A History of Football in 100 Objects

The story of football told through its merch, memorabilia and materials

This definitive book will offer a unique and captivating exploration of football's rich legacy, told through 100 carefully selected objects from the unrivalled collection of the National Football Museum – the world's largest. Delving into the sport's social, cultural, and technological evolution, it will take you inside moments of high drama, euphoric success and crushing heartbreak to peel back the layers of the world's favourite game.

Featuring match balls from legendary contests, boots worn by famous players, vintage tickets, fan memorabilia and even the collar from the dog that saved the World Cup, this compendium of cup glories and bittersweet away-days should appeal to anyone with a love of the game. And since football transcends boundaries and reflects societal changes, it will foreground the contribution of women's football and the sport's role in bringing about change for good.

The perfect gift for the fan in your life, this is football as you've never seen it before.

© 2025 HarperNorth (Audiobook): 9780008729165

Release date

Audiobook: 11 September 2025