Following the success of our post on the best Italian football blogs, podcasts and books, I have put together a similar collection for another country that gets a lot of interest on Outside Write – Spain. It’s a country I know well, having lived in both Madrid, where I wrote my final year dissertation on Spanish football and regional identity, and Valencia.
Here are the best Spanish football books, podcasts and blogs that you need to know about…
If you read one book that summarises the entire history of Spanish football, from Spain’s first football club, Recreativo de Huelva, up until the success of the 21st century, then read Morbo.
‘Morbo’ is a Spanish expression for the tension between two sides, and sums up the intensity that can exist in Spain. Ball chronicles the entire story of Spanish football, putting it in the context of the political, historical, regional and cultural circumstances that have influenced – and continue to impact – the Spanish game.
The epic rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is brought to life brilliantly by Sid Lowe in Fear and Loathing in La Liga. The reader is taken on a journey from the very first meeting of the two sides in the 1900s, through the Franco era and controversy around Alfredo di Stefano’s signature, through to the democratic, uber-commercial era.
Lowe myth-busts any preconceived ideas around politics and identity and sets them into historical context.
A decent complement to Lowe’s book for fans of Barça, Kuper charts the history of FC Barcelona up to its current role as one of the world’s biggest football brands…and the challenges that brings.
How did Spain, perennial bridesmaids of international football, finally click and create a golden generation that won three straight tournaments? Victorious at Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012, La Roja (the Reds) finally filled their potential, winning an unprecedented three trophies in a row.
Graham Hunter was a witness to history and charts La Roja’s ascent in Spain: The Inside Story of La Roja’s Historic Treble.
In La Roja, Madrid-born Jimmy Burns tells the story of the Spanish game with some key interviews to articulate how the Spanish game became the unique and admired entity that it is. How has the Spanish game been influenced by affairs off the pitch, and vice versa?
This 2024 release from debut author Christopher Evans is an absolutely superb and comprehensive insight into one of the world’s most historically significant football clubs, Athletic Club de Bilbao. As well as reading Los Leones, please listen to our podcast with Gaizka Atxa, from the Athletic Club peña (supporters’ group), Mr Pentland Club, about the history and culture of Athletic Club de Bilbao.
Millar chronicles more than a century of animosity between Seville’s big two clubs, Sevilla FC and Real Betis in his debut book, The Frying Pan of Spain. Be sure to check out our podcast with Millar as he outlines his inspiration for the book and some key historical moments in the hottest derby in Iberia.
How did a tiny club from a small Basque town ascend the Spanish league system to not only achieve La Liga status but also establish itself as a competitive and consistent mid-table side season after season?
In Eibar the Brave, Euan McTear observes the club’s fans officials and fans at close quarters during a truly unique achievement in the club’s – and Spanish football’s – history.
Robbie Dunne’s book Working Class Heroes: The Story of Rayo Vallecano, Madrid’s Forgotten Team looks at Rayo from the gritty southern Madrid barrio of Vallecas.
With its famously left-wing and activist fanbase, Rayo Vallecano has developed something of a cult following. I first went as a student in 1997 and have always had a soft spot for Rayo as an alternative to the glamour and commercialism of Real Madrid and Atlético.
The Iberia Chronicles (released Oct 2020) is a collection of stories from Spain and Portugal. Each chapter is written by various authors and curated by Karan Tejwani. Topics include the Copa del Rey, Portugal’s ‘Golden Generation’, Basque football dominance in the 1980s, and more.
The Spanish Football Podcast
Sid Lowe, Phil Kitromilides and Alex Kirkland team up to bring you the latest stories from La Liga and beyond in The Spanish Football Podcast. It does what it says on the tin, with amazing access and extra content for Patreon followers.
La Liga Lowdown
La Liga Lowdown draws on locally-based followers with a single show anchor, bringing brilliant tactical analysis to the matches in Spain’s top flight.
The Txoko: The Basque Football Podcast
This is niche, but if you follow a Basque club or are interested in the Basque Country, then you need to follow The Txoko Pod.
Estadios de España, Chris Clements
If you like geeking out on football stadiums, then Chris Clements’ Estadios de España (Stadiums of Spain) is perfect for you! Chris looks at the history of grounds – past and present – and discusses design and key moments.
Check out our podcast interview with Chris here.
The Team on Tour, Roddy Conns
Madrid-based Scot, Roddy Conns, takes us away from the usual suspects in the big leagues and introduces us to the lower and non-league clubs in Spain – particularly in and around the capital – that you’ve probably never heard of.
Available in podcast, video, and blog format, The Team on Tour is a great insight into Spanish football’s lower tiers. We welcomed Roddy on the podcast to talk about groundhopping in Madrid, so check that out.
Mis Viajes en Fútbol, Andrew Gillan
Andrew Gillan’s Mis Viajes en Fútbol (My Travels in Football) is a wonderfully personal account of Gillan’s groundhopping exploits and other aspects of life in Spain.
I’m sure there are plenty more great books, podcasts and blogs on the Spanish game – let us know in the comments or ping us a tweet.
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