SHORTLISTED FOR AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR AT THE 2026 SPORTS BOOK AWARDS
A WATERSTONES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025

'EVOCATIVE' The Guardian
'COMPELLING AND BRILLIANTLY CANDID' Daily Mail
'A GREAT BOOK' Jake Humphrey, High Performance Podcast

CANDID, RAW AND UNFORGETTABLE, THIS IS JOE COLE'S STORY - A MUST-READ FOR ANY FOOTBALL FAN

One of the best players of his era, Joe Cole grew up playing football in North London's estates, and his ability, grit and hard work took him to the very top. But Joe was often mistrusted by managers and out of step with the style of English football in the 2000s. The game was suspicious of creative footballers it considered luxury players - the kind it could regard as an indulgence.

With honesty and an eye for the absurdities of football, Joe takes us inside the dressing room to reveal it all. From his days at the FA's School of Excellence at Lilleshall and rising through the ranks at West Ham, to winning it all under José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, whilst playing with England's so-called Golden Generation.

But the trophies, goals and moments of magic couldn't last forever. After battling severe injuries - and suffering devastating family loss - Joe walked away from the sport that had given him everything, bringing one of football's most remarkable careers to a close.

"'[Joe Cole's] evocative new book...'" - Donald McRae, The Guardian

"Reflecting on the highs and lows of a stellar footballing career, Cole's candid memoir confronts his long history of injuries alongside the numerous trophies he won with a string of high-profile clubs." - Mark Skinner, Waterstones' Best Entertainment & Sports Books of 2025

"A great, incredibly interesting book. I thought I knew Joe's story, but there is so much here that I hadn't heard before, he shares everything in full for the very first time. A must-read." - Jake Humphrey, High Performance Podcast

"A lovely read about a player who is far more unassuming than I'd imagined. It is, of course, mostly about a generational superstar talent who actually becomes more of an acclaimed superstar actor before injuries take their toll, but it's also about fatherhood. The late George Cole is the undoubted star of this book, an extraordinary character... who proves, for so many reasons, everything a young man in the spotlight needs from a father." - Iain Macintosh, Route One

"Cole's love-hate relationship with Mourinho is one compelling theme of his brilliantly candid book, Luxury Player." - Matt Barlow, Daily Mail

"Joe speaks brilliantly - and frankly - about his life growing up in Camden. Joe tells his story with wit and wisdom." - Dan Carrier, Camden New Journal