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More Than A Shirt

Author Joey D'Urso
Narrator Joey D'Urso
Publisher Orion
Run Time 10 hours
Format Audio
Genre Association football (Soccer), Cultural studies: fashion and society, Geopolitics.

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What to expect

'This colourful book is a treat for anyone interested in both football and politics.' Patrick Maguire, The Times

'One of the most original and innovative football books in some time, a "Parts Unknown" for the game.' Miguel Delaney, Independent

'A meticulously researched book that reveals plenty about football and even more about the modern world.' Adam Crafton, The Athletic

'Smart, warm and original... it will make politics nerds think differently about football, and football fans think differently about the world.' Matt Chorley, BBC Radio 5 Live

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Twenty-Two Football Shirts that explain the world, geopolitics and the biggest stories of our time

Football is the world's most popular sport, and the shirts worn by teams and their supporters are its greatest means of cultural expression. Every year clubs launch new kits with increasingly extravagant marketing campaigns and convoluted explanations of how their designs reflect their history and local community. But football shirts are much more than just a symbol of which club we support. A seemingly innocuous combination of colours, sponsor logos and materials can all reflect the social values, financial struggles and political ideologies of the day, as geopolitical issues increasingly seep into every aspect of the game.

Investigative journalist Joey D'Urso has travelled across the globe, combining on-the-ground reporting with unparalleled analysis to collate a list of the twenty-two football shirts that best explain the modern world.  More Than A Shirt will take fans on a journey from Birmingham to Belgrade and onto Medellin and Mumbai, outlining how we can see the war in Ukraine in the shirt of Schalke in Germany or China's foreign policy in West Bromwich Albion's; how the shirts of state-owned clubs are used for sportswashing; and why the French national kit embodies worldwide migration patterns.

A compelling and eye-opening exploration, More Than A Shirt is essential reading for any football fan and will change the way you think about the beautiful game's most universal symbol.

Critics Review

Whether you binge it or snack on it, if you like football, football shirts, history or politics, you’ll find lots to love in this eye-opening and insightful book, and you’ll feel smarter for having read it. Fascinatingly detailed and painstakingly researched, with a real passion for the beautiful game – especially watching matches of all levels at stadia across the globe – that shines through.

David Arrowsmith, author of Narcoball: Love, Death and Football in Escobar's Colombia

A meticulously researched book that reveals plenty about football and even more about the modern world.

Adam Crafton, Football Writer at The Athletic

One of the best books on football I have ever read.

Dame Tracey Crouch, Former Sports Minister and MP

One of the most original and innovative football books in some time, a “Parts Unknown” for the game, as well as football business and football culture. Joey’s unique writing is perfect for that Bourdain role. You might be familiar with some of the shirts, but some of the stories from the brilliant on-the-ground reporting within will astound you. A book that will both enthral and seriously educate.

Miguel Delaney, Bestselling Author of States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football & Chief Football Writer at The Independent

A day at the football is usually an escape from politics – but Joey D’Urso’s revealing reporting reminds us that it’s never quite so simple. This colourful book is a treat for anyone interested in both… or neither.

Patrick Maguire, Bestselling co-Author of Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer & Chief Political Commentator at The Times

Smart, warm and original… it will make politics nerds think differently about football, and football fans think differently about the world.

Matt Chorley, Broadcaster at BBC Radio 5 Live

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