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Suddenly A Footballer: My Story
One of the finest players in the Premier League, Juan Mata tells the inside story of life at Manchester United, as well as reliving his childhood and recalling his glory years with Chelsea and Spain. This thoughtful footballer gives his views on the experiences and personalities that have helped to shape his career.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 2, 2019
He is unique; there is only Juan Mata.
Mata is commonly referred to as the nicest footballer, so it was fun to learn more about his life and get a glimpse inside his brain.
Mata is commonly referred to as the nicest footballer, so it was fun to learn more about his life and get a glimpse inside his brain.
February 3, 2020
This book is a different comparing to other sports biography. It's more like educational material about footballers - that they are the same people like the rest of the world, having their own fears, doubts, hobbies, etc. Juan Mata is a very down-to-earth man and I love it. He keeps telling that he is very lucky being a footballer and getting so many opportunities in his life because of that privilegy. This book gives you a chance to get familiar with some view's of Juan: life priorities, the other side of modern football, etc. And it is easy to read.
However, what I've missed the most: lack of details about his own career, more info on some most important football games, more memories from the dressing rooms, in other words - more feelings from the actual football plays. I know that his idea was to describe the general footballer's life with all challenges, etc., but I'd wanted more of Juan as a football player on the pitch.
For me this book is worth 3 stars, but for the unique style and different way to tell the story - 1 extra star. And of course for the Common Goal initiative!
However, what I've missed the most: lack of details about his own career, more info on some most important football games, more memories from the dressing rooms, in other words - more feelings from the actual football plays. I know that his idea was to describe the general footballer's life with all challenges, etc., but I'd wanted more of Juan as a football player on the pitch.
For me this book is worth 3 stars, but for the unique style and different way to tell the story - 1 extra star. And of course for the Common Goal initiative!
October 14, 2019
A thoughtful and intelligent memoir from a thoughtful, intelligent player. He talks about the mental and emotional side of the game rather than the basics of played here, scored there. A worthwhile read.
July 10, 2024
The writing doesn’t flow, and whilst he comes across as an incredibly nice and balanced man, it doesn’t make for a fascinating memoir.
February 11, 2023
One of the most humble human beings in football telling his story, highly recommend it to anyone.
April 5, 2020
Juan Mata - A footballer that I have always admired and respected on and off the pitch. He is undoubtedly one of the nicest people in football and true inspiration to all. A true gentleman.
He is passionate about his family and career, which comes across with passion throughout the book. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others.
He is passionate about his family and career, which comes across with passion throughout the book. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others.
February 6, 2021
“This book is not created with a rigid structure. I didn’t want that. It is more a collection of thoughts, experiences and opinions that sit together”
Juan is an incredible footballer, both on and off the pitch, and it’s easy to see why he’s adored by so many fans around the world for the teams he’s played for. Juan shares his thoughts and ideas on the game that we love and watch. From training observations, to tactics, to players he admires and to family - he comes across as a grounded human and one who is keen to share his intelligence with others when his career is finished.
I understand the logic behind the structure of the book and Juan wanted to do things different, still the old traditional footballer autobiography structure would of suited those interested in Juan’s clubs and decisions throughout his career. But he hints throughout that more is to come in another book.
Juan is an incredible footballer, both on and off the pitch, and it’s easy to see why he’s adored by so many fans around the world for the teams he’s played for. Juan shares his thoughts and ideas on the game that we love and watch. From training observations, to tactics, to players he admires and to family - he comes across as a grounded human and one who is keen to share his intelligence with others when his career is finished.
I understand the logic behind the structure of the book and Juan wanted to do things different, still the old traditional footballer autobiography structure would of suited those interested in Juan’s clubs and decisions throughout his career. But he hints throughout that more is to come in another book.
February 21, 2020
Loved the book, written by a very underated footballer. His personality and his humble approach shine through the book. One of few footballers to promise 1% of his salary via Common Goal to enhance the life of poor children. In the book he comes across as a very thoughtful person who enjoys the life of a modern footballer but never forgets how lucky he is. Comes across as a very nice guy.
June 11, 2021
I love Juan and cherish many memories when he played (that goal against LFC!) and I was looking forward to his book!
He shared his memories and thoughts with us but I guess it was a bit chaotical. Stories how he became a footballer, how he was dealing with issues, how the football is affecting all its fans and players... It is nice book overall.
He shared his memories and thoughts with us but I guess it was a bit chaotical. Stories how he became a footballer, how he was dealing with issues, how the football is affecting all its fans and players... It is nice book overall.
June 19, 2021
I am not interested in football but I do about inspiring stories. Juan Mata’s is one of them. His passion to grow, to achieve his goals, the respect for fans and to work for the common good at Common Goal trough football is an example for people as influential as a successful professional footballer.
January 9, 2025
As Juan refers it is a bit forward and backward regarding timescales talking about Manchester United then back to Valencia then to Chelsea then to Real Madrid.
But still interesting read, just not much into his personal life no mention of any children / wife / girlfriend etc. But he does seem a bit of a private man.
Still recommend it 👌
But still interesting read, just not much into his personal life no mention of any children / wife / girlfriend etc. But he does seem a bit of a private man.
Still recommend it 👌
December 28, 2019
Really enjoyed this book, I am 33 and wish I had this book to read when I was 11..
So motivational for children to read.
So motivational for children to read.
June 10, 2020
Juan Mata - A footballer that I have always had respect for on and off the pitch. This book truly projects his heart and soul and his journey throughout his footballing career.
Someone who is so dedicated and passionate about his career , it is so clear in the words he writes. I really enjoyed how he didn’t structure his book chronologically, but instead, thematically. It provided me with a much broader understanding of his life and who he is as a person.
Someone who is so dedicated and passionate about his career , it is so clear in the words he writes. I really enjoyed how he didn’t structure his book chronologically, but instead, thematically. It provided me with a much broader understanding of his life and who he is as a person.
September 14, 2023
Not your normal footballer. Decent read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews