Cambridge Companion to Football

Football is the world's most popular sport. It is a culturalphenomenon and a global media spectacle. For its billions of fans,it serves as a common language. But where does its enduringpopularity come from? Featuring essays from prominent experts inthe field, scholars and journalists, this Companion covers groundseldom attempted in a single volume about football. It examines thegame's oft-disputed roots and traces its development throughEurope, South America and Africa, analysing whether resistance tothe game is finally beginning to erode in China, India and theUnited States. It dissects the cult of the manager and how DavidBeckham redefined sporting celebrity. It investigates the game'sfollowers, reporters and writers, as well as its most zealous moneymakers and powerful administrators. A valuable resource forstudents, scholars and general readers, The Cambridge Companion toFootball is a true and faithful companion for anyone fascinated bythe people's game.