The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has ravaged the world, halting mass gatherings, shutting down schools and quarantining millions of people in their homes.
From a sporting perspective, this also means that there are no live sports until further notice, due to COVID-19 and people are understandably worried as to how they will get their sporting fixes.
We have developed comprehensive guides for all you sports fans.
This edition is an all things football (soccer) guide!
Before we kick-off though, for all the latest accurate, fact-based and critical updates on COVID-19, visit the website of the World Health Organization (WHO). You can also visit other fact-based websites such as The Conversation and John Hopkins University’s Coronavirus map to read and stay up-to-date on the latest regarding the pandemic.
In an attempt to make a positive situation out of the negative, we bring you a list of things to fill your days, be it in self-isolation, quarantine or more time at home, without live football. So, even though you may not be able to grab your ball and go out for a kick around, or turn on the TV and witness some breathtaking goals, the Sportageous Editorial team brings you a range of football books, movies, documentaries, games, podcasts and YouTube and Social media channels to satisfy your football cravings.
Books
Here are our favourite football books, which we recommend you give a read:
Soccernomics by Simon Kuper
One of the most popular and intelligent books on football that applies economic and data analysis to explore the way football is played, watched and run. It explores everything from whether world cups make us happier to why Western Europe continues to dominate the game.
Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football
A social, anthropological and historical look at Dutch Football and its invention - Total Football. A book not to be missed!
Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography
The story of the legendary manager, and his journey from his heydeys to becoming Manchester United’s longest-serving manager.
Play Like a Girl: How a Soccer School in Kenya’s Slums Started a Revolution Kindle Edition by Ellie Roscher
Play Like a Girl is about particular people who will charm you and show how desperate problems can be overcome. In that sense it is heartening and heart-warming. Through these stories we come to recognize how the human spirit will prevail. (Brooks Goddard TEAA President)
The Little Red Book of Klopp by Giles Elliott
The Little Red Book of Klopp is probably our favourite on this list. It celebrates all of Jurgen Klopp’s snarkiest, wittiest, hilarious and downright outrageous sayings, accompanied by illustrations of course!
The Football Factory John King
A very popular book based in the Uk that looks at the adventures of a group of working-class Londoners who follow Chelsea home and away, fighting their rivals on the streets.
Documentaries
Looking for something just as insightful but without the commitment? Well, we have the finest documentaries on the sport for you:
All or Nothing: Manchester City
The Amazon documentary series that follows Manchester City FC through the 2017/18 season. A must watch for any fans of the club or Pep Guardiola!
All or Nothing: Brazil National Team
Another season of the Amazon sports documentary series, but this time with the Brazilian National Team. Get yourselves onto Prime, and make this happen.
The two Escobars
The story of organised crime in Colombian football. You’ve seen Narcos, but have you heard this side of the story?
Diego Maradona
A look into the career of Diego Maradona. His record-breaking arrival at Napoli and his story playing in the city of Naples. If you like historical documentaries on football, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Planet FIFA
One of the more controversial, yet eye-opening documentaries, looking into the scandals of FIFA through to the corruption within the organisation.
Movies
You might feel like watching something fictional on the sport you love. Here’s a set of movies that will surely keep you busy and entertained:
Bend it like Beckham
One of the earliest films to explore women’s football, and an uplifting comedy that also features Keira Knightley. A story about an immigrant girl who gets onto the football field, in spite of her parents’ disapproval.
Green Street Hooligans
A classic, albeit a bit overexaggerated, story of a young American who ends up in the world of football firms with a West Ham United fan, and takes to the streets to play fight other football gangs.
The Damned United
The story of Brian Clough’s 44-day reign as manager of Leeds United in 1974. Michael Sheen does justice to this role and carries it completely. A must-watch for fans of the era!
Shaolin Soccer
Whoever thought you could mix football and Kung Fu? Not only does this movie combine the too, but it does it with hilarity and makes for an enjoyable watch!
Goal
A trilogy of movies about a football player, with cameos from all the biggest football stars of the era!
Games
When it comes to games, football is one of those fortunate sports with a range of console/PC and phone games to help you feel like you’re in it to win it:
FIFA 20
A game that needs no introduction, albeit, not the most popular in the series, the online mode is worthy enough to give it a shot and play with your friends!
PES 20
The competitor to FIFA 20, and far more complex when it comes to gameplay and control. If you really want a challenge, this is the way to go.
Football Manager 2020
Want to win the Champions League with Liverpool? Or perhaps, take FC Bochüm all the way to the Bundesliga 1, this is the game for you if you enjoy real tactics and strategy!
Kevin Tom’s Football Manager
The classic football management game comes to your smartphone! If you enjoyed the simple, yet efficient, format of this back in the day, you’ll love having it on your phone!
Online Soccer Manager
Another great football management game, this time with all your favourite teams and leagues! Just a download away on your App or Play store.
YouTube Channels
Of course, watching highlights, short videos and compilations of some of the best football content, from training to techniques and tactics can be found on our friendly neighbourhood video service, YouTube:
F2 Freestylers
Sky Sports Football
Football Daily
Slash Football
Football Made Simple
Social Media Channels
They may not be providing you with live updates (for obvious reasons), but here are some awesome Social media channels to check out on football:
goalclick
Soccerageous
View this post on Instagram
As Messi just overcame Ronaldo as all time too goalscorer in top 5 leagues, we look back at the past decade.
Edward Van Gils
joner1on1footballtraining
TBN Sport
Paul Pogba set to claim asylum when Man United’s plane arrives in Spain tomorrow.
Midfielder seeking to find sanctuary from dictatorial regime at Old Trafford. https://t.co/TrbHZf9C2i #mufc pic.twitter.com/s2pcUVdnFX
— TBN Sport (@TBNSport) December 10, 2023
The Coaches’ Voice
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Please stay safe and follow the appropriate health and hygiene standards during the COVID-19 crisis.
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