Books about football
To mark the Fifa World Cup 2026, here is our inclusive, football booklist for young fans.
This football-themed booklist also supports the government’s National Year of Reading Go All In campaign, which encourages children to follow their interests and hobbies when reading.
For many children, books about football are a great way into reading. On the pitch, in the playground, and in stories, football is exciting, fast-paced, and full of emotion. It’s packed with heroes, villains, teamwork, and big moments, all ingredients that can draw children into reading. When children are excited about what they’re reading, books stop feeling like hard work and start feeling like fun.
The diverse list includes a mix of inclusive picture books and chapter books, chosen to reflect the wide variety of children who love the beautiful game. Featuring characters from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, these memorable stories make sure every fan, whatever their reading level, can find themselves in a book.