First published 2004
Franklin Foer travels the globe to show how soccer reveals the forces shaping our world. He examines the sport as a window into pressing contemporary issues, from cultural conflicts between civilizations to the mechanics of the global economy. Foer brings exceptional storytelling skills to his investigation, crafting character portraits that rival the best journalism. His approach transforms what could be a simple sports analysis into an illuminating exploration of geopolitics, economics, and social dynamics. The book demonstrates how the world's most popular sport serves as a perfect lens for understanding complex international relationships and modern tensions. Readers gain insight into both soccer culture and the broader currents that define our age through Foer's entertaining and intelligent examination.
Genres: international-relations, sports, non-fiction, 21st-century, current-affairs, academic
Vibes: informative, insightful, thought-provoking
Tropes: character-portraits, investigative-journalism
Setting: Global
Period: 21st-century
272 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins