Pele. A name known around the world, a sports legend who changed soccer forever, and a national hero who carried the hopes and dreams of a country on his back. But before he was an icon, he was a kid from the slums of Baurú, Brazil, so poor that he couldn't afford a real soccer ball.

"Here are the best of the best: the iconic forwards Ronaldo, Neymar, and Suárez; the legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer; and perhaps the greatest player of our time, Lionel Messi. This lively and accessible book features short biographies of some thirty athletes in all: who they are, where they come from, and what they have accomplished"--

The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia captures the triumph and despair of pivotal moments in world soccer. Packed with pictures and profiles of the world's most skillful soccer players--old and new--from Beckham to Messi, Pele to Ronaldo, Rooney to Neymar. Over 40 of the best sides to have lit up the game are covered in detail, including the U.S's men's and women's teams, Brazil, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Spain. State of the art digital illustrations...

"Every fan has their own list of the 100 soccer players they consider the greatest ever to play the game. A list based on triumphs, sublime moments of skill, superhuman tenacity, and telenovela-esque backstories. To the list-maker, that 100 feels objective. Unequivocal. An absolute truth. This is one such list. Written with the same signature Men in Blazers humor found in their New York Times bestseller Encyclopedia Blazertannica, and accompanied...

Rob Lasher is just an ordinary soccer player, good at the game, but not great. Then one afternoon, he saves his coach's life in front of all his teammates. Suddenly, he's the team's hero. As some members of his team and the rest of the town continue to laud Rob's heroic act, Rob realizes he doesn't want the attention and any unearned accolades that come with it.

"Learn more about soccer's top stars and what it takes to be the best of the best. The title features historical sidebars, how-to fact boxes, tips and drills, and a glossary."--Publisher's website.

When one of the world's most loved and highly recognized soccer stars-David Beckham-moved to America, it created a new stir in our nation's love of the sport. This book takes a look at today's greatest soccer players, and how they're bound to become legends.

Pinkalicious and her soccer team, the Pinksters, play their first game against the Ravens, but when the ball is kicked off the field, Pinkalicious chases it and is picked up by Goldilicious for a trip around the world.

Presents the life of the soccer star Pelé, discussing his childhood in Brazil, his relationship with his father, who taught him the sport, his role on the first Brazilian team to win the World Cup, and scoring his thousandth goal.

"Under the Lights and in the Dark takes us inside the world of women's soccer, following players across the globe, from Portland Thorns star Allie Long, who trains in an underground men's league in New York City; to English national Fara Williams, who hid her homelessness from her teammates while playing for the English national team. Oxenham takes us to Voronezh, Russia, where players battle more than just snowy pitches in pursuing their dream of...