The Best Soccerista Reads for National Book Lovers Day

Today, in honor of National Book Lovers Day, we are rounding up some of the best soccerista reads! From moving memoirs written by our favorite leading ladies, to cute children’s books, and the tale of how pickup soccer took one women around the world, there’s something for everyone!

Breakaway: Beyond the Goal by Alex Morgan

This memoir is perfect for when you need some serious #inspo. Alex Morgan has become one of THE NAMES of women’s soccer. As one of the top scorers in women’s soccer right now, there’s a lot you can take from the journey and work ethic of the Olympic gold medalist and World Cup Champ. The memoir includes multiple photo pages as well—pink headband and all.

Forward: A Memoir by Abby Wambach or Forward: My Story Young Readers’ Edition

Published after Abby’s retirement from the game that has made her a household name and role model to many young women, Forward is not only a look at the resilient, sometimes stumbling, and inspiring road Abby took to her spot as the top goal scorer in ALL of soccer, but also her journey as a daughter, leader, and wife.

For younger socceristas, we suggest checking out the adaptation of Abby’s memoir.

When Nobody was Watching: My Hard-Fought Journey to the Top of the Soccer World by Carli Lloyd

It’s hard to think that  Carli Lloyd, a historic player (peep that hattrick in the first sixteen minutes of the 2015 World Cup), almost quit the game. It was the relationship she built with trainer James Galanis that set her back on the path that has led to her career today. A reflection on still working hard when no one is watching, when you’re still stuck on the sidelines, Carli provides some serious motivation to keep fighting.

Solo: A Memoir of Hope by Hope Solo

Say what you want about Hope Solo, and there’s a lot to say, but she is and forever will be named one of the best goalkeepers U.S. women’s soccer has ever seen. A candid look on Hope’s history of family, loss, forgiveness, Solo gives an interesting (albeit somewhat biased) look at the headline-making player.

Go for the Goal: A Champions Guide to Winning in Soccer and Life by Mia Hamm or Winners Never Quit!

Obviously, we can’t put together this list without including a book by the OG herself, Mia Hamm. A mix between the story of how Mia Hamm became well, Mia Hamm, and an instructional dribble-by-dribble guide with instructional and action photos, this book will help connect you with your inner soccer superstar.

And for those out there that are just starting their soccer journey, Mia’s children’s picture book, Winners Never Quit, teaches the values of winning, losing, perseverance, and being part of the team.

Finding the Game: Three Years, Twenty-five Countries, and the Search for Pickup Soccer by Gwendolyn Oxenham

Gwendolyn Oxenham was ahead of the game. A DI athlete, starter and leading goal-scorer for Duke at 16, graduated at 20. But then the women’s professional soccer league collapsed and her career was gone. In this book Gwendolyn travels around the world and chases the game into Bolivian prison, Kenya, Tehran, picking up matches along the way.

Under the Lights and In the Dark by Gwendolyn Oxenham

This book is amazing!! From precarious positions in underfunded teams and leagues, to sold-out stadiums and bright lights. Award-winning filmmaker and journalist Gwendolyn Oxenham tells the stories of the phenoms, underdogs, and nobodies – players willing to follow the game wherever it takes them.

Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win by Rachel Ignotofsky

Feel inspired by the 50 illustrated profiles of bold, tough, and fearless women who never gave up on their passion and paved the way for all of us ladies today.

Photo via Instagram @abbywambach

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