A unique and global perspective on the issues facing the beautiful game in today's complex world.

Soccer isn't just a sport anymore. It's a 24/7 obsession, a global business empire, a land of have and have-nots, a spectacle that most of the world is in love with. Yet, despite this obsession, most fans remain relatively unaware of the inner workings of the sport.

In The Beautiful Game? The Stories Shaping the Future of Soccer, Nicholas M. Watanabe poses thought-provoking questions about the state of soccer, blending storytelling with detailed investigations to uncover the hidden machinery behind the world's most popular sport. Each chapter focuses on a unique soccer topic that has important implications for the entire sport, ranging from the business of soccer and financial management-as seen through an examination of what led Messi to Miami-to player welfare-explored through a critical look at the knee injury crisis in women's soccer. Other issues include the Saudi World Cup, players competing in too many games, analytics, technology, American investors, and more.

The Beautiful Game? is a multifaceted view of modern soccer that promises to challenge, enlighten, and occasionally unsettle readers. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, Watanabe offers a fresh perspective on this truly global sport, revealing the complex ecosystem that underpins the beautiful game.

Nicholas M. Watanabe, PhD, is an associate professor of big data and analytics in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina. Having previously worked for the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer, Watanabe is an internationally recognized scholar whose research focuses on economics and management in the sport industry. Watanabe is a co-author of the upcoming book International Sports Economics. His research and expertise have been featured on the BBC, the New York Times, USA Today, the Washington Post, National Public Radio, and numerous other media outlets. He lives in South Carolina.