Soccer's Greatest Clubs

FC Barcelona started in 1899, when twelve men met at a local gymnasium and formed a club that would bear the city's name and coat of arms. Today, the club is among the most decorated and respected in the world. This book charts the rise of a small club in constant financial trouble to become one of the greatest in soccer history, including its recent successes with the superstar Lionel Messi. Packed with interesting facts, historical context, and photographs of the club in action, this book provides fans with an in-depth look at the team's troubles and triumphs, and its work to ensure a lasting future.

Founded more than 125 years ago, Liverpool FC is a soccer club with a storied past and an exciting future. Liverpool supporters never walk alone. They carry a rich team history and thrive off the companionship of some of the game's most passionate and loyal fans. From the Kop at Anfield to television sets across the world, Liverpool FC sparks excitement and hope in millions of people every year. This book explores the formation of the team in 1892, the successes and failures of the early years, the dominating run of the 1970s and 1980s, and recent events in the twenty-first century. It also examines the social progress and tragedies related to the team, showing that sport can be used as a unifying force in the world.

For more than one hundred years, AC Milan has been considered one of the top soccer clubs in Italy. This book charts the team's rise to become the most valuable team in the nation and one of the richest in the world. In its early years, it faced local class rivalries and threats from fascism, while more recent challenges have often been financial in nature. Yet AC Milan continues to push forward as a global icon. This book explores these aspects and more to define what has made the club the powerhouse it is today.

In 1886, a ragtag group of factory workers in southeast London decided to form a soccer team. After their first game, which they dominated 6 over 0, they adopted the moniker Royal Arsenal. Arsenal FC chronicles the team's rise from this modest working-class formation to one of the most successful clubs in the history of the sport, as they remain a commanding opponent in the Premier League and beyond more than 130 years later. A wealth of historical anecdotes, detailed player information, and photographs of crucial gameplay afford readers a comprehensive view of the struggles, victories, and influence of one of Europe's most prominent soccer clubs.

For more than a century, Juventus FC has grown from a regional soccer club in northern Italy to a global powerhouse that has seen some of the world's best players wear its famous black and white colors. Voted the top Italian team of the twentieth century, Juventus owns more Series A titles than any team in league history, and they have achieved European dominance in numerous UEFA competitions over the years. Readers learn more about how the stability of the Agnelli family's ownership has paved the way for their success in the twenty-first century and turned the Juventus brand into a multi-billion dollar industry.

In 1900, seventeen soccer players met at a local restaurant in Munich. Led by Franz John, they signed a document that created FC Bayern Munich. One hundred and twenty years later, FC Bayern Munich is a soccer powerhouse both in Germany and around the world. FC Bayern Munich traces the evolution of Germany's most famous soccer club from local team to global phenomenon. Packed with interesting facts, historical context, and photographs of the club in action, the book provides fans with an in-depth look at the team's triumphs, as well as the many ways the club has worked to bring Germans together in the face of today's polarizing political climate.

Paris Saint-Germain Football Club is among the most successful soccer squads in France's prestigious Ligue 1. Founded in 1970, the "Bleus et Rouges," as they're often called, have won an impressive seven league titles, and they're the only French team to avoid relegation to a lower league. This book discusses the popular club's roots and foundation and introduces top players of the past and present, including Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. It reveals the secrets of the team's success. Full of fun facts, compelling sidebars, and historical and modern photographs, this book will capture the attention of enthusiastic soccer fans.

Since its founding in 1905, Chelsea FC has gone through a series of ups and downs on its path to becoming one of Europe's most successful soccer clubs. Through this comprehensive volume, young readers will discover key players, notable wins, and how the team has tackled such problems as hooliganism. Examining major turning points like the team's purchase by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, the successful Jose Mourinho years, and beyond, this book explores Chelsea's rise from a modest London club to a major global brand.

Spain's Real Madrid Club de Futbol is one of the most successful soccer teams ever to exist. This book traces the team's history, from its founding in 1902 to modern times. Readers will learn about this top-tier team's royal roots, its fierce rivalry with Barcelona, both on and off the field, and its controversial relationship with Spanish dictator Francisco Franco following the Spanish Civil War. Readers will meet its most famous players, and its truly memorable managers. Full of facts, sidebars, and engaging photographs, this book will excite any young reader with a passion for soccer.

Manchester United FC is one of the most celebrated soccer clubs in the world. However, it isn't just a soccer club; it's a global brand. Young sports enthusiasts will learn about the players and managers who have brought the team from simple beginnings to a cultural phenomenon. Readers will step inside the challenges the club has faced, and celebrate the many trophies, accolades, and awards it has received. In the more than one hundred years of the club's existence, Manchester United has had devastating lows, such as the Munich air disaster, and phenomenal highs, including being the world's most valuable soccer club. This book will take readers through all of them in engaging and exciting ways.