Best Soccer Books for 7-Year-Old Boys

Seven is an exciting age for young readers. Some children are just beginning to read independently, while others are ready for their first real chapter book. The right soccer story can make that transition much easier, especially for a child who would rather be kicking a ball than sitting with a book.

This guide presents five soccer books for 7-year-old boys at different reading levels. All are available as print books, and the list includes simple illustrated readers, short chapter books and a longer adventure for confident readers. Although the title of this guide refers to boys because that is what many parents search for, these books can be enjoyed by any child who loves soccer.

A note about this list: I am the author of the Sean Wants to Be Messi series, which is included below. I created this guide to help parents compare it honestly with other soccer books and choose the book that best suits their child.

Quick comparison

Age recommendations are approximate. A child’s reading confidence and interest are usually more useful than the number on the book listing.

---

1. Sean Wants to Be Messi, by Tanya Preminger

Best for: Messi fans and children ready for an illustrated chapter book

Sean wants to be a great soccer player like Lionel Messi, but wanting it is much easier than doing it. He must learn to practice, listen, handle disappointment and keep trying when things do not go his way.

The story combines soccer with the everyday emotions familiar to young children: ambition, frustration, friendship and the desire to prove themselves. Its short chapters and illustrations help children make the step from early readers to chapter books without facing an overwhelming amount of text.

This is the first book in a three-book series. Children who enjoy it can continue with Sean Goes to Barcelona and Sean Tackles London. That makes it a particularly good choice for parents hoping that one soccer story will lead to a longer reading habit.

Choose this book if: Your child loves Messi, prefers stories about a boy close to his own age, or is ready to begin reading chapter books.

Print format: Paperback

Buy Sean Wants to Be Messi in paperback on Amazon >>

---

2. The Berenstain Bears: We Love Soccer!, by Mike Berenstain

Cover: HarperCollins

Best for: Children taking their first steps in independent reading

Brother, Sister and Honey Bear of Bear Country join a soccer team and discover that playing well requires cooperation. It is a simple, cheerful introduction to soccer, teamwork and good sportsmanship.

This 32-page Level 1 reader uses short sentences and familiar characters. It is much easier than the other books on this list, which can be reassuring for a seven-year-old who is not yet comfortable with chapter books.

Choose this book if: Your child is a beginning reader, likes the Berenstain Bears or needs a short book that can be completed without frustration.

Print format: Paperback

Buy The Berenstain Bears: We Love Soccer! in paperback on Amazon >>

---

3. Pedro’s Big Goal, by Fran Manushkin

Cover: Capstone

Best for: Beginning readers who enjoy encouraging, realistic stories

Pedro dreams of playing goalkeeper in an important soccer match, but he worries that he is too small and too slow. With encouragement and practice, he works toward the chance to prove himself.

At 32 pages, this is another accessible choice for a child who finds longer books intimidating. The soccer problem is easy to understand, and the story focuses on perseverance rather than natural talent.

Choose this book if: Your child enjoys stories about goalkeepers, needs a quick and achievable read, or responds to stories about overcoming self-doubt.

Print format: Paperback

Buy Pedro’s Big Goal in paperback on Amazon >>

---

4. Soccer ’Cats: The Captain Contest, by Matt Christopher

Cover: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Best for: Children who enjoy friendship, soccer and creative competition

Dewey London and Bundy Neel are excited to join a summer soccer league. Then they learn that the player who designs the best team logo will become captain. Dewey loves to draw, but he also believes Bundy would make the better captain. The contest puts friendship, talent and ambition into conflict.

This 64-page book is the first title in the Soccer ’Cats series. It offers more text than a basic early reader without being as demanding as a full middle-grade novel.

Choose this book if: Your child enjoys realistic team stories, friendship dilemmas and creative activities as well as soccer.

Print format: Paperback

Buy Soccer ’Cats: The Captain Contest in paperback on Amazon >>

---

5. Soccer on Sunday, by Mary Pope Osborne

Cover: Random House Books for Young Readers

Best for: Confident readers who enjoy adventure and soccer history

In this Magic Tree House adventure, Jack and Annie travel to Mexico City during the 1970 World Cup. They hope that the legendary Pelé can teach them one of the secrets of greatness, but finding him among the enormous crowd is an adventure of its own.

At 144 pages, this is the longest and most challenging book on the list. It combines soccer with time travel, history and the familiar Magic Tree House characters.

Choose this book if: Your child already reads chapter books comfortably, enjoys Magic Tree House or is interested in Pelé and World Cup history.

Print format: Paperback

Buy Soccer on Sunday in paperback on Amazon >>

---

How to choose the right soccer book for a 7-year-old

Two children of the same age may need very different books. Before choosing, consider the following:

Reading confidence

For a child who is still sounding out words, begin with The Berenstain Bears: We Love Soccer! or Pedro’s Big Goal. Completing a short book can build confidence.

Readiness for chapter books

If your child is beginning to grow out of early readers, Sean Wants to Be Messi provides short chapters, illustrations and a story centered on a young boy’s goal. Soccer ’Cats: The Captain Contest is another manageable chapter-book option.

Personal soccer heroes

A child fascinated by Lionel Messi may be more motivated by Sean Wants to Be Messi. A reader curious about Pelé and the World Cup may prefer Soccer on Sunday.

Attention span

Some seven-year-olds can happily follow a 144-page adventure, while others need a story they can finish in one or two sittings. Choosing a manageable book is more important than choosing the most advanced one.

Which soccer book is the best place to start?

For a beginning reader, start with Pedro’s Big Goal or The Berenstain Bears: We Love Soccer!. For a child ready for an illustrated chapter book, Sean Wants to Be Messi is a natural next step. A confident reader who already enjoys longer chapter books may be ready for Soccer on Sunday.

The best soccer book for a 7-year-old is ultimately the one that makes the child want to turn the page. Connecting reading with a sport they already love can help a reluctant reader discover that books can be exciting too.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best soccer books for 7-year-old boys?

Good choices include Sean Wants to Be Messi, The Berenstain Bears: We Love Soccer!, Pedro’s Big Goal, Soccer ’Cats: The Captain Contest and Soccer on Sunday. The right choice depends on whether the child is a beginning, developing or confident reader.

Are there soccer chapter books for seven-year-olds?

Yes. Sean Wants to Be Messi is an illustrated early chapter book for ages 6–9. The Soccer ’Cats books are short chapter books, while Soccer on Sunday is longer and better suited to confident readers.

Which soccer book is suitable for a reluctant reader?

A reluctant reader may do best with a short book related to a favorite interest. Pedro’s Big Goal is only 32 pages. For a child who loves Messi and is ready for chapters, Sean Wants to Be Messi offers short sections and illustrations.

Is Sean Wants to Be Messi part of a series?

Yes. It is followed by Sean Goes to Barcelona and Sean Tackles London. The three books allow children to continue following Sean as his soccer experiences grow into bigger adventures.