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This is Football

This is Football

Rizzoli
№242
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Experts Say

Every iconic image you have in your head right now: Maradona’s hand of God, Tardelli’s scream, Cruyff’s turn—they are all here. No fan will be able to resist picking this book up - William Hill Sports Book of the Year

Why It Made The List

A bold, visually rich celebration of the world’s game, This Is Football brings together breathtaking photography and sharp commentary to capture why the sport matters on and off the pitch. Legendary players, unforgettable matches, and iconic stadiums are all here, shot by some of the world’s greatest sports photographers. The imagery ranges from era-defining goals to quiet moments of devotion, creating a vivid portrait of football’s biggest characters and greatest stories. Beautifully produced in Rizzoli’s signature large-format style, it’s not just a book to admire but an incredible gift for any football fan.

 

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SPECIFICATIONS

Author: Daniel Melamud
Contributors: Robbie Earle; Christian Pulisic
Format: Hardcover
Publication Date: October 22, 2024
Pages: 448
Dimensions: 23.5 × 31.2 × 4.6 cm
Weight: 2.90 kg
Language: English
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

MORE DETAIL

This Is Football: The Beautiful Game is a lavish hardback that feels like a love letter to the world’s most popular sport. It combines powerful imagery with sharp, insightful storytelling that spans continents, generations, and playing styles.

Daniel Melamud curates the narrative with contributions from Robbie Earle and Christian Pulisic, bringing together a range of perspectives from players, pundits, and fans alike.

Organised by player position, the book flows through iconic eras—charting the rise of South American flair in the 1960s, Spain’s tactical evolution in the 1980s, and unforgettable moments like Dennis Bergkamp’s World Cup touch or Agüero’s last-minute title decider.

At 448 pages and 9 × 12 inches, it’s a substantial object—physically and in terms of content—designed to be pored over, whether slowly or in long, immersive sessions.

The visuals capture not just matches but the emotion and culture around the game: stadiums roaring, pre-match rituals, street games, and moments of quiet intensity off the pitch.

The book has been widely praised for its balance of storytelling and aesthetic—Roger Bennett called it “one of the most beautiful books I’ve seen in a long, long time,” and it’s anchored by legendary names from Pelé to Beckham, Hamm to Marta.

Published by Rizzoli, it’s a carefully assembled piece of football culture—built to last, built to be revisited, and built for anyone who truly loves the game.

SHIPPING AND RETURNS

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RETURNS

We offer 100-day returns, provided items are returned in a perfectly re-sellable condition (undamaged and in original condition with tags/packaging). For more detailed information on conditions of return and the process involved, please see our Returns policy page.

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