Tales from the Pitch – serie

Quick, composed and physically dominant - Virgil van Dijk is the defender who has it all. But from washing dishes while he tried to secure his first professional contract to facing rejection and serious illness, it didn't always seem as if Virgil was going to make it to the top.This is the inspiring story of how a boy from Breda used his determination and self-belief to become one of the greatest defenders in the world.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

It didn't always look as though Raheem Sterling would make it as a world-class player. From a difficult start in life to a tough time in the spotlight, Raheem has always had to think on his feet. This is the incredible story of how a boy who grew up in the shadow of Wembley Stadium used his grit and passion to steer himself to the very top.This fictionalised biography is one of the new titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. Each book focuses on one up-and-coming football superstar, often players who are still to reach the summit of their career. The players are from all walks of life and have faced failure, injury and rejection, making these moving and inspirational stories. The books are brimming with football banter that will have the knowing fans smiling. And each players story is littered with football tricks and tips, so readers can learn the arts of the glorious game.Tales of the Pitch are easy to read and very fast-paced reads. At only 120 pages long, printed on cream paper with a dyslexia-friendly font, these are ideal books for reluctant and dyslexic readers.It didn't always look as though Raheem Sterling would make it as a world-class player.From a difficult start in life to a tough time in the spotlight, Raheem has always had to think on his feet.This is the incredible story of how a boy who grew up in the shadow of Wembley Stadium used his grit and passion to steer himself to the very top.

At the age of ten, Serge Gnabry was wanted by some of the biggest football clubs in the world. His route to superstardom looked clear. But after struggling to break into first teams, potentially career-ending injuries and an infamously disastrous loan spell, Serge had to fight to become Bayern Munich's deadliest weapon and Germany's brightest light. Follow him on his extraordinary journey to the top.Sometimes, when that journey isn't smooth, the result only makes it all the more worthwhile. This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Coaches always thought that N'Golo Kanté was too small and too shy to make it in the world of football.But with hard work, natural talent and a true love for the game, N'Golo is now the superstar midfielder who brings victory to every team he's a part of.Discover his journey - from picking up bottles in the streets of Paris to winning trophies on the world stage - proving that no one is ever too small to make it big.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

With his creativity, acrobatic talent and sheer speed, João Félix can make top-level football look effortless.But João's journey to the top has not been easy. As a skinny kid he'd already given up on football once, before harnessing his inner strength and determination to win both the Portuguese and Spanish leagues.Join "the heir to Ronaldo" on his mission to become one of the greatest players in the game.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

As a teenager, Jadon Sancho walked away from one of the biggest football clubs - and managers - on the planet. The world of football thought he was crazy. But with hard work, natural talent and total self belief, Jadon is now at the top of one of the world's toughest leagues and at the heart of England's national team. This is the incredible story of how a football-mad boy from London trusted his instincts and left his home country to make his dream come true.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

A year after signing for Tottenham Hotspur, football player Heung-min Son asked to leave. Now he's a Spurs legend who's showing no signs of slowing down. Widely considered to be one of the best wingers in the world, Son was selected as one of the 30 best players in the world for 2019. Discover the incredible story of this boy from South Korea, who learnt discipline from his dad and German by watching Spongebob.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Once described as a man with a first division head and fourth division feet, Jürgen Klopp's route into football was far from easy. But his infectious charisma, combined with the relentless energy of his 'Heavy Metal Football', meant that his success in management was inevitable. This is the extraordinary story of how Jürgen overcame failure in Frankfurt to become one of the greatest managers in the world, conquering German, English, and Champions League football along the way. This book is part of Tales from the Touchline - a new offshoot from Ransom's popular Tales from the Pitch series. In each of these books, Harry Conix reveals the inspiring journey of a game-changing manager, in a fresh, pundit-like voice. Along the way, fans will meet some of the biggest personalities in the game, relive the drama of exciting matches, and also discover the very human stories behind the managers they watch on their screens week after week. At only 128 pages long, these books have been specially written and designed to make them ideal reads for reluctant and dyslexic readers.

Bukayo Saka's versatility and sheer creativity on the pitch marked him out as a player who would take the football world by storm.But that same versatility often left him battling for a consistent place in the starting line-up, as coaches tried to work out how to use him to best advantage.Join Bukayo Saka on his exhilarating journey to the very top of international football, taking in devastating heartbreak as well as glorious successes on the way.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offer a fresh take on the familiar football biography format.Each of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar: some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Born in a country not noted for its top-level football, it was never certain that Christian Pulisic would be able to realise his full potential.But his youth, agility and impressive skills have taken Christian to one of the most demanding leagues in the world - and made him captain of the United States national team.This is the astonishing story of how this impressive youngster became the most expensive American player in history.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offer a fresh take on the familiar football biography format.Each of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar: some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Quick, focused, and with astonishing speed, Mo Salah is one of the best players of his generation - and certainly the best Egyptian player of all time.But his journey to the top wasn't all plain sailing. An early move into the Premier League didn't work out, and it took a transfer to Italy to enable him to achieve the success he sought.Join Mo on his unwavering mission to become one of the greatest players of all time.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offer a fresh take on the familiar football biography format.Each of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar: some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Once labelled as the boy from Crawley who would never make it, Gareth Southgate's dream of a career in football was by no means inevitable.But his tactical intelligence and quiet authority earned him the respect of fans and players alike, leading him into management after a successful career on the pitch.This is the incredible story of how - almost by accident - Gareth became the most successful England manager since 1966.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offer a fresh take on the familiar football biography format.Each of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar: some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Chloe's versatility and lethal finishing skills marked her out early on as a player who would take the football world by storm. But her path into regular first-team football was far from straightforward. With a year out of the game following a career-threatening injury it was only her confidence in her own abilities that saw her through. Join Chloe on her extraordinary journey to the top from humble West London beginnings to scoring the winning goal that made the Lionesses champions of Europe. This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series and the first on a female player. Each of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar some players who are still to reach the summit of their career and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure injury and rejection to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories. So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Robert Lewandowski is one of the best strikers of his generation - but his journey to the top wasn't always easy. Finding himself without a club at the age of 17, Robert had no choice but to claw his way up through the ranks of Polish football. It led him to the top of one of the world's toughest leagues, the German Bundesliga. Join Robert on his unwavering mission to become one of the greatest players of all time.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Even at the age of five, Lionel Messi stood out as an astonishing player. Relocating from Argentina to Barcelona at the age of just 13, he was ready to take the world by storm.But being the foundation of a great Barcelona squad brings its pressures too, especially when the manager chooses to build his team around you.Join Lionel on his incredible journey to become the man who many have called the greatest player of all time.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offer a fresh take on the familiar football biography format.Each of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar: some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

As a teenager, Kylian Mbappé was one of the best footballers on the planet. Now - he just keeps on getting better. Kylian's skill, pace and sensational finishing have fired his clubs and his country to incredible victories, whilst he has established himself firmly in the record books.Follow the whirlwind journey of this football-mad boy from Paris, who never let the weight of the world's expectations slow his journey to becoming a legend.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Now one of England's biggest stars, it might come as no surprise that, at 11 years old, Harry Kane told David Beckham he was going to captain England.But coaches' doubts, disappointing loan spells and crushing defeats often made that dream look impossible.Discover Harry's twisting journey, growing up just a stone's throw from his boyhood club and then going on to become their most lethal striker - and the man who led England to their first European final.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

With lightning-fast footwork and a fiery passion, Cristiano Ronaldo is idolised by millions of football fans around the world.But Cristiano's journey has not been as easy as it seems. With severe injuries, impossibly high standards and unforgiving British tabloids, it didn't always look as though he would make it to the top.Follow a determined Cristiano Ronaldo on his quest to become the greatest football player in history.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offer a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar: some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Now a lethal striker for his boyhood club - and an international superstar - Marcus Rashford is living his dream. But from navigating a ruthless academy to playing under one of the fiercest managers in the game, Marcus's meteoric rise to the top of Manchester United wasn't always easy. This is the story of how a boy from Manchester used his passion and his talent to steer himself on a path to greatness. This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

Stuck in the French fourth division at 22, it didn't look as if Riyad Mahrez was going to set the football world alight.But the winger's speed, trickery and his eye for goal was too impressive to go unnoticed - and a move to the UK set Riyad on a new path.Join him on his mission to make his opportunity count - to shock the world by rewriting the history books and lifting the biggest trophies in the game.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offers a fresh take on the familiar football biography formatEach of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

At the age of nine, Bernardo Silva fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for Benfica, when he joined their youth academy. But getting into the first team proved to be much more difficult than he expected.His journey into professional football wasn't easy, but his flexibility, his sheer skill and his willingness to work harder than anyone else was always going to win out.Join wonderkid Bernardo Silva on his journey to the very top, winning countless trophies and achieving international stardom with one of the greatest teams in the world.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offer a fresh take on the familiar football biography format.Each of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar: some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.

A game-changer at both ends of the pitch, Jude Bellingham's combination of power and poise makes him the complete midfielder.But with injury frustrations and heartbreaking defeats, his meteoric rise to the top has not been plain sailing.Join Jude on his astonishing journey, from small Championship stadiums to the bright lights of the Champions League - and see what it takes to be worthy of Real Madrid's number 5 shirt.This biography is one of the titles in Ransom's Tales from the Pitch series. These books offer a fresh take on the familiar football biography format.Each of these fast-moving reads focuses on one football superstar, some players who are still to reach the summit of their career, and others who are the already at the top of their game. These are exhilarating reads about players from all walks of life. Many have faced failure, injury and rejection, to ultimately make their dreams come true and have inspirational stories.So meet the footballers behind the iconic tackles and goals, and find out what makes each of these players so special.