert contributions from Kausik Bandyopadhyay, Souvik Naha, and Shakya Mitra give readers an exciting array of unique perspectives on the FIFA World Cup and its undeniable impact on both local and global arenas of sports culture.

The chapters delve into the power of the World Cup as an identity-forming platform, shedding light on the ongoing debates surrounding race, ethnicity, gender, and sports as a whole. This insightful book extends beyond the cup, illuminating other key dimensions of sports culture that intertwine with the FIFA phenomenon such as art, sports fandom, media, and governance.

This engaging, 212-page book is ideal for sports enthusiasts who appreciate detailed analysis and intriguing discussions, providing readers with an immersive exploration of the intersection of art, culture, sports, and government in the world of soccer.

  • Authors: Kausik Bandyopadhyay, Souvik Naha, Shakya Mitra
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published Date: October 29, 2018
  • Page Count: 212
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Sports & Recreation
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. The Official History of the Fifa World Cup(tm)

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“The Official History of the FIFA World Cup™: The Ultimate Guide to Soccer’s Grandest Tournament”

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the most iconic moments in soccer history. Written under the auspices of FIFA, the global governing body of the beautiful game, this book is the perfect companion for every passionate fan.

Beginning with the inception of the FIFA World Cup™ in 1930, this revised and updated edition takes an in-depth look at all 21 editions of the tournament, including the recently concluded 2018 Russia tournament. The book is officially endorsed by FIFA, ensuring an authentic and all-encompassing account of soccer’s biggest event.

Carlton Books, a prestigious publisher, brings the magic of the FIFA World Cup™ to life through captivating photographs, exclusive interviews with legendary players, and behind-the-scenes stories that delve deep into the heart of the tournament.

This comprehensive guide, enriched with official documents, statistics, and expert analysis, is more than just a book — it’s a treasure trove of the FIFA World Cup™ for every soccer enthusiast.

So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the world of soccer, “The Official History of the FIFA World Cup™” is a must-read. Get ready to relive the thrilling victories, the dramatic draws, and the gut-wrenching defeats that have defined the beautiful game.

  • Authors: FIFA World Football Museum
  • Publisher: Carlton Books
  • Published Date: April 04, 2019
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Soccer
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. Red Card

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How the U.S. Blew the Whistle on the World’s Biggest Sports Scandal

“Red Card: How the U. S. Blew the Whistle on the World’s Biggest Sports Scandal” delivers a mesmerizing account of the FIFA scandal, which rocked the world of soccer. Author Ken Bensinger masterfully weaves together the thrilling narrative of the small investigation that snowballed into a global corruption scandal. From American soccer officials to powerful FIFA officials, this book offers a captivating look at the individuals behind the corruption and the lengths they went to protect their ill-gotten gains.

The story begins with an IRS agent’s review of a tax return, but it soon blows up into a massive, intricately woven web of deceit. The plot is so enthralling that it could be the backdrop for an action-packed cop show. At the heart of it are figures like Chuck Blazer, a soccer official who amassed a fortune through fraudulent means, Jack Warner, who craved power as much as he craved riches, and FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who maintained his position at any cost despite the corruption around him.

The corruption extended even to the World Cup, a sporting event watched by billions. FIFA officials profited from this global spectacle, tarnishing the spirit of the game.

“Red Card” offers a meticulous examination of the scandal, going beyond the headlines to unveil the startling truth behind the scenes. It reads like a white-collar crime thriller, ranking among the best investigative business books of the past three decades in terms of its scope and human drama. If you’re a fan of sports, or just a lover of gripping, real-life suspense stories, this book is a must-read.

  • Authors: Ken Bensinger
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  • Published Date: June 11, 2019
  • Page Count: 384
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Sports & Recreation
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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11. EA Sports FIFA

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Feeling the Game

Dive into the world of association football (soccer, football, etc. ) with EA Sports FIFA: Feeling the Game, a groundbreaking scholarly book that explores the global phenomenon of the FIFA video game series. Experience the world of fandom culture, tech analysis, and gender, embodiment, and masculinity through this comprehensive collection.

Perfectly balancing intrigue and information, FIFA delves deep into the video game industry’s relationship with modern sports, proving it to be a must-read for game studies, sociology of sports, history of games, and sports research scholars alike. Authored by Raiford Guins, Henry Lowood, and Carlin Wing, this book is a thought-provoking journey into the evolving culture, technology, and impact of one of the most influential video games in the world.

  • Authors: Raiford Guins, Henry Lowood, Carlin Wing
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
  • Published Date: July 14, 2022
  • Page Count: 304
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Social Science
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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12. The FIFA World Cup

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A History of the Planet’s Biggest Sporting Event

Discover the captivating history of the FIFA World Cup in the comprehensive book, “The FIFA World Cup: A History of the Planet’s Biggest Sporting Event. “ Authored by veteran soccer reporter, Clemente A. Lisi, this 415-page masterpiece traces the tournament’s trajectory from its inception in 1930 to the present day, including an in-depth preview of the eagerly anticipated 2022 event in Qatar.

Lisi masterfully weaves together vivid accounts of iconic games, groundbreaking innovations, and biographical sketches of soccer legends such as Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi. The author also delves into off-field controversies, offering objective coverage of high-profile incidents, including the FIFA corruption case. Featuring personal interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, stunning color photography, and impartial, comprehensive analysis, “The FIFA World Cup” is the undisputed definitive history of this globally beloved sporting event.

  • Authors: Clemente A. Lisi
  • Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
  • Published Date: October 12, 2022
  • Page Count: 415
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Sports & Recreation
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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