Soccer originated more than five thousand years ago, and each country developed its own rules. It was played by the Chinese, the Egyptians, the Romans, and the British; the Aztecs and other inhabitants of pre-Columbian America. Over time, it was refined: the ball evolved, the rules changed, and the number of players shifted. What never changed was the passion of the crowds for the most beautiful game in the world.

Galeano wanted to be a soccer player. But since he only played well in his dreams, he chose instead to write about the fans’ fanaticism, the brilliance of the great players, and the stories of the matches that moved the world.