Soccer Stars: 40 inspiring icons

The greatest goals…the most spectacular saves…the 40 most inspiring soccer stars of all time are here! In this fun, fact-packed book from the 40 Inspiring Icons series, learn how these soccer stars became the best in the field.

Relive Ronaldo’s most memorable moments, learn about Messi’s legendary left foot, meet the youngest-ever World Cup goal scorer, Pelé, and see some of the most impressive saves in history. From Alfredo Di Stéfano, the prolific center forward who was the Spanish league’s top scorer in five separate seasons, to queen of the midfield Amandine Henry, whose defensive and attacking prowess is recognized all over the world, these are the 40 soccer players to be learned about by all:

Alfredo Di Stéfano; Stanley Matthews; Ferenc Puskas; Lev Yashin; Bobby Charlton; Garrincha; Pelé; Bobby Moore; Franz Beckenbauer; George Best; Johan Cruyff; Cha Bum-Kun; Michel Platini; Diego Maradona; Eusébio; Marco van Basten; George Weah; Paolo Maldini; Zinédine Zidane; David Beckham; Didier Drogba; Gianluigi Buffon; Zheng Zhi; Samuel Eto’o; Zlatan Ibrahimovic; Landon Donovan; Ronaldo; Andrés Iniesta; Cristiano Ronaldo; Manuel Neuer; Sergio Ramos; Lionel Messi; Sergio Aguero; Paul Pogba; Neymar; Marco Verratti; Mia Hamm; Nadine Angerer; Marta; Amandine Henry.

Each spread presents a single soccer star, highlighting key facts about their careers, honors, stats, and legendary plays, along with a fun, illustrated depiction of them that calls out elements of their uniform and playing style.

Every player is a winner in their own way, but who will you choose as your hero?

Each book in the 40 Inspiring Icons series introduces readers to a fascinating non-fiction subject through its 40 most famous people or groups. Explore these other great topics through their most interesting icons: People of Peace, Super Scientists, Fantastic Footballers, Music Legends, Black Music Greats, and Greek Gods and Heroes.