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The top 10 books you must buy your sport-obsessed loved one this Christmas
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Christmas is around the corner and there are plenty of people up and down the country yet to find the right present for their nearest and dearest.
If they’re a lover of sports, then do not fear as Daily Mail has some ideal recommendations for you.
The recommendations in questions? Some good old fashioned books, 10 precisely.
Here are 10 books we think any sports-buff would like to read (in no particular order).
The Miracle of Castel di Sangro
Are there many better football fairytales than the one that happened in Italy during the 1990s. Forget Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan – the story of Castel Di Sangro that saw it rise up to Serie B against the odds. What makes it even more remarkable is that the population of this quiet town is just 5,000 – essentially Dartmouth reaching the Championship.
Dark Trade: Lost in Boxing
Widely-heralded as one of the best books in boxing, this is a illuminating novel that covers five years of boxing – providing a real insight into the minds of a professional boxer with Mike Tyson, Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr among those providing detail. It delves deeper than boxing in that it sees how race and violence beat at the heart of American and British society and what it is that drives men to take up this sport.
Shoe Dog
If you have seen the 2023 movie Air then you will have a slight insight into what this book entails. When you think of the biggest sports-brand manufacturer Nike would be at the forefront. However, the American-brand was once struggling and Shoe Dog depicts that and its rise as a memoir by co-founder Phil Knight.
CLICK HERE to buy the book on Amazon.
Provided You Don’t Kiss Me
When you think of Nottingham Forest, you think of Brian Clough. He put the club on the map and is still revered to this day, as should be the case. His 20 years in charge included the highest of highs – winning the First Division title and two European Cups among the plethora of trophies at the City Ground. Despite those good times, there were some lows as he had fallouts (namely Peter Taylor) as well as battled alcoholism and relegation. This book covers it all.
CLICK HERE to buy the book on Amazon.
Born to Run
Feeling like a Couch to 5k run in the New Year? This may be the perfect bit of motivation. Born to Run is a story about the secrets of a Mexican tribe known for being world-class ultra runners. In 1993, one of them, aged 57, came first in a prestigious 100-mile race wearing a toga and sandals.
Bodyline Autopsy
This Ashes tour is not one to remember for England fans at present (this may need tweaking) but the 1932 tour is still talked about now. This tour of Australia is known as the Bodyline tour when England bowled at the body of Australian batters in the hope to get them out. This intimidatory tactic was to counteract the brilliance of Don Bradman, and a reminder that no helmets or protection was worn during this time.
Running: The Autobiography
Ronnie O’Sullivan is the pre-eminent snooker player of his era but there is so much more to him than the sport. In this autobiography, he provided an honest and candid account of growing up around the sport, dealing with his father being sent to prison for life, spending time in the Priory clinic and battling the inner urges to quit the sport at just 28.
All That Matters
A poignant read this autobiography details how Sir Chris Hoy is dealing with terminal cancer diagnosis. He reflects on the challenges he has faced so far and what is to come with his wife Sarra and their three children by his side.
Undefeated: The Story of the Lions of 1974
This summer saw the Lions make history as they won in the same country in back-to-back tours when they defeated Australia. However, in 1974 that iteration of the Lions made history when the British and Irish Lions came home unbeaten after a 22-match, four-Test tour of South Africa. If that gruelling feat wasn’t impressive enough, it was against a backdrop of political turmoil, controversy and ostracism at home, as battle lines were drawn against apartheid.
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
Kobe Bryant’s legacy lives on and this book encapsulates that. This book is a lowdown on how he succeeded and how he applied his iconic ‘Mamba Mentality’. The Los Angeles Lakers legend details how he studied an opponent, how he channelled his passion for the game and how he played through injuries.
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The top 10 books you must buy your sport-obsessed loved one this Christmas
SPORT
Aston Villa vs Manchester United – Premier League LIVE: Latest score, news and updates as Benjamin Sesko misses HUGE chance to take the lead with Emi Martinez making important save on his return
Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Manchester United take on Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Premier League, with Ian Ladyman and Tom Collomosse reporting from the ground.
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Aston Villa vs Manchester United – Premier League LIVE: Latest score, news and updates as Benjamin Sesko misses HUGE chance to take the lead with Emi Martinez making important save on his return
Manchester United boss, Ruben Amorim has once responded to the criticisms he received for dropping Kobbie Mainoo on the bench.
The manager has been heavily criticised by pundits and fans of the Red Devils who believe the player should be playing regularly.
However, the Portuguese had most recently made it clear that there was no way his captain, Bruno Fernandes, would be dropped from the XI for the 20-year-old since both of them play the same position.
It was during the time of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford that the 20-year-old academy graduate became a first team player.
During the 2023-24 season, Mainoo played 32 games for Manchester United across all competitions that season.
But since after the arrival of Amorim the midfielder no longer gets playing time.
Responding to complaints by those who feel the England international should play more regularly, Amorim told reporters as quoted by Fabrizio Romano
“Kobbie Mainoo needs to fight for his job. I think that is not a bad thing to be on the bench of Man United at 20 years old,” he said.
“I remember Ronaldo was on the bench, sometimes Rooney, Veron… I remember the history of Manchester United and nobody didn’t fall”.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has splashed N10m on winners of the maiden edition of the under 15 Boy’s football tournament hosted at the Sharks stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Imo Military team, which emerged champions of the tournament after the Edo State team, received N5m, while the 1st runners-up earned N3m and the Akwa Ibom state team, which finished as second runners-up, received N2m.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Saturday, Oluyede said the tournament brought together teams from South-South states, Abia and Imo states, to foster unity, cooperation, and brotherhood among youths.
The CDS, who was represented by Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, noted that insecurity and the rising abuse of banned substances among young people remained a serious national challenge, stressing the need for early intervention through constructive engagement with sports.
He said the competition aligned with his military strategic philosophy aimed at strengthening the Armed Forces of Nigeria through enhanced and improved welfare and sound administration, while contributing to national development under a whole-of-government approach.
Oluyede said the weeklong tournament showcased not only football skills, but also discipline, resilience, respect, and teamwork, describing sports as a vital tool for character development among youths.
He commended all participating teams, organisers, officials, coaches, and parents for their commitment, adding that beyond trophies, the players gained valuable life lessons and experiences that would shape their future
He said, “Some of the challenges facing our nation today include insecurity and increased use of banned substances that affect the youth, which must not be ignored.
“It is in the light of this, that I have committed myself to empowering the youths to meaningfully contribute to the development of our dear country Nigeria in line with my Military Strategic Philosophy for the Armed Forces of Nigeria which is to consolidate the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through enhanced jointness for a reinforced operational posture, supported improved welfare efforts and sound administration aimed at ensuring the Armed Forces maintain its core military fundamentals of guaranteeing Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity under a whole of government approach”.
Oluyede urged the participants to imbibe the lessons from the tournament, stressing that unity, discipline, and determination are essential to success.
He commended the Rivers State Government for co-sponsoring and hosting the event, as well as all individuals and organisations that contributed to its success, including the participants.
Oluyede reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to initiatives that empower youths, strengthen communities, and foster national development.
He said, “On behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I appreciate the Rivers State Government that co-sponsored and played host for the event, as well as others that contributed in one way or another.
“I also congratulate every participant and assure you that we will continue to support initiatives that empower our youths, strengthen our communities, and build a Nigeria we can all be proud of.”
Declaring the event closed, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Emmanuel Ndah, welcomed the young footballers, their coaches, parents, and supporters from across the country to the state.
Fubara described the championship as a significant grassroots football initiative that underscored a collective commitment to grooming disciplined, talented, and focused Nigerian youths.
According to the governor, the tournament was more than a sporting event, but a celebration of unity, teamwork, and the immense potential of young Nigerians.
He said, “Today’s event represents much more than football. It is a celebration of unity, teamwork, and the potential of our young people.
“At a time when our nation faces various social and security challenges, sports serve as a powerful non-kinetic tool to engage the youths positively, build character, and instill values that help shape responsible and patriotic citizens.
“Competitions like this teach discipline, resilience, fair play, and respect, attributes that are essential for personal growth and national development.”
He commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for recognising the importance of physical fitness, mental alertness, and emotional stability in nation-building, and for sustaining its role in youth development through sports, mentorship, and education.
Fubara noted that the championship had provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents while learning essential life skills that would shape their future.
The governor reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a safe, peaceful, and prosperous nation, stressing that efforts to tackle insecurity would continue to create an enabling environment for young Nigerians to grow, learn, and achieve their aspirations.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his vision, dedication, and unwavering support for youth development and grassroots sports.
He said, “As we draw this championship to a close today, let us strive to reflect the values of equality, unity, and excellence in our daily actions. We must continue to support our youth, as they form the bedrock of our current society and the leaders of tomorrow. In this context,
“I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to all participants, the winners, the organizers, and everyone whose contributions have played a vital role in the success of this exceptional competition.”
Maroc ’88 Memories And A Painful Final Revisited
THE last time that Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in March, 1988, I was a “Youth Corper” in Enugu, old Anambra State, serving the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO), in Emene, Enugu.
I remember walking a long distance with my friends from our Corpers Lodge to a British Colonial era coal facility in Enugu to watch the final match where Cameroun defeated Nigeria 1-0 through a controversial Emmanuel Kunle penalty. The long trek back home after the match was a ponderous one as we digested the disappointment of losing a second straight final to Cameroun, following their more deserving and comprehensive 3-1 victory in the 1984 final in Ivory Coast.
Rufai, AFCON History And A Book In The Making
When I interviewed the late Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai for his biography which I co-authored with him before he died in July this year, Dodo Mayana recalled the events of AFCON ’84 and ’88 where he was Nigeria’s numero uno in very interesting detail. (Be on the lookout for a formal release of the book in the near future).
Back To Morocco, 37 Years Later
Thirty-seven years on from that 1988 disappointment in Morocco, the Super Eagles return to the North African country chasing another AFCON glory in 2025. And that is why I found myself at the Lagos airport boarding a Air Maroc flight to Casablanca this Thursday evening, 18 December, 2025.
Airport Tales And Old Complete Football Bonds
I am in the company of Complete Sports freelance photographer Ganiyu Yusuf and Segun Ogunfeyitimi, himself a former photographer with our famous magazine, Complete Football. Both of them regale me with stories of their exploits together at various local and international assignments as we waited for our flight.
Arsenal winger, Bukayo Saka has disclosed the football player he idolized during his early days as a young footballer.
Saka, in an interview with Sky Sports, was asked about his childhood football idol.
Without any hesitation, the 24-year-old Englishman named Santos forward Neymar as his inspiration during the Brazilian’s peak at Barcelona.
“I have to pick Neymar,” Saka said.
“Growing up Neymar was the player I idolized the most out of all of them there is not a clip of him on YouTube I’ve not watched.
“Me and my friends when we used to do education in the academy, we used to get YouTube up and watch Neymar’s clips.
“The fun and joy Neymar brought to the game, I will go with him.”
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has unveiled Mr. Chef as its Official Food Seasoning Partner.
Mr. Chef is a product of Sweet Nutrition Limited.
The partnership underscores Sweet Nutrition Limited’s commitment to supporting Nigerian
football.
It is also aimed at bolstering the Super Eagles participation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mr. Chef will align closely with the national team’s journey, celebrating nourishment, togetherness and the shared passion of millions of Nigerian football fans as the official seasoning partner of the NFF.
“We are proud to partner with the Nigeria Football Federation and stand behind the Super Eagles at the AFCON,”RoopKumar Venkatesh, Head of Marketing of Sweet
Nutrition Limited stated.
Read. Also:CAF Increases AFCON 2025 Prize Money
NFF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Mr. Alizor Chuks, echoed the sentiments of Venkatesh, saying Mr. Chef is renowned for being a trusted football seasoning product and will put good seasoning into the Super Eagles’ campaign for a fourth continental crown.
Managing Director of the company, Kumar Venkataraman added: “Mr Chef is a proudly Nigerian brand, and this partnership reflects our belief in supporting national excellence and moments that unite Nigerians everywhere.”
Kumar Venkataraman, the company’s Managing Director, added that “Mr Chef is a proudly Nigerian brand, and this partnership reflects our belief in supporting national excellence and moments that unite Nigerians everywhere.”
NFF’s General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said that the collaboration reflects a shared vision of excellence and national pride.
“The Super Eagles represent resilience, unity, and ambition—values that strongly align with Sweet Nutrition Limited and the Mr. Chef brand. We are delighted to welcome them as an official partner as we head to the Africa Cup of Nations finals,” Sanusi declared.
The collaboration will feature integrated visibility across NFF platforms and AFCON-related
communications, bringing fans closer to the team while celebrating the spirit of Nigerian
football. While wishing the Super Eagles a successful outing at the AFCON in Morocco, the NFF looks forward to a rewarding partnership with Sweet Nutrition Limited.
SPORT
Frank Lampard issues apology after sparking post-match melee with sarcastic gesture to Southampton fans calling him a ‘s*** Steven Gerrard’
Frank Lampard has apologised after sparking a huge post-match melee at the end of his Coventry side’s draw at Southampton.
The Chelsea legend was on the receiving end of taunts by a raucous home crowd inside St Mary’s, who labelled him a ‘s*** Steven Gerrard’ at full time.
Lampard has the Sky Blues six points clear at the top of the Championship heading into Christmas and they held on for a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon despite going down to 10 men early in the second half.
Clearly delighted at his team’s performance, the Coventry boss then took to the pitch and sent a sarcastic thumbs-up gesture in the direction of the home crowd – who had reportedly been shouting at him throughout the match.
But that only served to infuriate Saints star Leo Scienza, who became embroiled in heated discussions with Lampard on the pitch – triggering dozens of players and staff to have a go at each other.
The brawl saw players and staff from both teams falling and pushing each other around for almost 30 seconds, before Lampard left the scene and walked in the direction of the away support to applaud them.
Frank Lampard sent a thumbs-up in the direction of the Southampton support after the game
It sparked a huge brawl between dozens of Coventry and Saints players and staff on the pitch
Asked about the ordeal by Sky Sports post-match, the former Chelsea and Everton boss explained: ‘I’ve got no problem with… it’s fine. I understand when a player, in front of their own fans, defends the situation.
‘But we’ve got this modern day phenomenon where the fans can say anything to you for the last 10 minutes on the line, but you’re not allowed to walk on the pitch when you’ve got emotions high.
‘Heart on sleeve, I feel a bit calmer now. I apologise for my language, and maybe that stand will apologise for their language. I’m well and truly over that one and it got a bit heated but sometimes you take that 99 minutes and you’re hanging on and seeing the players do what they do, and I feel I live it with them.
‘I went on the pitch, that’s my prerogative. I can look back and reflect on it but yeah, like I say, fans can say one thing, but we’re the ones in the arena fighting for something and we got a point.’
Lampard’s Coventry side were hit by a flu crisis before the match and managed to hold on despite Jay Dasilva receiving a straight red in the second half.
The Sky Blues are next in action when they host Swansea City on Boxing Day.
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Frank Lampard issues apology after sparking post-match melee with sarcastic gesture to Southampton fans calling him a ‘s*** Steven Gerrard’
Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has backed the team to have a positive outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, DAILY POST reports.
There are doubts on the chances of team making a meaningful impact at the AFCON following their failure to qualify for the 2026FIFA World Cup.
Oliseh has been critical of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, in recent times.
But the former Ajax midfielder has backed the Super Eagles to go all the way in Morocco.
“Contrary to what many may think, I am very optimistic about our chances at the AFCON,” he told The Observer.
“To start with, the players one goal in mind, which is the AFCON.”
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi says he is ready to play for his country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after recovering from an ankle injury, reports Completesports.com.
Hakimi sustained the injury, while playing for Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League last month.
The injury put the right-back’s participation in the competition in doubt.
The 27-year-old has however declared he is ready for action.
Read Also: AFCON 2025: Cold Weather In Morocco Affecting Some Of My Players –Tanzania Head Coach
“I feel good. I’m following the programme with the doctors and the coach (Walid Regragui). After that, we’ll see what the coach decides. You can ask him,” he told reporters.
“I was scared after my injury. I didn’t want to miss this Cup of Nations that we are hosting.
“I wanted to be there with the team. I don’t know when I’ll play, but I feel ready.”
Morocco will take on Comoros in the competition’s opening game on Sunday (today).
SPORT
ASHES PLAYER RATINGS – THIRD TEST: England duo each given a TWO after ‘mental disintegration’ in Adelaide while Australian hero nearly scores a perfect 10 – but his team-mate is ‘out of his depth’
England’s quest to win an Ashes series Down Under has failed once again after losing the third Test by 82 runs to condemn them to a 3-0 defeat with two Tests remaining.
In a slightly rain-affected day five in Adelaide, Australia claimed the four wickets they needed by the afternoon session to successfully retain the Ashes.
Despite showing some second innings resilience, it was too little too late for the tourists who have now extended their winless run in Australia country to 18 matches.
Daily Mail Sport’s LAWRENCE BOOTH was at the Adelaide Oval to run the rule over both sets of players.
England
Zak Crawley 7
Still no Test hundred against a major team since the 2023 Ashes, but his second-innings 85 was one of England’s best innings of the trip. He may survive the post-series shakedown after all.
Zak Crawley may survive being culled from the England side after his second-innings 85 score
Ben Duckett 2
The extent of Duckett’s mental disintegration was evident in his lame second-innings poke in the last over before lunch on day four. Six innings in this series have brought him 97 runs. He looks shot.
Ben Duckett’s mental disintegration was evident in his lame second-innings poke on Saturday
Ollie Pope 2
His first-innings dismissal was a dereliction of duty, just when England needed their No 3 to take the game by the scruff. Victim of a superb slip catch by Labuschagne in the second, but only after another of his off-stump jabs. His Test career is long past its sell-by date.
Joe Root 5.5
Twice he got in, twice he was drawn into nibbles outside off by Cummins, who has now removed him 13 times in Tests – twice more than anyone else. Despite the Brisbane hundred, that shot remains Root’s red flag in Australia.
Harry Brook 6
He mainly honoured his pre-match pledge to ‘rein it in’, but scores of 45 and 30 summed up his lack of fulfilment, and he chose the wrong ball to reverse sweep in the second innings. His drop of Khawaja on the first morning proved costly.
Harry Brook failed to kick-on after getting into both innings and dropped a crucial catch
Ben Stokes 6
Gutsed it out for five hours to make 80 in the first innings, but fell to Starc and Lyon, who have now dismissed him a combined 22 times in Tests. Invited criticism from Ricky Ponting after his exhaustion ruled him out of bowling on the third day, when he over-bowled Jacks.
Jamie Smith 6.5
All too easily bounced out in the first innings, he at least showed gumption in the second, with a maiden Ashes fifty. Attracted criticism for losing his wicket trying to hit a fifth successive four, but England were hardly going to block their way to 435.
Will Jacks 6
It wasn’t his fault he was picked as England’s first-choice spinner, when he is little better than a part-timer. Battled hard with the bat for the second game in succession.
Brydon Carse 6
Added five wickets to his series tally, but he wasted the new ball on the first day and struggled to locate his length. Fought hard with the bat on the last day.
Jofra Archer 8.5
Provided a near-perfect riposte to his increasingly obsessive band of critics, fighting a lone battle during Australia’s first innings, then improving his career-best with the bat for the second game in a row. England’s best bowler of the tour.
Jofra Archer silenced his critics with an impressive showing with both bat and ball this Test
Josh Tongue 6.5
England’s second-best seamer after Archer, Tongue deserved better than one wicket in the first innings, and plugged away in the second for a haul of four. He has to play at Melbourne.
Australia
Travis Head 9
Made up for a loose stroke on the first morning with a carefree 170 in the second innings, and now has 379 runs in the series, more than 100 clear of the field.
Travis Head continues to be a thorn in the England side – as shown with his second-innings 170
Jake Weatherald 2
It’s hard to shake off the suspicion that Australia’s latest opener is out of his depth, though he didn’t help himself by failing to review his second-innings lbw when the ball pitched outside leg stump.
Despite an Ashes series win, Jake Weatherald looks seemingly out of his depth for Australia
Marnus Labuschagne 6
Played arguably the worst shot of the series when he pulled Archer’s first ball after lunch on the first day straight to midwicket. Squared up by a good one from Tongue in the second innings. But earns extra points for his sensational slip catching.
Usman Khawaja 7.5
Made the most of being dropped on five by Brook to make a redemptive 82 after his recall, and kept the boot on England’s throat on the third day with a careful 40. Mind you, he fell twice to Jacks.
Cameron Green 4
The IPL’s most expensive overseas cricketer continues to be a conundrum at Test level, with two cheap dismissals offset only partially by the wicket of Brook.
Alex Carey 9.5
Life at No 6 suits Australia’s wicketkeeper, and innings of 106 and 72 confirmed him as one of the players of the series. The fact that he is not walker, like almost his compatriots, did not come as news.
Alex Carey is up there for player of the series after another excellent performance for Australia
Josh Inglis 5
Playing as a specialist No 7, Inglis feels just short of Test class, and looks like the spare part who will make way once Steve Smith returns for Melbourne.
Pat Cummins 8.5
Looked like he’d never been away, and took six big wickets, including Root twice. Few cricketers in the world deliver so regularly when their team are most in need.
Mitchell Starc 8
Kept England in the field with his second fifty of the series, and took important wicket in each innings: Stokes in the first, Smith and Jacks in the second.
Mitchell Starc took key wickets for Australia and left England toiling in the field with another 50
Nathan Lyon 8
Made two vital contributions in his comeback match before injuring his hamstring in the field. First he got rid of Pope and Duckett in his first over. Then, on the fourth evening, he knocked over Brook, Stokes and Crawley at a personal cost of seven runs in 20 balls.
Scott Boland 7.5
So hard to get away, as Crawley acknowledged on the fourth evening. He wrapped up England’s first innings, and gave them nothing to hit in the second.