In "The Big Bounce: The Surge That Shaped the Future of U.S. Soccer," Alan Rothenberg delivers an unmissable account of American football’s remarkable transformation, charting the sport’s turbulent journey from obscurity to international acclaim. Rothenberg, founder of Major League Soccer and the driving force behind both the 1994 Men's World Cup and the 1999 Women's World Cup, recounts the landmark moments and high-stakes gambles that set FIFA World Cup fever ablaze in America. From the challenging early days when multiple soccer leagues failed to gain a foothold, to the emergence of a thriving Major League Soccer and flourishing Women's National Team, Rothenberg’s visionary approach stands front and centre.
Rothenberg’s unparalleled insider perspective, shaped by roles such as U.S. Soccer President and soccer commissioner for the 1984 Olympics, provides an honest, nuanced, and energetic examination of football’s ascent in the States. He highlights the critical interplay of business acumen, belief, and resilience that underpinned every advance, from growing grassroots support to navigating international politics within the soccer community. His strategic foresight allowed him to "see around corners," as Alexi Lalas emphasises in his powerful foreword, steering a fragmented sport into a new era defined by stability and ambition.
With candid anecdotes and little-known stories, Rothenberg peels back the curtain on episodes that changed American football forever. He details the negotiations, setbacks, and eventual victories that led to the historic 1994 FIFA World Cup, which drew global attention and record crowds. Rothenberg gives due prominence to the golden era of women’s football, spotlighting the captivating style and dazzling stars that secured the United States' place at the pinnacle of the women’s game.
As preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil intensifies, Rothenberg’s "The Big Bounce" has never felt more vital. For football supporters, industry professionals, and the next generation of players, this book is essential reading. It masterfully traces the journey from niche spectacle to mainstream passion, capturing the heart and future promise of U.S. soccer through the candid reflections of Alan Rothenberg—the architect behind the game’s greatest American surge.
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Publisher: The Shocking Truth: Why Triumph Books Dominate the Sports Book Game in the USA! Tap - Kick - Click Here
Published: February 10, 2026
Price: £21.00
Hardback: 272 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1637277614
Dimensions: 152 x 2.54 x 228 (mm)
