Age rating and parents' guide:Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players)

by Matt & Tom Oldfield

Ages 6–11

Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players) by Matt & Tom Oldfield is best for children aged 6–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.

This popular series introduces young sports fans to the world's greatest footballers, including icons like Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappé. Each book traces a player's journey from their childhood kickabouts and early trials to stadium glory and international trophies. Written in a fast, story-like style with short chapters, these biographies read like thrilling adventure stories rather than dry reference texts, making them a major hit with football-mad kids.

Get this book Find books for my child

Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence: None
Scary moments: None
Romance: None
Bad language: None

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

Non-fiction
Part of the Ultimate Football Heroes series
Easy to get into from the first page
Some illustrations
Emotionally light
A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

Non-Fiction
Sports

Reading mood

Informative
Inspiring

Good to talk about

Sports
Non-Fiction

Books like Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players)

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 9–11
Who Is Serena Williams?
by Who HQ
Follow the journey of Serena Williams, from practising on public courts in Compton with her sister Venus to becoming one of the greatest tennis champions in history. Packed with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and interesting sidebars, this biography shows the hard work, dedication, and resilience required to succeed on the world stage. Young sports fans and curious readers will find Serena's determination inspiring and easy to follow.
Know more Get book
Ages 6–8
Little People BIG DREAMS (series, 100+ subjects)
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
This acclaimed non-fiction series introduces young readers to inspiring figures from history, science, sports, and the arts. Each book traces an extraordinary person's journey from a childhood filled with big dreams to their groundbreaking adult achievements. With friendly, accessible prose and charming illustrations, the stories emphasize perseverance, creativity, and individuality, inspiring children to follow their own passions and believe in what they can accomplish.
Know more Get book
Ages 9–11
Who Is Pele?
by Who HQ
This accessible biography tells the inspiring story of Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer. Readers follow his journey from a poor childhood practicing with a makeshift ball made of socks to leading Brazil to three World Cup victories. Written in an engaging, fast-paced style with helpful black-and-white illustrations, it offers young sports fans a lively look at perseverance, teamwork, and the rise of one of the greatest athletes in history.
Know more Get book
Ages 9–14
Who Was...? (series)
by Who HQ (various authors)
This popular biography series introduces young readers to notable figures from history, science, the arts, and popular culture. Each book traces a subject's life from childhood through their major achievements and the challenges they faced along the way. Filled with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and accessible historical context, these books make history approachable and engaging, allowing children to explore real-world inspirations through fast-paced, narrative non-fiction.
Know more Get book
Ages 9–14
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo
This inspiring collection features one hundred bedtime-style profiles of remarkable women throughout history, from scientists and activists to artists and athletes. Written in the style of modern fairy tales, each one-page biography is accompanied by a vibrant, full-page portrait created by female artists from around the world. Children love the accessible, bite-sized stories that showcase real-world courage, curiosity, and determination, encouraging readers to dream big and forge their own paths.
Know more Get book
Ages 6–8
Trombone Shorty
by Troy Andrews
Follow young Troy Andrews as he grows up in New Orleans surrounded by vibrant brass bands and street parades. Nicknamed Trombone Shorty because the instrument is larger than he is, he teaches himself to play using a battered trombone he finds on the street. With lively illustrations and an upbeat rhythm, this autobiographical story captures the joy of discovering a passion and sharing music with a community. Young readers will find Troy's boundless energy and determination truly inspiring.
Know more Get book

Is this the right book for your child?

Tell us your child's age, what they are into, how they feel about reading and anything to avoid. Bookstaken's free quiz picks seven books matched to them from 300+ children's books.

A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.

In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.

Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players) for?

Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players) suits children aged 6–11. It is a non-fiction: easy to get into from the first page, some illustrations.

Q: Is Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players) appropriate for a 6 year old?

Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 6–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.

Q: Is Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players) part of a series?

Yes, it belongs to the Ultimate Football Heroes series. If your child enjoys it, the other Ultimate Football Heroes books are the easiest next step.

Q: What should my child read after Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players)?

Try Who Is Serena Williams?, Little People BIG DREAMS (series, 100+ subjects) and Who Is Pele?. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.

Age rating and parents' guideUltimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players)

by Matt & Tom Oldfield

Ages 6–11

Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players) by Matt & Tom Oldfield is best for children aged 6–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.

Books like Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players)

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 9–11

Who Is Serena Williams?

by Who HQ

Follow the journey of Serena Williams, from practising on public courts in Compton with her sister Venus to becoming one of the greatest tennis champions in history. Packed with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and interesting sidebars, this biography shows the hard work, dedication, and resilience required to succeed on the world stage. Young sports fans and curious readers will find Serena's determination inspiring and easy to follow.

Know more Get book

Ages 6–8

Little People BIG DREAMS (series, 100+ subjects)

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

This acclaimed non-fiction series introduces young readers to inspiring figures from history, science, sports, and the arts. Each book traces an extraordinary person's journey from a childhood filled with big dreams to their groundbreaking adult achievements. With friendly, accessible prose and charming illustrations, the stories emphasize perseverance, creativity, and individuality, inspiring children to follow their own passions and believe in what they can accomplish.

Know more Get book

Ages 9–11

Who Is Pele?

by Who HQ

This accessible biography tells the inspiring story of Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer. Readers follow his journey from a poor childhood practicing with a makeshift ball made of socks to leading Brazil to three World Cup victories. Written in an engaging, fast-paced style with helpful black-and-white illustrations, it offers young sports fans a lively look at perseverance, teamwork, and the rise of one of the greatest athletes in history.

Know more Get book

Ages 9–14

Who Was...? (series)

by Who HQ (various authors)

This popular biography series introduces young readers to notable figures from history, science, the arts, and popular culture. Each book traces a subject's life from childhood through their major achievements and the challenges they faced along the way. Filled with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and accessible historical context, these books make history approachable and engaging, allowing children to explore real-world inspirations through fast-paced, narrative non-fiction.

Know more Get book

Ages 9–14

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo

This inspiring collection features one hundred bedtime-style profiles of remarkable women throughout history, from scientists and activists to artists and athletes. Written in the style of modern fairy tales, each one-page biography is accompanied by a vibrant, full-page portrait created by female artists from around the world. Children love the accessible, bite-sized stories that showcase real-world courage, curiosity, and determination, encouraging readers to dream big and forge their own paths.

Know more Get book

Ages 6–8

Trombone Shorty

by Troy Andrews

Follow young Troy Andrews as he grows up in New Orleans surrounded by vibrant brass bands and street parades. Nicknamed Trombone Shorty because the instrument is larger than he is, he teaches himself to play using a battered trombone he finds on the street. With lively illustrations and an upbeat rhythm, this autobiographical story captures the joy of discovering a passion and sharing music with a community. Young readers will find Troy's boundless energy and determination truly inspiring.