Sports Biographies Football

Paul Lake was Manchester born, a City fan from birth. His footballing talent was spotted at a young age and, in 1983, he signed coveted schoolboy forms for City. Only a short time later he was handed the team captaincy. An international career soon beckoned and, after turning out for the England under-21 and B teams, he received a call-up to the England training camp for Italia '90.

In the summer of 2014, Tim Howard became an overnight sensation after more than 10 years as one of America's leading professional soccer players. His record-breaking 15 saves for the United States national team against Belgium in the World Cup electrified a nation that had only recently woken up to the Beautiful Game after decades of hibernation. In this inspiring and candid memoir, the beloved US and Everton goalkeeper finally allows himself to do something that he would never do on the field: He drops his guard.

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them." This famous quote by William Shakespeare reveals the mindset of strong achievers. But how does this apply to the all time soccer greats? Are they born great? Do they come with magical powers? Superior coaching? Crazy life experiences? To answer this question, we looked at the life history and autobiographies of 10 of the best soccer players of all time. These players have outclassed and outplayed their opponents, rose to the top, and have their names etched into soccer folklore.

Follow Ned's journey from football supporter to reporter—from criss-crossing the country in a banger of a car hoping for a word or two from the latest big signing, to the glamour of the Champions League. Ned really has been there, done that and got the Sky Sports jacket to prove it. Witnessing the shenanigans, the machinations and the idiocy of football at close quarters Ned shares his best stories with affection.

Francis Benali is a Southampton Football Club legend and a celebrated charity endurance athlete, and he's ready to tell his story. Francis 'Franny' Benali played football for 20 years for Southampton FC in nearly 400 games, almost his entire career. His utter dedication to the club caused him to be a hero to Saints fans around the world.

As a world-famous American football player and considered by many to be the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady is an extraordinary player with an even more extraordinary life. From his unassuming and underwhelming start fresh out of college to his 19-year run with the New England Patriots and his later success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady’s story is one of relentless determination, perseverance, and triumph against the odds.

Aaron Rodgers is the star quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, and he has the stats to prove it. He reached 300 touchdown passes faster than any other quarterback in NFL history. Even though he spent the first few years of his NFL career on the bench, he led his team to victory in Super Bowl XLV and won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award - all by the age of 27. He may have cemented his status as a sports megastar, but his goal is to go back the Super Bowl a few more times. Learn about Rodgers' football career, how he stays fit, and more.

Ezekiel Elliott - the star running back for the Dallas Cowboys - spent his 2016 rookie season running past, and sometimes over, his opponents. He led the National Football League (NFL) in rushing yards, helping his team enter the playoffs with the second-best regular season record in the NFL. With his impressive speed and strength, it looks like Elliott will continue to dominate the NFL for many years to come. Learn all about Elliott's path to the NFL, how he stays fit, how he developed his personal sense of style, and much more.

Cuando estoy en el campo, sentirme querido me da un impulso impresionante. Pero el odio también me da mucho. Cuando me cabrean, paso a un nivel superior: estoy más atento, más concentrado, más fuerte, más ansioso por demostrar algo. Si me odian, me hacen mejor. Por eso, partidos como los derbis me ponen a mil por hora y me llenan de una rabia especial que me lleva más alto. Pero hoy tengo mucho más control que cuando era joven. También porque los niños me han dado una calma y un ritmo que antes no tenía.

In Bo Don't Know Me, Fred shares some interesting insights into the '82 season, along with some funny stories of the coaches, their locker room shenanigans, and practical jokes. You'll also get the inside scoop on how the Auburn staff prepared for the Iron Bowl.

In Stefon Diggs: The Inspiring Story of One of Football's Star Wide Receivers, you'll learn the inspirational story of one of football's top wide receivers, Stefon Diggs. Diggs has been one of the most illustrious wide receivers in recent years, leading the league in both yards and receptions in 2020.

In Dak Prescott: The Inspiring Story of One of Football’s Top Quarterbacks, you'll learn the inspirational story of one of football's star quarterbacks, Dak Prescott. Since taking over the starting spot from Tony Romo, Prescott has impressed football fans everywhere. In his rookie season, he helped the Cowboys secure a top seed in their conference and set several rookie quarterback records.

When Trent Cotchin was handed the reins of Richmond Football Club's team in 2013, he was a 22-year-old star, skilful and fearlessly hard at the ball. Coming off a Brownlow Medal-winning season, he embraced the captaincy and continued his quest to get the most out of himself for the benefit of the club. Yet by the end of 2016, Trent was suffering from serious self-doubt. With nothing to lose and facing down his own fear of failure, Trent put himself on the line in a new way.

Mack Wiebe wanted to leave an oral history of his life for his grandkids. He sat down and started to write. As his memories flooded back, he wrote more, a lot more in a wonderful raconteur style. It all started growing up in poverty in the Great Northwest during the 1940s, then being in the Army during the Korean War, followed by football, coaching, golf, a fantastic string of luck, and a roaring ride of entrepreneurship. Yes, Mack’s grandkids have the opportunity to read and now to hear, in detail, what stock they are from.

In the heart of North London, beneath the iconic red and white banners, lies a tale of footballing glory, passion, and unwavering commitment. Come on You Gunners!: A Fan’s Brief History of Arsenal Football Club invites you to embark on a captivating journey through the rich and storied history of one of the world's most beloved football clubs. From its humble beginnings on the banks of the Thames, Arsenal FC emerged as a powerhouse in the world of football, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Jimmy Bullard may not have had the perfect hair-do, his Granada Ghia may not have been the flashiest of cars, and he definitely didn't have a string of Page 3 girls trying to sell kiss and tell stories about him to the tabloids. But what he has in spades is a genuine love for The Beautiful Game that few of his peers can match. One of the last graduates from football's old school, Jimmy actually worked in the real world - including as a painter and decorator - before turning pro. Maybe that's why he played football with a smile on his face, always says what's on his mind, and is no stranger to a spot of mischief.

With over 110 million viewers every year, the Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events in the United States. The final showdown between the two best football teams in the NFL attracts some of the biggest musicians to perform at the half-time show. But the Super Bowl is more than just a spectacle - it's a high-stakes game to win the championship and claim a place in history. Go back in time, and relive all the magic from years past - from excruciating fumbles to game-winning plays.

In this "powerful and inspiring" true story, follow Joe Moglia's legendary career transition from head football coach at Coastal Carolina University to the CEO of TD Ameritrade, one of the country's most successful financial firms. By the time Joe was in his early 30s, he had risen through the high school and college football ranks to become the defensive coordinator at Dartmouth. His dream was very much within reach. Problem was, Joe wasn't making enough money to support his growing family.

In this powerful memoir, Tony reveals how he summoned the courage to "run with purpose" during the times when racial tensions ran high as he grew from a boy trapped by the racial divide in Birmingham, Alabama, into a successful man and football hero. Inspirational and uplifting, Touchdown Tony is not only a behind-the-scenes look at a great football player's life and career; it is also a story of redemption and one man's hope to change the future.

This graphic biography tells listeners the moments that have defined Colin Kaepernick’s life as a quarterback and an activist. His talent and determination made him a college football success and brought him to the National Football League. As a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, he led his team to multiple playoffs and even competed in the Super Bowl. When outrage over violence against African Americans became a national movement, Kaepernick joined the protests. His decision cost him his career in football, but he gained a voice heard worldwide.