One: My Autobiography

by Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel is an undisputed giant of the global game.

He was a serial winner with Manchester United and Denmark, and he rivals Gordon Banks and Lev Yashin for the title of the greatest goalkeeper of all time. Alex Ferguson labelled him 'bargain of the century' when he reflected on the £505,000 Manchester United paid to sign him in 1991. Schmeichel became a key figure in the club's successes during the decade ahead, culminating when he captained United in the incredible, last-gasp Treble-clinching win over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.

A complex character, Schmeichel's story is no mere litany of triumphs. In the book, he recalls how he nearly died at the age of 15. The son of a Danish nurse and Polish musician, his own son Kasper has followed him to the sport's summit, winning the Premier League with Leicester and taking over in Denmark's goal.

Genres: Football, Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography, Soccer

384 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Peter Bolesław Schmeichel MBE (born 18 November 1963) is a retired Danish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, and was voted the "World's Best Goalkeeper" in 1992 and 1993. He is best remembered for his most successful years at English club Manchester United, whom he captained to the 1999 UEFA Champions League to complete The Treble. He was a key member of the Denmark national football team that won Euro 92.

Born in Gladsaxe, Copenhagen, Schmeichel is famous for his intimidating physique (he is 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) tall and wears specially-made size XXXL football shirts) and his attacking threat. During his career, Schmeichel scored 11 goals, including one for the Danish national team, a great feat for a keeper. He is also the most capped player for the Denmark national team, with 129 games between 1987 and 2001. Apart from Euro 92, he played for his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and three additional European Championship tournaments. He captained the national team in 30 matches.

Schmeichel is also known for his trademark shouts at his defence. He would often yell out at the defenders in charge of helping him defend the goal for blunders and poor defending and would occasionally single out various individuals in the defence to make his feelings heard.

Today, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of football. The IFFHS ranked Schmeichel among the top ten keepers of the 20th century in 2000, and in 2001, Schmeichel won a public poll held by Reuters, when the majority of the 200,000 participants voted him as the best goalkeeper ever, ahead of Lev Yashin and Gordon Banks. In 2003, Schmeichel was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his impact on the English game. In March 2004, he was named as one of the "125 greatest living footballers", at the FIFA 100 celebrations.

He holds the record for the greatest clean sheets-to-games ratio in the Premier League with 42% of the games he played in the league ending without his team conceding.

His son Kasper is also a goalkeeper and currently plays for Manchester City.

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The autobiography of Peter Schmeichel one of the best goalkeepers to grace the Premier League. Considering I am not a supporter of Manchester United I seem to read a lot of autobiographies from their former players. This account is certainly interesting and contained a lot of stories that I had never heard before, especially his time in Denmark. For me the overall account was very patchy ranging from very interesting to the unnecessary tedious. Overall a decent read but could have been better.

As you would expect there are many stories surrounding his playing days and encounters with Sir Alex Ferguson, Eric Cantona etc. etc. but also heavily features his family. I was very interested to read about his Polish father who was pressurised to become a spy as well as the relationships with the rest of the family. I just found that some of the reflections went on too long and became tedious.

If you are wanting a full account of behind the scenes at Old Trafford then this is not the book for you. A frank account but there are no kiss and tell stories and Peter Schmeichel is quick to say such stories should remain untold.

[Gordon Mcghie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that the opening line of the blurb to One sees Peter Schmeichel asking the question “Why me?” Well natural talent and a fantastic work ethic would appear to be big contributors to the success he enjoyed during an outstanding playing career. Peter is appearing at the Cheltenham Literature Festival (on Sunday 10th October) and after reading One I would love to be in the audience to hear him speak. This book is crammed with entertaining, funny and inciteful anecdotes which you can only imagine are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to storys which could have been told.

I don’t read biographies on a regular basis but when I do pick up a new book to dig into someone’s life I tend to cateogorise them into one of two reading experiences. First there is the biography about someone I feel I know something about. This is where Peter Schmeichal and One would sit. I watched much of Peter’s playing career as I have been a football fan for virtually all my (nearly 50) years and I saw the growth of a young Manchester United team who rose to win the biggest competitions they entered. Schmeichel was at the heart of that success and a UK household name. I recognised many of the events he writes about so putting those stories into the context I remember was a wonderful trip back down memory lane.

The other type of biography is that where I know the person but they are something of an enigma. I recently read Dr Heather Martin’s utterly absorbing biography of Lee Child and would classify that into this category. I knew Child through his writing but knew nothing about the guy behind the name. So where One told stories around events I knew, The Reacher Guy told a whole new story about someone I really didn’t know.

Back to One. Before the football became all consuming in Peter’s life he also gives the reader a background on his own family. Danish legend Schmeichel first travelled under a Polish passport, his father was Polish and left the East to a new life in Denmark with Peter’s Danish mother. The Polish Government put pressure on Peter’s father to spy for them while he was in a Western country!

When his playing career was just getting underway Schmeichel tells of the frustration he experienced while trying to get a move to Manchester United. His admiration and respect for his old boss shines through as does the strong squad ethic which was built up over those years. Seeing behind the scenes of those wonderful days is a treat for a football fan. Reading One I did feel Schmeichel was giving us insights into how footballers conducted themselves, their friendships beyond the pitch and the amazing support network they put in place for each other. We feel we know these players as they are in our newspapers and magazines, on the news and Match of the Day and always on our football pitches when we pass through the gates of the stadium but there is so much more we don’t get to see.

One is a hugely enjoyable read, accessible in manageable chapters, clearly told and warm and engaging for a reader. As Christmas looms this should be on the gift list for football fans and indeed for anyone who wants to read about a player who strives for success and the self disipline needed to achieve those personal goals.

[Nick Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion perhaps the greatest goalie the Premiership has seen.
So, a ghost written autobiography. PS was born Polish (I didn’t know that!) but his family emigrated to Denmark. Anyway you know the story, played in Denmark, got signed for United, won the Euros with Denmark, won the Treble with United and so on.

United fans might be disappointed that he doesn’t give much away about United, there are some key players he barely mentions, choosing (I suspect) not to dish any dirt or dislike. He does talk about Fergie, the good things and the not so good which was mildly interesting.
But there is nothing new or interesting to feed United fans, the interesting stuff is about Danish football and his post United career.
He comes over as you would expect, not a barrel of laughs, serious and focused. Don’t buy this for United insight, buy it for insight into the man that is Peter Schmeichel.

[David Stringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, as a United fan who always liked and rated Schmeichel as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. By his own admission, some bits are left out, but always fascinating what goes on behind the scenes we fans never see or know.

[Neil Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite players growing up and a candid view on his life and decisions made. Really enjoyed reliving some of the memories and games he mentioned

[Fluffy Owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to watch Peter Schmeichel's son, Kasper Schmeichel a lot when I was a kid, and both of them are inspirational goalkeepers. I enjoyed reading about his lifestyle as a parent and a football player. I find the description of 'risk mode' quite interesting and his calm yet aggressive attitude motivates me. One of the matches, the 1999 champions league final, where United faced Bayern Munich, they were 1-0 down in the second half and they turned on risk mode. They kept a mentality where they could not think of the downfalls and negatives and focus on scoring. Defenders were coming off for attackers and all players pressed high on the pitch. When United won a corner, Schmeichel pushed into Bayern's penalty box. He caused distractions and chaos in that penalty box to divert Bayern's players' attention and Teddy Sheringham has taken advantage and tapped the ball in the net. Through another corner later on, Ole Gunnar Solskjær scored the winner of the match. Schmeichel's attitude was professional as he did not run over to celebrate, as it was part of risk mode. It was a dramatic match and I learned from his sportsmanship and positive mentality.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Schmeichel was at a time considered the best goalkeeper in the world and is arguably the greatest to have ever played. He was one of my favourite players so I had no hesitation in picking it up when I saw it on the shelf.

This was a very thorough story of his life. We are told about the extraordinary life his parents led, his entire playing career from playing for Brøndby in Denmark to all the success he achieved at Manchester United and everything that has happened since as well as a wonderful insight into his personal life.

Of course many will have bought this for tales of his days at Old Trafford and while I enjoyed reliving so much success I was also fascinated by his tales of representing his country, what happened once he left UTD including almost returning, which I had no idea about, and his relationship with his friends and family.

There's also plenty of his insight and philosophy on goalkeeping in general. Considering the fact he was one of the greatest of all time I'm glad he divulged. I may not be a footballer but I can't see how someone in the game wouldn't find his advice and views insightful and helpful.

He also quashes the theories about his son, Kasper, and all the success he's had in his own career. It's clear to see that he is very proud of him and what I loved is that he acts as a dad and not an ex professional who wants to instruct.

I only have one criticism. The structure of the timeline. Again I understand that he's most famous for playing for Man Utd but I didn't see why we went from Utd to his childhood and early playing career and then onto his career after Utd and life once retired. Maybe it's just me but I'd have preferred a more linear story of his life.

That aside this was a wonderful read and one I'd recommend to any football fan no matter their allegiance. I never read his first autobiography but I'm so happy I picked this up.

4.5 / 5

[Sean O · Rating 2 out of 5]

Without question one of my favourite man utd players.
I had read his previous book many moons ago and found it an average read. To be honest I was expecting a better read given the reviews .


I always knew he had an ego , that was part of why he was so good but watching it play out on the pitch and reading it are two different things.

I cannot believe the level of detail from his playing days that was left out. I was particularly disappointed about the chapters from his united days.

Ultimately I was really disappointed with the book. Very repetitive when he was preaching about how great he was .
Don't mind a bit of detail about family thrown in but again people read these books to learn about his playing days not about his family.

[Jan Christophersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bliver vi klogere på Peter Schmeichel? Ja, det gør vi vel til en vis grad.
Bogen er udmærket fortalt som en stort set kronologisk gennemgang af Peter Schmeichels liv. Der er refleksioner undervejs, og det er interessant at få hans tanker omkring forskellige episoder. Så kan man være enig eller uenig (f.eks. en absurt tanke at ville flytte Hvidovre IF til Ørestaden; helt enig i hans betragtninger vedr. målmandssituationen i Manchester United).
Alt i alt let og god underholdningen, omend der måske er begrænset med vitaminer i. Jeg har læst mere interessante fodboldbøger, men bestemt også dårligere.

[Layla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started this couldn't get into it.

[HelloLasse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fodbold!? Jeg har seriøs ingen interesse i den sport, men derudover meget spændende både som oplæsning, sprog, snakken osv!
Men jeg siger ikke nej til en udfordring!!

Men fodbold

[Mark Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read thoroughly enjoyable

[Matthew Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had wanted to read this for a while and overall was disappointed when I finally got around to it. Some of the stories are really quite tedious and probably if little interest to anyone but Schmeichels friends or family. It’s an ok sports autobiography. But just ok

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Peter (and also Eric Cantona), are my idols and have been since I was just a little kid, and now, as an adult, I appreciate them so much more, so hearing about the release of Peter’s book “One”, was a dream come true for me, because I wanted an insight into how he thought about life and not just the game. I wanted to be able to gain insight into him as a person, and not just as a figure who was responsible for saving Man Utd’s backside with his many, fabulous saves. This book has lived up to my expectations, and more.

In this book, he provides insight into his personal life to a respectful and dignified, degree and also provides insight into his decision making and reasons why he made some of his decisions. Reading it was like sitting down with Peter and having a conversation with him. You can’t help but listen and feel engaged with what he was saying, and when a question popped up in my mind, he would soon answer it. It was also a bit of a learning experience because he tells you things from a Goalies’ point of view that I think a lot of pundits tend not to even realise themselves, so in that sense, it’s also great because he provides you with a new perspective and ways to think about the game.

This book also had a way of gripping on to your emotional state and bringing some clarity to some of the classic moments that will be remembered by all Man Utd supporters who were alive to see them (I also can remember where I was and what I was doing when Man Utd won the Champions League in stoppage time, and even just writing this now, I’m getting teary because of just how significant and bittersweet it was, for me, knowing that was the legacy that Peter left behind before moving on to other pastures in his playing career). Also, talking about his family ancestry as well and about the loss of his dad. I lost my dad to brain tumours when I was 14 so I feel that I could relate on both counts, even though, obviously, the situations were completely different. But in saying that, Man Utd and Peter Schmeichel, helped me to get through that difficult time because it gave me something else to focus on and to cheer about. They also proved to be a real, emotional outlet in a time when I was otherwise, numb. But thankfully, this book also provides lots of chuckles and even has a slight spiritual, element to it regarding to fate and timing and how that helps us to evolve.

So I thoroughly loved this book and would strongly recommend it to anyone who is a Man Utd fan, the Danish, and anyone who just wants to read about a man’s journey through life and how to think about and approach life. Peter’s reflections, philosophy and psychology, can inspire anyone to think about their own lives and to question if they’re living right, or is it time to think about making some changes. Or, at least, that’s what I got out of it.

I always knew that he was a great man, and not just because of what he has achieved on the pitch, but just how he is as a person. Thank you Peter Schmeichel for telling us your story and thank you for just being who you are. You are truly, an inspiration!

[Bogens Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find anmeldelsen her: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUzNqNzIp0f/

Tusind tak til @politikensforlag og @pschmeichel1 for anmeldereksemplaret!

“One - Min Selvbiografi” om fodboldikonet og målmand Peter Schmeichel, er netop udkommet.

Peter Schmeichel var målmand for både det danske landshold og Manchester United, og i denne bog fortæller han sin historie som fodboldspiller.

Selvfølgelig fylder fodbold meget i denne bog - det skal det også - men det er også en bog fyldt med følelser og rørende historier.

Peter Schmeichels far var fra Polen, han var musiker, og så var han tilmed dobbeltagent mellem Danmark og Polen. I bogen hører vi både om faderens hårde opvækst med meget forfærdelige og traumatiserende oplevelser. Derudover hører vi også om Peter Schmeichels mor, der også havde meget med i bagagen fra sine unge dage.

Vi hører i bogen også om vejen til at blive spiller i Manchester United og ikke mindst, hvor meget mavefornemmelser kan have betydning for at træffe de rigtige beslutninger. Og så kommer vi i bogen selvfølgelig også omkring EM 92.

Bogen er skrevet i et livligt sprog der er både spændende og underholdende at læse. En gennemført biografi om noget af et liv. Det er tydeligt, at Peter Schmeichel har selvironi og fortæller derfor også i bogen om sjove oplevelser han har haft gennem sin karriere som fodboldmålmand. Derudover skinner det igennem, at han er disciplineret og viljefast - noget der har været med til at få ham langt i livet.

Tag en tur tilbage i tiden med Peter Schmeichel og oplev opture og nedture. Og som en lille bonus får du en lang række gode råd, som Schmeichel ville give til sit unge jeg. Og så er han heller ikke bleg for at indrømme sine fejl gennem tiden. Du vil ikke fortryde, at læse med i “One - Min Selvbiografi”!

Antal stjerner af 6: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Ben Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never meet your heroes they say. Well what about the next best thing; reading their autobiography? For Pete/Peter/Schmikes the result was very satisfying for this lifelong fan.

I've adored him and modelled my entire childhood football 'career' on the Danish giant. I don't recall ever wondering what the man between the posts was like in his personal life. I only knew I wanted to command the goal as well as he did.

Well, the truth is, the man between the posts is almost terminator like. His dedication to his craft, the game and the endless training and practice that goes into it all makes it seem like an ordeal rather than a passion. I was surprised a little by the general arrogance and lack of vulnerability in his writing. But then, that's what made him so fantastic as a keeper. The world's best.

The book sings, for me personally, when recounting moments and memories from his time at Man It'd. I get a real kick about hearing his thought process during some of the most epic matches from my memory.

His personal life, for the most part, is really kept at arm's length and there are only a couple of chapters dedicated to his parents and his kids. Which some might say is good, but I wish I could've penetrated his armour a little more. I wanted to humanise the man a little more through some emotional or frail moments.

But... He's a guardian. A protector. A barbarian at the gate. He only lets in what he has to.

[Kelly Steed · Rating 4 out of 5]

So growing up I was big into football and can remember going into school with my Man Utd shirt under my school uniform the day after that incredible game that clinched them the treble in 1999. But it wasn’t just any Man Utd shirt, it was Peter Schmeichel’s goalkeeper top, complete with his name (that cost my parents a fortune as you had to pay by the letter 😂) and the number 1 ❤️ ⚽️

To me, Peter Schmeichel will ALWAYS be number one - not just the best keeper, but for me the best player to ever set foot inside the Theatre of Dreams (and trust me, there have been some amazing players over the years!). When I saw that he had a new autobiography out it went straight on my Christmas wish list and Hubby kindly obliged 😂

Perhaps not one to read if you don’t have an interest in football (it’s not one of those autobiographies that would appeal to just anyone) but I really enjoyed reading this book. I love that there’s no dishing of dirt (showing a true respect for those he played and worked with) but an honest reflection on what was a remarkable career, including an insight into Peter as a man, away from football.

[Abi Pellinor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This autobiography from one of Manchester United's former goal keepers came from my dad's shelves. What a surprise. But he offered it up to me, and as someone who grew up with my dad's praise of Schmeichel and the entire team that played with him during that time, I thought it would be an interesting one.

I wasn't wrong! Schmeichel definitely led an interesting life, both inside and out of Man United, and it was interesting to learn more about him as a person. His father was a double crossing spy for Poland/Denmark whilst also being a musician at Copenhagen's famous Tivoli theme park, and Schmeichel himself has some musical talent. Something I definitely didn't know!

Schmeichel references so many matches, and whilst of course I was expecting that, I didn't expect so many stats to be drilled off! A lot of these games he talks about are before my time, either before I was born or when I was still too young to know what was going on (I think other than the Legends game between Man U and Bayern Munich in 2019, the oldest I was for any referenced match was 3!). So obviously I wanted to know more about these games. I have watched *so* many old matches, just to spot the moments that Schmeichel referenced! Thankfully I am a Man U fan and so it was a learning experience to see more of these names that are bandied around so much when the club talks about old teams.

It's obvious that this is a good read for Manchester United fans, but also if you're a European football fan. Schmeichel played in Portugal and Denmark, as well as for the Danish international team, and talks about his times there as well as his post-football-player life. It's a quick read and one that I found really interesting!

[Eduard Kutscher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter was one of my idols (along with Lev Yashin - like Peter, I regret that I never got to see Lev Yashin play - and Ivo Viktor) when I played football. So when I found out that he had written his autobiography, I didn't hesitate and got it right away. It was simply my duty.

How was it? It was an awfully good read, Peter's a natural storyteller and very open and honest in his recounting.

Speaking for myself, I have to say that chapters 2 and 20 are some of the most moving, sensitive I have ever read.

All in all - don't expect any tabloid information here, this is an open and honest hindsight from one of the best football goalkeepers of all time! Definitely recommended to all football fans and a must-read for ManU fans!

[Richard Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always good to get another goalkeeping book on the shelf, as a member of the Goalkeepers' Union. It's just a shame that this is a disordered hotchpotch of memories that's not particularly well-written, which is a great shame. Schmeichel's family history is moving, a story of serendipity and courage which very probably gave the man the determination to fulfill his talent, but I'm not sure the telling of it in this form does it the full justice and recognition it deserves. Schmeichel is probably one of the greatest 5 keepers to have played the game, which makes this effort even more disappointing. Having said that, I'm glad to have read it.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Schmeichel's fan, thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish.
There were many things that I had no idea of before I read the book, pretty eye-opening for me to see into the world of professional footballers.

If anything, the 'what-ifs' hurt a bit. I'd always want to see him staying for a few more seasons at United. And would very much love to erase the City history completely.

Anyway, good to know he would have done things differently if given the chance.
And his love for United melted me.

He was the reason I started following United. The great Dane! Best keeper ever!

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this - I’ve read United autobiographies by Keane, Fergie, Neville (the best one in my opinion ‘Red’) Giggsy and others…this is one of the best.

He maybe, tactfully avoids some of the ‘juicier’ arguments/conflicts but that’s his prerogative. I’d say this is 4.5/5 where Gary Neville’s was 5/5.

I loved the chapters about being a parent, his family history but there was a lack of detail about his upbringing sadly…

💯 recommend for the person in my opinion who should be regarded as United’s greatest ever goalie, The Great Dane.

[Anna Bodzoń · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dobra książka. Zaskakująco (jak na książkę piłkarza - wiem, uogólnienie!) fajny język. Poza oczywistym aspektem - wspomnień z boisk, anegdotek i przemyśleń jednego z najlepszych bramkarzy na świecie - jest jeszcze jeden ciekawy element tej książki. Schmeichel napisał ją mając 57 lat, potrafi spojrzeć na swoją karierę z dystansu i świetnie ukazuje przemiany jakie zaszły w nim jako człowieku. Podoba mi się ten psychologiczny aspekt, pokazuje jak odbieramy życie i jego wydarzenia po czasie, z dystansu. Szczerze obrazuje drogę niepokornego (jednego z bardziej „charakternych” zawodników) do takiej życiowej pokory, refleksji.
Polecam!

[Simonas Puškorius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't give less than 4 stars because he is Man Utd legend! The main difference comparing to other sports biographies - here you won't find any big intriguing stories from dressing room or some new "extravaganza" facts about other footballers. Peter stays very diplomatic here. But this doesn't mean that book lacks of interesting details/memories and different angle of understanding values of life, and so on.

[Darren Keighley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing memories

As a United fan, this brings back so many memories for me & helped relive some of the great times watching United in their pomp with “The Great Dane” in goal.
It’s good to read some of the stores of certain incidents & games & also read about his family & career after football.

[Kenny Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and spent the summer reading it. Peter Schmeichel was my hero as a child so it was nice to relive moments from that. I was also interesting to hear the stories behind situations. It is was well written and puts the reader in his mindset. Highly recommended for anyone who grew up in the 90’s.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and evocative autobiography for which you have to be a Man Utd fan/follower as there is a lot of detail and on pitch anecdotes. Some interesting reflections on being Danish, a goalkeeper and a retired footballer.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a doubt the best keeper to ever play the game. He changed the way goalkeepers played. Was an enjoyable look back at his career mixed with stories of family and moments of looking to the future.

[Gareth Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight into one of the best goalkeepers of my youth - even as a non-United fan. Not warts and all, but some of the background to what makes him tick and Euro 92 was particularly interesting

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this. Schmeichel has always been my favourite footballer, and more specifically goalie. But getting to read more about his life and background brings the reality of life behind the game. It's not just about stopping the ball, but pushing forward with every chance you get.