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A People's History of Football

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( 130 ratings, 28 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A People's History of Football by Mickaël Correia explores football beyond the glare of top-tier leagues and star players to reveal its role as a catalyst for social and political change worldwide. Tracing the sport’s impact from Europe to Palestine, South Africa, and Brazil, Correia unveils how football has empowered workers, feminists, anti-colonialists, and youth activists. The book examines diverse football countercultures—such as English hooligans and Arab Spring ultras—and discusses themes including anti-fascism, the growth of women's football, and community-owned clubs. This narrative celebrates football as both a generous and subversive force for emancipation and societal transformation.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for football fans interested in the sport's wider cultural, political, and historical significance. It will also appeal to readers drawn to sports sociology, history, and social movements seeking to understand football’s role beyond entertainment.

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A unique people's history of football, providing a global and diverse perspective from its origins to the present day

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A fascinating journey through the game's history as a vehicle of change — Shaka Hislop

Correia takes us around the world to examine how football has produced the kind of political energy that can change minds and even topple governments — Dave Zirin

An essential read for football fans everywhere — Juliet Jacques

Football is so much more than the billionaire owners and eye-watering signing fees that dominate the headlines. Look beyond the Premiership and the World Cup, the sublime brilliance of Messi and Mbappé, and you'll find a story unparalleled in the world of sport.

From England, France and Germany to Palestine, South Africa and Brazil, A People's History of Football reveals how the 'beautiful game' has been a powerful instrument of emancipation for workers, feminists, anti-colonialist activists, young people and protesters around the world.

Countering the clichés about football fans, Mickaël Correia dives into football countercultures born after the Second World War, from English hooligans to the ultras who played a central role in the 'Arab Spring'. And with chapters on anti-fascism, the women's game, and the rise in community-owned clubs, Correia reminds us that football can be a powerful social and political force — as generous as it is subversive.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780745346861

Publisher: Pluto Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pluto Press

Illustration: 17 Plates, black and white

Contributors:

  • Translated by Fionn Petch

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 480

About the Author

Mickaël Correia is a journalist at Mediapart. He is the author of several books, and his work focuses on social and ecological struggles as well as working-class culture. He has written for Le Monde Diplomatique, Le Canard Enchaîné and La Revue du Crieur. His passion for football began when he was 4, with kickabouts on the streets of Roubaix. Fionn Petch is a Scottish translator with a doctorate in philosophy from the National University of Mexico. As a translator, he has translated fiction, poetry, drama and children's books. He also works on books and exhibition catalogues on art and architecture. Among his noted translations are A Straggly Smile by Vanessa Saint Cyr, The Distance Between Us by Renato Cisneros and Fireflies by Luis Sagasti.

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