by Grant Wahl
First published 2018
Sports Illustrated writer Grant Wahl examines how soccer's brightest minds approach their craft. He profiles elite players across every position, from American star Christian Pulisic to Mexican forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, Belgian defender Vincent Kompany, Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Wahl also follows management figures like Belgium coach Roberto Martínez and Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc. Through extensive access, he reveals the strategic thinking that drives success at the highest levels. The book explores how goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards operate both individually and as coordinated units. Wahl shadows coaches and directors as they navigate preparation challenges, talent identification, and deployment strategies. He captures what players and managers think before, during, and after matches, providing insight into decision making under pressure. The analysis covers supporters of any team or competition, from U.S. national squads to Manchester United, from Liga MX to the World Cup.
Genres: sports, non-fiction, biography-memoir, soccer
Vibes: fast-paced, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: behind-the-scenes, expert-analysis
Setting: United States, Mexico, Belgium, Spain, Germany
Period: 21st Century
272 pages · Hardcover · Crown Archetype