World Champions and Rising Stars
From Zidane to Mbappé
Glittering Prize: The Story of The FIFA World Cup Volume III, 2006-2022 stands as Jonathan O'Brien's most ambitious and contemporary chronicle yet. Bringing the narrative of the FIFA World Cup fully into the twenty-first century, O'Brien expertly captures the spectacle, controversy and innovation that have redefined international football over the past two decades. His analysis encompasses the rise of global football icons, tactical revolutions and the increasingly intertwined relationship between sport and society. Jonathan O'Brien’s meticulous research and vivid writing ensure that readers experience the full force of football’s greatest drama, from the heartbreak of Zinedine Zidane’s infamous 2006 exit to the historic triumph of Spain’s tiki-taka in 2010 and the emergence of new heroes in more recent tournaments.
Jonathan O'Brien is at his best tracing the defining moments and personalities that have shaped each recent World Cup. His detailed accounts of icons such as Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić and Kylian Mbappé are balanced with incisive commentary on the tactical trends shaping today’s game. By following the progress of teams like Germany’s efficient 2014 side, France’s exuberant champions of 2018, and Qatar’s groundbreaking 2022 tournament, O'Brien weaves a compelling story that captures the diversity and energy of modern football. He also unflinchingly addresses off-pitch issues—politics, money, culture—that increasingly shape every World Cup.
The breadth of Jonathan O'Brien’s expertise is unmatched, blending thrilling match reports with broader reflections on football's impact across continents. He shows how the FIFA World Cup has remained not just the pinnacle of sporting competition, but a global stage for national pride, unity and aspirations. Each World Cup in this era—whether remembered for Italy’s stoic resilience, Brazil’s swagger, or Germany’s tactical flair—is unpacked with detail to suit serious football historians and new fans alike. O'Brien's writing ensures the glittering prize of the World Cup glows even brighter in the twenty-first century's ever-changing landscape.
With Glittering Prize: The Story of The FIFA World Cup Volume III, Jonathan O'Brien secures his place as a leading authority on football history. This volume is an essential addition for anyone seeking a definitive history of the modern FIFA World Cup, packed with SEO-rich content on the world’s greatest footballers, classic matches and the socio-political context of recent tournaments. O'Brien’s passion, insight and precision make this book the go-to resource for fans, students and researchers eager to understand the forces that define football’s ultimate prize.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: May 4, 2026
Price: £25.00
Hardback: 528 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1836801801
Dimensions: 156 x 240 (mm)
