Brazil 82: The Day Football Died

Few teams in football history have captivated the world quite like the Brazil 1982 World Cup squad. In “Brazil 82: The Day Football Died”, author Stuart Horsfield masterfully recounts the journey of this legendary side, whose style of play—affectionately known as ‘futebol arte’—set new standards for creativity and flair on the international stage. Horsfield brings to life the thrilling exploits of Zico, Sócrates, Falcão, Éder, and Júnior, recreating the samba-laced spectacle that filled the stadiums of Spain and left millions spellbound. The team scored an impressive 15 goals in just five matches, consistently delivering moments of pure football artistry and memorable drama.
Stuart Horsfield’s insightful storytelling dives deeper than just the results; he explores how the Brazil 1982 team inspired a global love affair with attacking football. Through first-hand accounts and vibrant memories, Horsfield paints a vivid picture of a generation mesmerised by the men in yellow. His background as a senior writer for These Football Times and his contribution to several notable football magazines and podcasts underscores his expertise and passion for classic football narratives. In celebrating a side that fell just short of World Cup glory, he elevates their enduring legacy far beyond the trophy cabinet.
The turning point at the Sarrià Stadium, when Brazil faced Italy in what many call the greatest World Cup match ever played, is expertly dissected by Horsfield. The game’s heartbreak and its lasting influence are intricately woven throughout the book, revealing how this ‘glorious failure’ shifted the very philosophy of world football. Horsfield details how the 1982 Brazil squad’s expressive style forced teams and coaches worldwide to reconsider the balance between artistry and pragmatism, forever altering the sport’s tactical direction.
“Brazil 82: The Day Football Died” stands as a celebration of the beauty, joy, and heartbreak that only football can provide. Stuart Horsfield, in his first book, offers an authoritative and moving tribute to the sport’s greatest team never to win the World Cup. Perfect for football fans, sports historians, and anyone fascinated by Brazilian culture, Horsfield’s work is a touchstone for understanding why the story of Brazil 1982 remains essential reading for anyone searching for the soul of football.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: May 18, 2026
Price: £12.99
Hardback: 256 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1836802839
Dimensions: 198 x 129 (mm)