Soccer Stars

A collection of stories about great soccer players to engage and inspire young soccer fans, with winning strategies kids can try out on the field—perfect for FIFA World Cup 2026!

Is your child obsessed with soccer? Do they talk nonstop about their favorite players and famous matches? Soccer Stars: Stories and Skills from the World’s Best Players is the perfect gift for young players and fans of the sport—a treasure trove of some of the greatest and most inspiring stories in the history of professional soccer, tailored for young readers.
Written by soccer coach and exercise physiologist Travis DiLeo, this book will teach readers about each player’s signature moves and how they used them to win. They’ll read about Pelé’s rise to becoming a global soccer icon and his legendary bicycle kick; get inspired by Alex Morgan’s success story and master the art of the volley for stunning goals; explore Cristiano Ronaldo’s path to becoming a legend and how he used his Ronaldo Chop to change direction at full speed; and even learn about Lionel Messi’s epic return and his famous “Iniesta”!

Soccer Stars features:

• 10 captivating stories about legends and soon-to-be legends of soccer. Go beyond just the stats to discover the secrets that propelled each player to greatness and the inspiring life lessons they learned along the way
• Signature skills from every player to try on the field, with step-by-step instructions to practice and improve your game
• Engaging illustrations throughout that show each famous player in action, with dynamic visuals for each signature skill
• A great gift for kids to build on their love of soccer stars and excitement for the soccer World Cup 2026!

Ideal for soccer fans ages 8 to 12, this book will inspire both soccer fans and new readers excited to learn more about “the beautiful game.”

Travis DiLeo is an exercise physiologist with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Penn State University and a master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Pittsburgh. Travis has played soccer at the club, classic, high school, and collegiate level. He has coached soccer at Penn State Altoona and for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Academy.

In 2019, Travis launched his youth development academy, TD Soccer Performance Academy. Its mission is to maximize the potential of serious players through a unique and scientific approach. Travis is passionate about soccer, and most important, he is devoted to raising the level of competition for youth programs in the United States. He resides in central Pennsylvania with his wife and two young daughters.

Anderson Carman is an award-winning illustrator and sequential artist specializing in traditional ink, watercolor, and digital illustration. He graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in sequential art. Anderson still lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and three kids. He enjoys Braves baseball, listening to Broadway tunes, and playing D&D with friends.