Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Louisa
As an English woman, I love soccer (though to me it’s called football, but I’m not that pedantic about terminology).
Growing up, I had a major crush on football stars such as Michael Owen, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Beckham.
To relive my fantasies, I started getting into soccer romance books which are not only full of hunky soccer players but contain riveting and exciting storylines that are almost as exciting as watching the big game.
If you’re looking for a tall, handsome, famous soccer or muscly and mysterious coach to make your new book boyfriend, then you’re going to want to check out my favorite soccer romance novels.
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What To Expect From Soccer Romance Books?
Soccer romance books have gained popularity in recent years because they offer readers a fresh and exciting take on the sports romance book genre.
Readers can expect a blend of steamy love stories, light-hearted moments, and high-stake soccer matches, all rolled into one enjoyable read.
The main features of a soccer romance book are the strong and passionate characters, the depiction of the intense physicality of soccer, and the portrayal of the camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes with being part of a team.
It’s not common for soccer romances to be too steamy with the focus of the story being on the developing relationship around soccer.
That being said, some books have a little bit of smut to keep you hooked on the relationship, however, most soccer romances tend to be more slow-burning than erotica.
These elements combined with a compelling narrative will delight both soccer enthusiasts and romance readers alike.
Best Soccer Romance Books
Soccer romances seem to capture the game’s passion, but also offer something deeply moving in the love lives of those who play it and coach it.
Don’t believe me? Here are some of my favorite soccer romance books!
1. Kulti – Marian Zapata
Arguably one of the best soccer romances that I’ve read is Kulti, which features a slow-burning, budding relationship between a female soccer player and her coach.
Kulti tells the story of Sal Casillas, a soccer player whose team has just got a new soccer coach, Reiner Kulti.
Kulti was a soccer icon back in the day, and is now teaching Sal’s soccer team.
How is Sal supposed to act when her new soccer coach is also a renowned soccer player she loved growing up? She even had posters of him on her wall.
But Kulti isn’t the man she desired. He’s a bit of a grump and she dislikes him at first, but soon grows to love him for his quirks and charm.
This is an age gap romance book that thoroughly explores the relationship between a younger Sal and a more recluse and quiet Kulti. The dynamic between Sal and Kulti makes for a slow-burn romance with depth and passion.
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2. Challenge – Amy Daws
Challenge, by Amy Daws, transports you to London to explore the unexpected slow burn romance between Cam Harris and Indie Porter.
He’s a famous footballer (in London they call it football!) and she’s a hardworking doctor.
Cam arrives in the hospital with an injured knee and grabs Indie’s attention. Indie is adamant she won’t fall for Cam. As their undeniable chemistry grows, they are left questioning their feelings.
While the storyline isn’t anything new – a hunky player falls for his fitness coach. The depth of the characters will have you falling in love with them and their story.
A charming and hunky Cam and an innocent and once naive Indie.
If you’re looking for a slow burn romance book about the soccer scene in London, but also a book with wit, laughs, and fun, then this is your read.
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3. Bend It Like Beckham – Narinder Dhami
Bend It Like Beckham can be described as a classic soccer romance book with the story having been turned into a well-loved movie.
The book tells of Jess, who loves and is obsessed with soccer. All she wants to do is play Soccer.
However, Jess (short for Jesminda) faces challenges as her family disagrees with her pursuing soccer. It’s not exactly the most popular spot in an Indian household.
To make matters worse, Jess starts developing feelings for her coach Joe.
Jess is left trying to juggle a budding romance amidst her love for soccer, and family expectations, and friendship issues.
This is a great read about not only soccer and love but also friendship, understanding different cultures, and the challenges women face playing soccer.
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Related Reading: The Best Friend to Lovers Romance Books
4. Defending Hearts – Rebecca Crowley
Defending Hearts is an insightful soccer romance book that puts the reader in a front-row seat of the life of Oz Terim, an Atlanta Skyline wingback.
He is famous and committed to his plan for his life. Oz also has an Islamic heritage that he has gained from his parents and unfortunately becomes the victim of a hate crime.
Oz is given security detail to follow him in the aftermath of the crime. This is when he meets the driven and intriguing Kate Mitchell. She seems to be Oz’s complete opposite. She was once in the military posted in Saudi Arabia.
The story explores the polarising lives and cultural influences that come to play when Oz and Kate are examining the romance between each other.
The book has commonly been described as well-crafted, insightful, and charming.
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5. The Player – Claire Contreras
If you’re ready to turn up the spice, then allow me to introduce you to The Player.
The story follows Warren Silva, a famous soccer player notorious for being a player. He is used to getting what he wants until he meets Camila.
Camila is noticeably different from the women Warren typically meets, which has him hooked.
She is hardworking and a journalist, but most surprisingly, she doesn’t seem to fall for Warren’s charm easily.
However, Camila is assigned to cover Warren’s team, and that leads to her discovering a side of him.
The Player will take you on a romantic ride and give you a closer look into professional soccer. Will Camila fall for Warren’s charms? Or will she fall in love?
The sizzling romance between Camila and Warren will have you gripping the edges of the book and desperate to see how it all plays out.
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6. The Second Coming, Rogue Academy Series – Carrie Aarons
The Second Coming is an opposites attract romance book to whisk you away into the hidden world of soccer in the UK. This time to Rogue Football Academy in London.
A classic tale of opposites attracting, The Second Coming tells of ordinary and humble Aria as she begins an unexpected romance with the well-known, cheeky, and talented Jude.
He is set to be a star on the field, while Aria works two jobs at the school trying to help her sick father.
The story can be described as sweet and charming as the reader watches the relationship blossom between a compassionate Aria and a stuck-up Jude.
This book is perfect for those who love seeing the unexpected girl get the guy and if you also love college soccer romance books.
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7. The Striker’s Chance – Rebecca Crowley
The Striker’s Chance follows Holly Taylor’s journey as she begins her PR contract for a soccer team and their star player, Kepler de Klerk.
Although Kepler comes across as just another star athlete, Holly learns there is more to him than meets the eye.
Kepler is starting to change. He wants less fame and spotlight and to enjoy the game he loves.
Holly is caught in the tension between excelling at her job, creating a fitting persona for Kepler, and just getting to know him sincerely.
This is an excellent book for those who love romance between characters with depth, as this book does a great job of peeling back the layers of Holly and Kepler.
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8. One Good Man – Emma Scott
One Good Man takes you on a journey back in time as the story is set in 1970 against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.
The heroine is a determined and passionate Janey aspiring to be a journalist. She reluctantly ends up in Paris with her first assignment to interview a soccer team star, Adrien.
The story is not also charming but also provides a historical context of both the Vietnam War and France in the 1970s. It’s nice to be taken to a different setting in time and place.
The story also provides an emotional journey as you are introduced to characters with depth and soul.
Janey is learning to face the challenges of being in a different culture, and Adrien is revealed to be softer than he looks.
Go on a romantic journey to Paris as two lovers navigate soccer, love, and culture.
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9. Only When It’s Us – Chloe Liese
Only When It’s Us gives a unique spin on soccer romance books, with the heroine and star soccer player being Willa Sutter.
Willa is described as an upcoming star in women’s soccer. She is vibrant, and she is determined.
However, she doesn’t seem to impress Ryder. Ryder is a bearded, easy-going guy who does not seem to buy Willa’s persona.
Ryder is Willa’s classmate, and they do not get along…at first. What begins as frustration between the two slowly evolves into romance.
This story tells of frenemies becoming lovers. It is a warm and charming read, but that doesn’t mean it won’t take your emotions for a spin. A great read if you love it.
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10. Well Played – Katrina Ramos Atienza
Well Played follows the heroine Patrice Reyes as she is about to live the semester of her dreams. Patrice is in College and thriving.
Her soccer team is about to meet the regional finals, her grades are stellar, and she might even get her crush’s attention.
But isn’t it always when things are going well that a surprise comes along? In Patrice’s case, it is the arrival of Paul, who she perceives as a reserved math nerd. Their dynamic is explored with wit and laughter.
The book has been described as a re-telling of Pride and Prejudice, and its two main characters have enough zeal to create a unique and classic re-telling of a much-loved story—a great female soccer player romance book.
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11. Sweet On The Greek – Talia Hibbert
Sweet on The Greek follows Aria as she navigates a potential relationship with millionaire soccer player Nikolas.
Aria has a complicated and stressful history when it comes to love. So when Nikolas shows up, she is not too eager to get to know him, even if he is charming, famous, and very attractive.
As they spend more time together, Nikolas becomes aware that he wants Aria, but she still questions their potential.
A great read if you want a romance with emotional depth. Is Aria’s reluctance towards Nikolas her true feelings, or is it just past hurt holding her back?
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12. He’s A Keeper – Stacy Travis
He’s A Keeper is a classic opposites-attract love story where you can’t help but root for the blossoming love between the main characters.
Molly minds her own business until star soccer player Holden Sanders shows up at the library she works for. Holden Sanders is the well-known captain of the San Francisco Strikers.
The reader is initially introduced to a stuck-up and arrogant Holden but soon learns he is softer than he seems to be.
Both characters have a past and are trying to navigate the complexities of their lives. We learn they are more like each other than we think.
This book is great for those who love a slow-burn romance and well-written and layered characters.
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13. Two Hearts, One Goal – Louisa Bergin
This book is aptly described as a story about winning on the field and a win when it comes to love.
Two Hearts, One Goal tells the heartwarming story of a widowed Marianne and her son’s soccer coach Tony. This book tugs on the reader’s heartstrings from the get-go as both characters learn to find love against their challenges.
Marianne tries to keep her son out of trouble by getting him involved in a soccer team. Little does she know that she is going to meet Tony. Tony will challenge her and open up her heart again.
The story depicts a more mature romance as the characters face hardship, grief, and heartbreak. This is a great read if you enjoy reading about love that is deep and intimate.
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14. Lessons In Losing It – Jessica Peterson
Lessons in Losing It is a part of the Study Abroad series and a great read for those who love romance stories set abroad.
The setting is a bustling Madrid, and the characters, Rachel and Fredrik, are loveable. She’s a sturdy abroad student from America, and he’s a German soccer player.
Both are intent on keeping an arm’s length from each other, but the chemistry between the two is undeniable. Are Rachel and Fredrik just friends? It doesn’t feel like that when they’re kissing.
This book is a fun read about two people discovering their affection for one another with a beautiful Madrid as the backdrop.
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15. Keeper – Amy Daws
Keeper is the third book in the Harris Brothers’ series written by Amy Daws. She wrote another well-known soccer romance book, Challenge, and Keeper does not disappoint either.
Keeper tells the story of Booker Harris. He is one of the Harris brothers and is done living in their shadows. Booker is an aspiring goalkeeper in his soccer league.
He is also faced with addressing his confusion when his childhood best friend Poppy returns from London.
Poppy used to be an average girl. Now she is attractive and mysterious. What is it that Booker is feeling?
Keeper is an excellent read for a light-hearted soccer romance with banter, budding romance, and characters with great personalities.
Amy Daws proves to be a riveting writer in carving out soccer romance series.
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Final Word on Soccer Romance Books
So there you have it, those are the best soccer romance novels for sports romance fans!
Whether you’re looking for something steamy or angsty and sweet, you’ll fall in love with these soccer player romances.
If you think I missed anything, or have another book to recommend, let me know in the comments!