"The facts, the goals, the superstars"--Cover.

Includes bibliographic references and index.

Introduction -- Playing the game -- Soccer legends -- The brain game -- Great teams -- Soccer fortunes -- Competitions -- Reference.

Covers the sport's rules, skills, fans and the media, coaches, and tactics, and offers profiles of the top players and teams. From the first soccer games to today's money-spinning global industry, the book takes readers to the heart of a sport that is played and watched by millions of people around the world. It explains the key rules, skills, and tactics and examines issues in and around the game--supporters, the media, and the demands of being a professional player. Stunning digital artwork recreates some of the most famous moves and greatest goals in soccer history, and the latest statistics are provided for soccer enthusiasts.