Not Good Enough?

Too small. Too young. Too old. Banned for life. Every legend in this book was told they weren't good enough. Meet twelve of the greatest soccer players of all time, from Pelé, Maradona and Johan Cruyff to Hristo Stoichkov, Ferenc Puskás and Eusébio, as kids with real problems and as players the world almost missed. Find out what it really took to become a legend, then try it yourself in your own backyard.

Players in this book: Lev Yashin, Carlos Alberto, Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Charlton, Johan Cruyff, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Diego Maradona, Ferenc Puskás, Eusébio, Pelé, Hristo Stoichkov and Garrincha.

The book is played like a real match: First Half, Halftime, Second Half, Extra Time and a Penalty Shootout quiz.

Every chapter includes:

• The Moment: the biggest scene of the player's career, with a Match Ticket or a Watch the Replay box
• The Story: their childhood, Before the Stadium Lights, and the Doubters' File (what really stood in their way)
• The Story Continued: the turning point and the breakthrough, plus What Changed afterward
• A Pitch Map of their famous move
• Your Turn: one idea to "steal," a safe practice challenge with an Extra 10 Minutes drill, a Ref's Call myth and fact, and a Think Like a Pro question
• A collectible Player Card and a Passport showing how to say "goal" in their language
• What It Took: the habits behind their success, The Skill Behind the Highlight and Three Details Worth Sharing

The book ends with a Pick Your Dream Team page, a Squad Map, a glossary of soccer words, a Penalty Shootout quiz and a My Season tracker. Every story is true and fact-checked. Perfect for soccer-loving kids ages 8 to 12. Book 1 of the Soccer Stories for Kids series.