At their most basic, football autobiographies offer fans a glimpse into the person behind the persona we've come to know and love through our TV screens. At their best, they provide a unique look into an individual's thought process that would be impossible to get from a simple biography.
This selection of autobiographies follows the careers of some of football's biggest stars, both on and off the pitch, and gives a raw insight into what it's like to play at the highest level.
If you prefer to listen to your books rather than read them, Audible offers a 30-day free trial for new customers, giving you access to many of the titles included on this list.
Shop: The best football autobiographies
I Think Therefore I Play by Andrea Pirlo
BackPage PressThe World Cup and Champions League-winning midfielder gives a humorous and insightful look back on his career, filled with plenty of anecdotes involving his former teammates at both Juventus and AC Milan.
Banksy by Gordon Banks
PenguinIn his own words, legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks revisits the highs and lows of his career, from his role in helping England to World Cup victory to the car accident that left him blind in one eye.
Enjoy reading about football? MUNDIAL is a magazine dedicated to long-form writing about football icons and culture.
MundialFor fans of cult football magazine MUNDIAL, treat them to a subscription to the mag. Boasting benefits, including a Club Mundial membership card with partner discount codes for Classic Football Shirts, Art of Football, Percival and All Press coffee. A welcome postcard pack featuring all five cover stars. Discounts to Mundial merchandise, subscriber-only events, and more.
The Accidental Footballer by Pat Nevin
MonorayAs the name suggests, The Accidental Footballer differs from your usual football memoirs. Pat Nevin writes about his life with honesty and humour while never shying away from difficult topics.
Red: My Autobiography by Gary Neville
CorgiBest known to many as a top-drawer pundit these days, the iconic Manchester United and England star charts his career here as one of the nation's most talented defenders across a hugely successful club career.
My Turn by Johan Cruyff
MacmillanWidely regarded as one of football's greatest players, Johan Cruyff's life was just as extraordinary off the pitch where the 1973 European Footballer of the Year dealt with bankruptcy and a kidnapping attempt.
Football: My Story by Kelly Smith
CorgiKelly Smith is a legend of the game. In Football: My Story, she shares the highs and lows of her career and what it took to get to the highest possible stage for both club and country. It's inspirational and eye-opening, with everything you want from an autobiography.
My Life in Red and White by Arsene Wenger
W&NThis definitive autobiography of the revolutionary football manager is not only a must-read for Arsenal supporters but essential reading for anyone who considers themselves a football fan.
Forward by Abby Wambach
Dey Street BooksAbby Wambach is a name tied to the US women's national soccer team, with whom she won the 2015 World Cup. Forward is a powerful memoir of the resilience and redemption it took to become a world-class athlete.
Always Managing by Harry Redknapp
Ebury PressFrom his early days struggling at Oxford City to lifting the FA Cup at Portsmouth, one of English football's most notable characters tells the whole story of his career as one of the most recognisable managers in football history.
Blessed by George Best
Ebury PressArguably the greatest British footballer to ever play the game, the late Manchester United and Northern Ireland star led a colourful life off the pitch as much as he did on it – and this book, penned almost two decades ago, remains an intelligent, poignant insight worthy of his gifts.
I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic by Zlatan Ibrahimovic
PenguinIn his own unique style, filled with witty one-liners and less-than-self-deprecating bravado, the Swedish superstar recalls his time at some of Europe's biggest clubs on his journey to becoming a modern sporting icon.
How Not to Be a Professional Footballer by Paul Merson
Harper SportPaul Merson's autobiography is as much a manual as it is a memoir. The book contains a treasure trove of anecdotes told in Merson's usual entertaining and laugh-out-loud manner.
A Life in Football by Ian Wright
ConstableThe Sunday Times bestselling memoir from Ian Wright covers the former England striker and current TV pundit's career in front of the fans, as well as topics such as racism, social media, and retirement.
My Autobiography by Alex Ferguson
Hodder PaperbacksOriginally published in 2013, this autobiography has recently been updated to include Sir Alex Ferguson's thoughts on events at Manchester United since his retirement, as well as more anecdotes from his post-managing career.
The Romford Pelé by Ray Parlour
ArrowNow a pundit for talkSPORT and Sky Sports, Ray Parlour's memoir takes a candid look back at his on-field career, including his time on Arsenal's famous unbeaten team of 2003-04.
Not For Me, Clive by Clive Tyldesley
HeadlineIt's not just the footballers and managers who have entertaining autobiographies to their name; this book delves into the career of one of the most recognisable voices in sports broadcasting.
Playmaker: My Life and the Love of Football by Glenn Hoddle
One of the game's last major player-managers at the highest level, this book gives a compelling insight into the former Tottenham, Chelsea and England man, who featured at four major tournaments for the Three Lions before leading them as their boss at France 1998.
Raised a Warrior by Susie Petruccelli
ApolloSusie Petruccelli, winner of the Vikki Orvice Prize, tells the story of her time playing football in America. The memoir explores subjects like equal pay and the discrimination she faced while playing football. You know this is a good one when it's been praised by the likes of Tennis legend Billie Jean King.
Clough The Autobiography by Brian Clough
CorgiPerhaps a little overshadowed by the dozens of biographies written about the man himself, this book offers a rare insight into the legendary Derby County and Nottingham Forest manager in his own typically rich words.
One Life by Megan Rapinoe
Penguin PressMegan Rapinoe has been a force to contend with both on and off the pitch. An advocate for equal pay and LGBTQ rights, Rapinoe pens how she's made the most of her platform to stand up for her beliefs.
The Second Half by Roy Keane
Weidenfeld & NicolsonWritten with the help of Man Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle, Keane's autobiography offers a brutally honest account of the former Manchester United captain, leaving no stones unturned across a sometimes infamous, frequently exceptional career.
They Don't Teach This by Eniola Aluko
Yellow JerseyEniola Aluko is a powerhouse in the women's game, from tearing it up on the pitch with England to becoming the first female pundit on Match Of The Day. This memoir explores all of that, alongside themes of dual nationality, race and prejudice.
My Autobiography by Luka Modrić
Bloomsbury SportReleased in 2021, this illuminating insight into the career of the Ballon d'Or winner reveals his journey from growing up in war-torn Croatia to playing for his country in the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Final.
Even Heskey Scored by Emile Heskey
Pitch Publishing Shortlisted for the Best Sports Autobiography in the 2020 British Sports Book Awards, Heskey's revealing autobiography charts the rise of the England footballer as he overcame fierce criticism to emerge as one of the stars of his generation.