The Ball is Round: A Global History of Soccer [Paperback]

The definitive book about soccer, from the author ofThe Games: A Global History of the Olympics.

There may be no cultural practice more global than soccer. Rites of birth and marriage are infinitely diverse, but the rules of soccer are universal. No world religion can match its geographical scope. The single greatest simultaneous human collective experience is the World Cup final.

In this extraordinary tour de force, David Goldblatt tells the full story of soccer's rise from chaotic folk ritual to the world's most popular sport-now poised to fully establish itself in the USA. Already celebrated internationally,The Ball Is Roundilluminates soccer's role in the political and social histories of modern societies, but never loses sight of the beauty, joy, and excitement of the game itself. Football conquered the world with its capacity to astonish, and this is its definitive history. --The Independent

Since it became a worldwide phenomenon, nobody has attempted to write an overall history of the game. Now David Goldblatt's stunning book will be the measure against which all other such volumes are judged. --The Guardian

Goldblatt writes with authority, humor, and passion, not least in the accounts of famous or significant matches scattered throughout the book... there is no doubting the worth of David Goldblatt's extraordinary book. --Times Literary Supplement(London)

Goldblatt's magnum opus, at close to a thousand pages, is an ambitious project realized in a most impressive manner. Anyone with a brain and an interest in football will enjoy this book: just don't drop it on your foot. --The Daily Telegraph(London)

Just possibly the most erudite football book ever, yet also a very good read. Goldblatt doesn't just understand the social context of the game around the world; he also has a nose for the best stories. This book is a mindboggling achievement. --Simon Kuper, authorlC¯