Futebol

Futebol is sub-titled "The Brazilian Way of Life", and if any sport can truly be deemed to be such a thing for any country on the planet, then surely the sport must be football, and the country Brazil. Alex Bellos's study of football in Brazil, its history, its players, supporters and legends, works from the standpoint that Brazilian football is one the modern wonders of the world, "the beautiful game" being an art form in itself and a universally recognised trademark and brand. From such a view, he is able to entertain the reader not only with stories about great players and matches well known by the followers of world football, but also about the unique position of the game in the world's fifth largest country. Thus featured here are not only tales of Garrincha, Socrates and Ronaldo, of Flamengo and Fluminense, but also of football amongst the Indians of the Amazon, Brazilian footballers in the Faroe Islands and the story of the design (and designer) of the famous golden yellow Brazilian shirt, perhaps the most instantly recognisable icon in football anywhere. Where other books investigating the footballing culture of one country might have a more straightforward story to tell, Bellos uses this more eclectic approach. While the subjects of his observations are linked by the common threads of football and Brazil, he still captures magnificently the beauty, passion and the occasional absurdity of the world game in the world's number one footballing nation. --Trevor Crowe

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A gem of a book - Rated
This is quite simply one of the best football books you'll ever read.

Rather than a dry history of the game in Brazil, Bellos has attempted (and very much succeeded) to put across exactly why the country and its population is so obsessed with the beautiful game. If you're looking for Charles Miller and the growth of football in the country then look elsewhere. If you want an interesting and highly entertaining look at how football impacts every part of Brazilian life and culture then this is it.

You will find this hard to put down and out of the vast numbers of football books I've read this is up there with the very best. It's a gem.

Bits of it were good, bits of it were soso - Rated
I like football and I like Brazil, but somehow this book fell through the cracks. It was interesting to get what is an in-depth and knowledgable view of a fascinating country, but what struck me most throughout was the abject poverty of the clubs, the fans, and society, and the endemic corruption which looks to continue (despite what the author suggests towards the end) ad nauseum. All this talk of 'party atmospheres' and 'happy go lucky' supporters makes me wonder whether the critics read the book properly!

Bellos writes well, but some bits are better than others - my favourite bit was on the big boss of Vasco and any focus on club football. Some bits were a bit naff (cars), some pointless (faroes) and some missed opportunties (Socrates interview).

All in all, could have been better, and bit darker, because after all, that seems to be the way it is over there....

Now i Understand - Rated
Having read this book I now know why Brazil are far more superior at Football (Futebol) lots of Amazing stories and at times very funny - a good educational book for football fans to understand the game from Brazil's Grass Roots to the National World Champions, Stories about games been stopped so players could see who could kick the ball the highest to a game off football using cars, Ronaldo of Real Madrid - a chapter about arguably the greatest Brazil player of all time Garrinchia. a Must for all football fans

Enchanting and beguiling - Rated
I have been a fan of Brazilian football since the 1970 World Cup. Now, after reading Alex Bellos' superbly written and painstakingly researched book, I am a fan of Brazil itself. If only the people of the Old World could share in the infectious joy of living of the Brazilian people, and if only I could retrace Alex Bellos' journey....maybe someday!

Great Book - Rated
A wonderful annecdotal, factfile of Brazilian life and how it's seemingly totally entwined with football. Football is life to Brazilians and they take the playing of the game to extremes of all kinds! The wonderful telling of beautiful but tragic tales of players such as Garrincha and Barbosa and the "Fateful Final" of the 1950 World Cup where the whole of Brazil seemingly mourned the defeat against Uruguay.

Terrific book and a real eye opener on Brazilian culture and life...