Exciting Stories That Celebrate Teamwork, Confidence, and the Beautiful Game
From backyard passes to World Cup dreams, soccer is a sport that unites kids across the globe. Whether your child plays goalie, forward, or just loves to kick the ball around, soccer-themed books offer exciting adventures, meaningful life lessons, and plenty of heart.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite soccer books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included fun activities and discussion questions to help children explore what it means to be a good teammate, a strong leader, and a confident player. Let me know which soccer story becomes a favorite in your reading rotation!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Soccer?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Soccer
- 11 Soccer Books For Children
- What Soccer Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Soccer?
Soccer books inspire kids to work together, stay focused, and chase big goals—on and off the field.
These stories show characters learning new skills, navigating wins and losses, and building friendships through teamwork. Whether the game is played in a stadium or a neighborhood field, soccer books help kids believe in their own strength and spirit.
Reading about soccer encourages perseverance, physical activity, and global awareness through sport.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Soccer
Books about soccer do more than highlight athleticism—they teach character, courage, and care.
Children read about determination, cultural diversity, gender equity, and how teams grow stronger when they listen and support one another. Some books feature real soccer heroes, while others show fictional players learning to overcome nerves, work through challenges, or try something new.
Soccer books foster social-emotional growth and remind readers that everyone has a place on the team.
How to Use Books about Soccer with Children
Here are a few energizing ways to kick your reading time up a notch:
- âš˝ Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What would you do if you missed an important goal? or How did the character show bravery or kindness on the field? Try Turn and Talk to reflect on big plays and small moments.
- 🎨 Engage in Soccer-Themed Activities: Design your own team flag, make paper soccer balls with encouraging phrases, draw your dream stadium, or create a soccer story comic strip starring your favorite character.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During lessons on goals, confidence, or inclusion, link back to the game. Say: Remember how the character included the new player and passed them the ball? That’s what leadership looks like.
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Suggest a family soccer game after reading, visit a local field, or watch highlights of a professional match together. Ask each person to share their favorite team or country to cheer for.
11 Soccer Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Let’s Play Soccer! by Ginger Swift
đź”— View on Amazon
This interactive board book introduces little ones to soccer through simple words, colorful illustrations, and fun flaps.
Activity Suggestion: Play a gentle indoor soccer game using a soft ball.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you need to play soccer?
- What was your favorite page?
- How do teammates help each other?
#2 My First Book of Soccer by Sports Illustrated Kids
đź”— View on Amazon
A picture-packed beginner’s guide filled with fun facts and step-by-step explanations of how soccer is played.
Activity Suggestion: Set up goals and practice dribbling and kicking.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s one thing you learned from the book?
- What part of the game looks most fun?
- Why is teamwork important in soccer?
#3 Little Soccer by Brad Herzog
đź”— View on Amazon
This simple book uses rhymes to celebrate the joy of playing soccer from a toddler’s point of view.
Activity Suggestion: Make your own soccer cheer with rhymes!
Discussion Questions:
- What words in the book rhymed?
- How do you feel when you play a game?
- What’s your favorite way to celebrate a goal?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Goal! My First Soccer Game by Tanner Ryan
đź”— View on Amazon
Join a child as they get ready, head to the field, and play their first soccer game—nerves and all!
Activity Suggestion: Make a checklist of things to bring to a soccer game.
Discussion Questions:
- How did the main character feel before the game?
- What helped them feel better?
- Have you ever felt nervous before trying something new?
#5 David Beckham by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
đź”— View on Amazon
Part of the “Little People, Big Dreams” series, this book shares how Beckham chased his dream from childhood to global soccer fame.
Activity Suggestion: Draw your dream soccer uniform!
Discussion Questions:
- What made David Beckham special as a kid?
- How did he stay focused on his goals?
- What dream do you want to follow?
#6 What Is the World Cup? by Bonnie Bader
đź”— View on Amazon
This chapter book introduces young readers to the history, teams, and excitement of the FIFA World Cup.
Activity Suggestion: Make flags of countries that play in the World Cup.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the World Cup?
- Why is it such a big event?
- Which country would you cheer for?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Who Is Cristiano Ronaldo? by James Buckley Jr.
đź”— View on Amazon
Discover how Ronaldo rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest soccer players in the world.
Activity Suggestion: Create a soccer trading card for your favorite player.
Discussion Questions:
- What challenges did Ronaldo face?
- How did he practice to improve?
- What’s something you admire about him?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 The Next Messi by Max Goalman
đź”— View on Amazon
This motivational story follows a boy who dreams of becoming the next Lionel Messi.
Activity Suggestion: Write or draw your own “soccer dream.”
Discussion Questions:
- What did the main character want to achieve?
- What helped him keep going?
- How can you reach your own goals?
#9 National Geographic Kids Everything Soccer by Blake Hoena
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Packed with real-life photos, facts, and trivia, this nonfiction book covers all things soccer!
Activity Suggestion: Make a soccer fact poster to share with friends.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s the coolest fact you learned?
- What surprised you?
- Would you want to play or coach soccer?
#10 Inspirational Soccer Stories for Young Superstars by The Blue Horse Press
đź”— View on Amazon
Real stories of young soccer stars and legends who turned hard work into success.
Activity Suggestion: Create a soccer “vision board” with goals and heroes.
Discussion Questions:
- Which story did you like best?
- What did they all have in common?
- What can you learn from their journeys?
#11 The Crossover Series by Kwame Alexander
đź”— View on Amazon
Though centered on basketball, this poetic, fast-paced series touches on sportsmanship, family, and self-expression—great for soccer fans too!
Activity Suggestion: Try writing your own sports-themed poem or rap.
Discussion Questions:
- How do sports and poetry connect?
- What challenges did the characters face?
- How does playing a sport affect your life off the field?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Soccer Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Soccer books for kids are full of energy, empathy, and inspiration. Whether your little reader dreams of the big leagues or simply enjoys a friendly match at recess, these stories show how passion, practice, and teamwork lead to personal wins every time.
Which soccer story will you read next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite soccer books, mini matches, or team crafts!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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