Luke Paton – författare

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all time. After proving himself under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, he earned a mighty reputation at Real Madrid and helped them strengthen their game. His talent and unmatched ability took the footballing world by storm. Becoming one of the world’s favourite players, his journey to the top of the game was full of hard work, goals and confidence.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Lionel Messi’s rapid rise to stardom was filled with hardship, determination, bravery and over 800 goals. It’s almost impossible to believe that this Argentinian giant of football was once considered too small to play. Proving any doubters wrong, he showed the world just how talented he was and took both club and country to new, victorious heights. If Messi is on a team, there just is no stopping them.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Diego Maradona is best known for his famous ‘Hand of God’ goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, but there is so much more to his story. His iconic career spanned twenty-one years and included many disappointing lows and unbeatable highs. His skill was almost effortless, and the impact he had on games was unlike any other player.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

George Best was as good as his name. After being discovered when he was just fifteen, he went on to play for Manchester United for thirteen years. Known for his excellent dribbling skills and fashionable style, he became a huge celebrity on and off the pitch. Even Pelé said that George was the greatest footballer he’d ever seen.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, was from humble beginnings – living in poverty in São Paulo and taught to play football by his beloved father. Throughout his career, Pelé scored over 1,000 incredible goals, won the World Cup three times and inspired thousands to play the beautiful game. As an accurate and powerful player, he took football to new and extraordinary heights.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Bobby Charlton was an important player in England’s winning 1966 World Cup squad. He scored an incredible forty-nine goals for his country in 106 appearances. As well as being an international sensation, he was also a Manchester United hero and helped the club rebuild and improve after a devastating tragedy that threatened to shut them down. A true legend, he is one of the best English players in history.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Bobby Moore’s huge legacy is unlike any other. He was West Ham United’s greatest player of all time and an icon of the game. Described as the perfect leader, he also went on to captain the England team to victory in the 1966 World Cup. Loved and respected by all football fans to this day, he was a star of the game.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

David Beckham’s footballing career was one of iconic moments and interesting haircuts. From being Manchester United’s golden boy to an international sensation, this beloved English footballer was unlike any other player. Earning respect from fans all around the world for his unique skills, his popularity was unmatched. After all, nobody can bend it like Beckham.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Peter Schmeichel was a giant of goalkeeping – standing at an enormous six foot four! When he was in goal, nothing got past him. He tried things nobody had done before, and his attitude and ideas have influenced the way goalkeepers play today. He was Manchester United’s star shot-stopper for many years, and he played a huge role in Denmark’s 1992 Euros victory.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho is a champion of Brazilian football. Forever following his father’s advice, he always played with happiness and freedom – he just played with the ball. He saved Barcelona when the club was down on its luck, bringing light and luck back to their side. Winning many titles and awards over his career, including the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldinho secured his legacy as one of the greats of the game.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

No other player is quite like Lauren James. As a unique force to be reckoned with on the pitch, she is a star for both Chelsea and England. Known for being cool, calm and collected, she always finds a way to score! Her strength and skill played a very important role in England’s 2024 World Cup journey to the final.About the Football Rising Stars series:Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Lena Oberdorf is one of Germany’s true talents. She astounds fans at Bayern Munich with her confidence and skill, often besting every opponent she comes up against. Nobody gets past Lena! Her quick and clever style of play make her the perfect midfielder, and she always does her best for both club and country. She helped Germany reach the 2020 Euros final.About the Football Rising Stars series:Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Meet the Spanish player who scored the game-winning goal in the 2023 World Cup: Olga Carmona. Her skill with the ball makes her shine bright in every game, and her defensive work has saved club and country from countless attacks over the years. Olga’s journey has been full of ups and downs, but her teammates know they can always rely on her extraordinary skill – even in the toughest of times.About the Football Rising Stars series:Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Lauren Hemp is one of the best wingers in the world. She has it all: speed, skill, accuracy and the ability to score astonishing goals. After playing a key role in England’s 2022 Euros win, she skyrocketed with Manchester City in the league. Lauren can do anything she puts her mind to, simply dribbling around any problems on the pitch to find a way through, and her future is incredibly bright.About the Football Rising Stars series:Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Salma Paralluelo is one of Spain’s brightest young stars. As a record-breaking athlete, she’s always the fastest player on the pitch. Nobody can catch up to her! Since joining Barcelona, she has helped them take every competition by storm to become a quadruple champion. She’s won everything there is to win in Spain, and now she wants to win everything in international football too. There’s nothing she can’t do.About the Football Rising Stars series:Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Ona Batlle is one of Spain’s brightest stars. As a speedy and reliable defender, she isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to win – especially when things get tough. By the age of twenty-four, she’d already won the World Cup, Nations League, Champions League, Copa de la Reina and Supercopa de España… And she still wants more! Just what else can she do?About the Football Rising Stars series:Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Nothing can stop Harry Kane from scoring once he gets the ball. He’s a superstar striker no matter where he plays, from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich to England’s national team. Harry’s already England’s top goalscorer of all-time, but he still wants more!About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Kevin De Bruyne is a superstar player for club and country. His leadership qualities and unmatched skill with the ball makes him a midfielder to be reckoned with. After a successful run with Manchester City, he’s now starting a new adventure with Napoli.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Mo Salah is an inspirational goalscorer who has helped Liverpool achieve victory after victory. He’s won almost everything there is to win, both for his team and as a player. He’s competed all over the world, causing trouble for defenders all over the pitch.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Thierry Henry is an Arsenal legend. He spent eight years with the club and became their all-time top goalscorer with 228 goals! His pace and strength made him unlike any other player. He was also a star player for France, exciting crowds all around the world.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Son Heung-min is one of Tottenham Hotspurs’ greatest players ever. He was part of the squad who broke the club’s seventeen-year trophyless curse, helping them claim victory in the Europa League. His attacking talent is unlike anyone else’s, and his presence in front of goal is magical.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Bruno Fernandes is a star for club and country, putting on showstopping performances and scoring when it counts. It’s hard to imagine the Manchester United or Portugal teams without him. His dynamic style and playmaking ability make him a midfielder unlike any other. About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Robert Lewandowski is a shooting star! When he was young, Robert believed that he was destined to become a world-class footballer – and he did just that! His goalscoring record is every striker’s dream, making him a legend of the game.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Nothing gets past Virgil van Dijk! As captain of club and country, Virgil’s passion for the game shines through in every match. His leadership has taken Liverpool to Premier League glory, and has cemented Virgil as one of the finest defenders of his generation.About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.

Den här boklådan med tio lättlästa böcker ger en unik inblick i några av världens största fotbollsspelares liv och vardag. Vi får följa talanger från hela världen, från deras första matcher på fotbollsplanen i kvarteret, till fullsatta arenor i de största ligorna. Denna lättlästa faktaboksserie är perfekt för unga fotbollsälskare. De går att läsa både i och utanför klassrummet. Inspirerande berättelser om drömmar, hårt arbete och framgång gör böckerna till ett självklart val för skolor, skolbibliotek, folkbibliotek. För alla unga läsare som brinner för fotboll. Boxen består av följande 10 böcker: Diego Maradona Bobby Moore Peter Schmeichel George Best Bobby Charlton Christian Ronaldo David Beckham Lionel Messi Pelé Ronaldinho Gaúcho Läs mer om spelarna här: Diego Maradona Från gatorna i Buenos Aires till världens största arenor. Diego Maradona är en av fotbollens mest mytomspunna stjärnor. En berättelse om talang, passion och kontroverser. Bobby Moore Som lagkapten ledde Bobby Moore England till VM-seger 1966. En ikon både på och utanför planen, känd för sin elegans, ledarskap och sportsliga stil. Peter Schmeichel En av världens bästa målvakter genom tiderna. Från Danmark till Manchester United. Peter Schmeichel har skrivit sig in i fotbollshistorien med spektakulära räddningar och sin stora personlighet. George Best Med sin teknik, snabbhet och stil är George Best en av Manchester Uniteds största profiler. En spelare som för alltid förändrade bilden av en fotbollsstjärna. Bobby Charlton Han var en av Englands största spelare. Som dessutom överlevde en flygolycka i München 1958. Han stod för lojalitet, laganda och otaliga mål för Manchester United och landslaget. Cristiano Ronaldo Från en liten ö i Portugal till världens största arenor. Cristiano Ronaldo är känd för sin disciplin, sin målträffhet och status som en av de främsta spelarna genom tiderna. David Beckham Med sitt unika frisparksben och sin känsla för passningar blev David Beckham en världsstjärna. En spelare som kombinerade karriär på planen med global ikonstatus. Lionel Messi Från Rosario i Argentina till Barcelona och Paris. Lionel Messi är känd för sin magiska bollkontroll, otroliga målrekord och ödmjuka framtoning. Pelé Tre VM-titlar och hundratals mål. Pelé blev fotbollens första globala superstjärna och en symbol för spelets skönhet. Ronaldinho Gaúcho Med sitt ständiga leende, sina tricks och sin lekfullhet på planen har Ronaldinho trollbundit en hel värld. En spelare som gjorde fotboll till ren glädje.

From Santos to Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar is a star wherever he plays. He’s also one of Brazil’s best, determined to help his national team succeed – no matter what. He even scored the winning goal that made them Olympic champions for the first time. Follow his rise to the top!About the Greatest Football Stars series:Greatest Football Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s greatest players of all time. Featuring talents from all around the globe, this series covers their unique journeys to stardom – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.