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Soccer, football or fútbol … the beautiful game is also the world’s game. And thanks in no small part to the current megastar era of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, soccer is actually continuing to grow in popularity.
While they say that all you need to play is a ball, there is a world of accessories and potential gifts for any lover of the planet’s biggest sport. And this gift guide has you covered— whether you are buying for a soccer coach, soccer team or a soccer Mom.
By Kevin Larue • Published Jan 2 2023
The sneaker wars cross the white lines on to the soccer field too. While Adidas pay Lionel Messi eye-watering sums to be their frontman, Nike boast both Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The latter's signature boot, the Elite Neymar Jr edition if the Vapors, is one of the most popular in the world right now. Justifiably so.
As simple and low-cost as soccer is, there is one essential outlay — a ball. There are literally hundreds of options on the market, but we're suckers for a classic. Adidas have been making the match balls for every FIFA Mens World Cup for fifth years now. And the Tango, which first appeared at the 1978 tournament is perhaps the very best.
Got your ball? Now you need somewhere to put it. This Franklin goal is a super portable, weather-proof option that comes with a handy carrying case. Importantly, it doesn't shirk on size like some other designs, meaning you can still get your bend-it-like-Beckham on.
Originally published in 2008 and heralded as the 'football book of the decade', Jonathan Wilson's essential tome has been fully revised and updated and can now likely lay claim to being the football book of the century...so far. A meticulously researched deep dive into the game's tactical evolution, it's truly a joy to dive into.
Having commandeered North American sportswriting, The Athletic began to make its presence felt in the world's biggest sport in 2019 when they built a hugely impressive team of writers to cover the game in Europe. With beat reporters for every EPL club and essential reporting across the game, their coverage offers a bit of everything.
Sure, social media may be abuzz as to when the next Manchester United or Real Madrid kit will be released. But we shouldn't just be purring at modern aesthetics. Football shirt designers themselves love harking back to a club's past. We love this late 1980s kit from an iconic time in the history of Italian giants SSC Napoli, when Diego Maradona lit up Naples.
From the World Cup final to a backyard kick around, the same danger lurks — ankle biters. Tough tackles are part and parcel of any soccer match but that doesn't mean anyone should be sacrificing their shins for the love of the game. These padded and adjustable Puma shinguards are one of the better padded sock designs.
The best-selling sports video game franchise in history shows absolutely no signs of letting up. For the 2020 edition, EA Sports have reintroduced some street ball options and further expanded their real world offerings, with 700 clubs from 30 leagues now playable.
The clue is in the product name with this one. A pump is a pretty essential — but so often overlooked — part of the game. Which makes it a great useful gift, saving your friend or loved one all those deflating moments when they arrive at the park or pitch only to find their ball is flat.
Rainy days don't have to mean soccer is off the menu. Netflix is home to some of the best football documentaries around right now. The excruciating inside story of the fall and fall of one-time EPL side Sunderland in Sunderland Til I Die is a compelling snapshot of the modern game and the timeless travails of fans. And there are plenty more.
Unless you're a goalkeeper, soccer isn't supposed to involve your hands. But it's important to give them a work out from time to time too. Foosball (or table soccer/football to others) is almost 100 years old now but remains as addictive/exhilarating/frustrating as ever. Just make sure to stretch those wrists first!
Played at any sort of organized level, soccer tests the whole body to the fullest. Flexibility and reactivity can go a long way to winning a battle. This great, easy-to-carry kit featuring a workout ladder, cones and an ebook with training routines, is a perfect starter set for any level of player.
If a friend or loved one has made the incredibly brave decision to specialize in the loneliest position of all — goalkeeper — then the least you can do is support them with the best tools for the job. These G3 foam gloves are the signature product of World Cup-winning French netminder Hugo Lloris, one of the game's very best.
Robert Enke was enjoying the best football of his career in late 2009 when at the age of 32, he took his own life. Ronald Reng's deep dive into the life of the German goalkeeper is one of the most striking sports books ever written. A deeply affecting read, it lays bare the crippling pressures faced by pro sportsmen and women.
As a year-round sport that, in its European heartlands, gets particularly busy through the winter months, staying warm is half the battle when it comes to soccer. From Real Madrid to Liverpool and beyond, these reversible knitted hats come in a range of options, depending on where allegiances lie.
The company that wants to become 'the Netflix of sports' has had a couple of bumps in its early years but for subscribers in North America in particular it has been a gift from the soccer gods, offering every single EPL game streaming live as well as Italy's Serie A and many other leagues. As it continues to acquire more rights, it moves closer to becoming essential.
It's a splurge but if your soccer-mad friend or loved one is looking to take their game to the next level then this could be just the thing. Used by players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Mo Salah the vest helps to track distance, speed, sprints and more and allows you to compare data with friends. Level up!
The sportswriter's sportswriter and arguably the greatest to ever do it, Hugh McIlvanney chronicled the multiple revolutions in the game over a career that spanned six decades. This collection of some of the Scottish wordsmith's finest prose on football takes in his career from 1960 to 1994 and is the history lesson every soccer fan has dreamed of.
Bow down before the king! There's a reason Adidas have sold 35 million pairs of the Samba since it first appeared in 1949. Originally designed to help footballers continue to train on icy, hard surfaces through winter, it has since become a must-have for every indoor player and with its trademark tan gumsole, one hell of a fashion statement.
The game doesn't ever really have to stop. Maybe your loved one has come in from a frustrating 90-minute match in the wind and rain that didn't yield much success in front of goal. A warming hot chocolate in this mug offers the chance to set things right with its open goal. Time to play with your food.
'Dele Alli wear Bane mask at training' screamed Britain's Daily Mail when the England and Tottenham playmaker first wore the latest piece of Nike neckwear. However the snood is not quite as villainous as they make out and, with its sweat-wicking fabric is a great way to stay warm when playing in extreme conditions.
What does a South American tea have to do with soccer? Well, quite a bit in recent years actually. The beverage that is a favourite in Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Brazil made its way to football sidelines when the likes of Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann all raved about its benefits. Full of vitamins and minerals the antioxidant drink has clearly helped some of the game's modern greats.
Yes, soccer can be plenty of fun as a solo sport. Sometimes a little alone time with just a ball and a goal can prove fruitful. But for those who'd like a little opposition without having to rely on other humans, the Xtraman is a great gift. Great for shooting, crossing and dribbling drills, it's easily transported too. Just don't tackle it.
'Giving football journalism a kick up the arse' goes the tagline and it's not inaccurate. The Blizzard started in 2011 as the antidote to the SEO-focused and inane player quotes-driven coverage of the world game and fast become home to some of the most considered, in-depth and rewarding football writing.
Ninety minutes of nerve-shredding tension 40 times a season...why do soccer fans sign up for this — voluntarily!? Whether it's a Champions League knockout tie or a potential title clincher, the stress of watching your team can be very real. So why not help a loved one relieve it the right way...by squeezing the hell out of a mini soccer ball.
For that friend or loved one who has bravely volunteered to spread the soccer gospel as a coach or trainer, this is a lifesaver. The Team Snap app offers a super easy-to-use and time-saving tool for organizing schedules, roster, training regimens and a whole pile more.
Simon Kuper is a Financial Times columnist who says he writes about sports 'from an anthropologic perspective'. His early career classic was released in 1994 but remains as fascinating as ever. Kuper set out to investigate how 'politics and football are intertwined around the world' and he did just that. A remarkable read — for fans and non-fans alike.
Ball control can be everything in soccer. But until you develop it, training sessions can involve a huge amount of retrieving an errant shot or pass. The SKLZ Solo Trainer solves that problem with its adjustable neoprene ball glove that returns the ball every time. It's great tool for outfielders and goalkeepers too.
Carrying boots, socks, gloves, shinguards, shorts, snoods, a whole lot more and a football to a workout can be quite the struggle. Italian sportswear company Diadora have a great design that finds room for everything with a vented ball pocket and even secure pockets for phones and earphones too.
As far as absolutely essential items of football fandom go, a team scarf is pretty much atop the list. These double-sided ZQfans designs are a great option and they cater for most of the biggest clubs in the game right now. Just raise them high when the time comes.
There is truly nothing quite like that first moment when you enter one of the game's most iconic cauldrons. From Real Madrid's Bernabeu to the Camp Nou of fierce rivals Barcelona and Manchester United's Old Trafford, the stadiums have souls of their own. These cool replica puzzles include some great little details and are good for fans from 7 to 70.
One of the slimmest Fitbit designs, the Alta is an ultra-light heart and training monitor. Even when a soccer game or training session is over, the Fitbit will keep tracking and help that friend of loved one hit some wider fitness goals too.
The golden standard of gifts for soccer fans and players… a pair of high-quality cleats. In this case, the legendary Adidas Unisex Copa Mundial collection, that can make a perfect gift for the soccer fan in your life.
Winning the FIFA World Cup has never been this easy! This personalized trophy will make them feel like an all-star. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a trophy with their name on it?
Nothing like a good coach to get the best out of a team! Well, it’s finally time to give back and surprise your favorite soccer coach. Make their day with this lovely signature photo frame.
Let’s face it, a casual and comfortable hoodie is a gift that never fails. You can never go wrong with a hoodie, especially if you give them their favorite soccer team pullover.
Soccer moms are busy, to say the least. From attending games to spending time at soccer practices, they’re there to cheer you on when you need it! Why not give them their own personalized travel mug so they can enjoy a hot beverage on the go and still not miss any event?
Imagine having a water bottle with your own name on it! The soccer fan in your life will appreciate this gesture too, especially if you get them a bottle that screams soccer.
You can be a soccer fan at any age! This Dino-Mite soccer gift set’s got everything you need to introduce soccer to kids and toddlers. They’ll love their new dino friend that’ll also encourage them to go out and play soccer.
If you want to surprise them with their football club logo design, add a little twist to your gift by ordering this custom led light. It will be a great addition to their soccer collection and they’ll definitely keep it on when the game is on.
Finally, the soccer backpack we’ve been waiting for. Spacious and convenient, this bag is particularly useful for young soccer players because it allows them to keep the ball and shoes spaced apart and well-organized. They can easily put all their gear into it so they’ll quickly be on their way to the soccer practice.
Here’s a great gift for soccer fans with style. This silver bracelet even has the words ‘fearless’ on it to celebrate their biggest strength on the court. It’s a lovely gift for anyone who loves a good-quality piece of jewelry.
These soccer shoes will support them on and off-field. They’re practical, comfortable, and dare we say, awesome! Just what they need to turn into Cristiano Ronaldo on the field.
When choosing a gift for someone, remember that details matter. These soccer shoes in various colors provide a weightless feel as opposed to normal cotton socks. Get these colorful high knee socks for the soccer player in your life. They’ll love you for it, trust us!
Some gifts speak for themselves, and so does this T-shirt. Question: Who was the first person that came to mind when you saw this print? Then, it’s time to spoil them with this dazzling soccer tee.
A goalkeeper is a special position. And here’s a special present for the goalie in your life. You will definitely get it right if you get them a new pair of goalie gloves.
Sometimes a simple gift can go a long way. If they need a new sports bag, you can order this one with their name on it. It’s unisex so you won’t have to worry about a lack of colors or designs.
Yes, luck is believing that you’re lucky, but some extra luck won’t hurt! Check out this soccer charm bracelet! It’s a lovely way of showing how much you care or wishing them luck in their new soccer season. Soccer fans will enjoy this gift too.
There comes a point in every soccer player’s life when they need more space for their medals. That’s such an amazing moment, why not be a part of it? Here’s a perfect gift to cheer them on and surprise them.
Friends don’t let anything get in the way of their friends’ success, not even hair! If you have a friend that’s a soccer player, these multicolor soccer headbands will make the perfect gift. They’re comfy, soft, and stylish which makes them great support during games or practices.
The future is here and this hover soccer ball is proof. Everyone can stay active and have fun with it, both indoors and outdoors. It’s a thoughtful gift for soccer fans of any age.
Know someone who loses their keys all the time? If you give them this lovely personalized soccer ball keychain, they might not lose it anymore. Cute and thoughtful, this gift is perfect for any soccer fan.
Do you want to become the ultimate gift-giver in your friends’ group? Here’s how you do it! You get the soccer fan of the group this Premier League Champions Inlaid License Plate Frame for their birthday or just because. It’s a guaranteed hit!
Everyone needs a good luck charm. This adorable soccer ball charm is a great way of combining soccer and luck. The soccer fan in your life will never take it off, trust us!
Who says you can’t mix soccer with fashion? These soccer ball earrings say otherwise. Cute and chic, they’re also of very good quality so you will definitely get it right if you get them this gift.
Being a soccer player isn’t all fun and games. It’s practice and games… and then more practice. This custom Probably at Soccer Practice doormat is guaranteed to make them laugh which makes it the perfect gift.
If you’re looking for an unusual, yet practical gift, we have an idea for you. Check out this PodiuMax Indoor Soccer Equipment that will help them improve their soccer skills without having to leave the house. Sounds appealing, right?
Here’s another personalized and good-quality gift. This stainless steel pendant is very chic and simple. The engraved number and name make it even more unique, so they’ll definitely be speechless when you surprise them.
What a great way to prepare for the World Cup! Surprise the soccer fan in your life with this powerful wall art. It’ll go nicely in their living room and make the soccer matchday even more special.