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Joe Cole, Luxury Player

The candid memoir from the Chelsea, West Ham and England legend

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Joe Cole, Luxury Player

By: Joe Cole
Narrated by: Jason Flemyng, Sam Wallace
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About this listen

 A WATERSTONES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025

'EVOCATIVE' The Guardian
'COMPELLING AND BRILLIANTLY CANDID' Daily Mail
'A GREAT BOOK' Jake Humphrey, High Performance Podcast

CANDID, RAW AND UNFORGETTABLE, THIS IS JOE COLE'S STORY - A MUST-READ FOR ANY FOOTBALL FAN

One of the best players of his era, Joe Cole grew up playing football in North London's estates, and his ability, grit and hard work took him to the very top. But Joe was often mistrusted by managers and out of step with the style of English football in the 2000s. The game was suspicious of creative footballers it considered luxury players - the kind it could regard as an indulgence.

With honesty and an eye for the absurdities of football, Joe takes us inside the dressing room to reveal it all. From his days at the FA's School of Excellence at Lilleshall and rising through the ranks as a teenage prodigy at West Ham, to signing for Roman Abramovich's Chelsea and winning it all under José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, before being discarded by his boyhood club after a remarkable 7-year spell.

He offers an insider account of a fascinating era in modern football, playing alongside the likes of Lampard and Drogba, Beckham and Rooney, Gerrard and Di Canio. He talks about his experiences playing for England's so-called Golden Generation, his extraordinary goal against Sweden at the 2006 World Cup, and the reality of being managed by Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.

It was a remarkable career. Then came the tumultuous end, as Joe battled severe injuries and his family suffered loss. He takes us on the journey of a great player coming to terms with his waning powers as his body began to fail him and the sport moved on. Football had given him everything. But then, it was over.©2025 Joe Cole Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Football (Soccer) Sports England

Critic reviews

'[Joe Cole's] evocative new book...'
Reflecting on the highs and lows of a stellar footballing career, Cole's candid memoir confronts his long history of injuries alongside the numerous trophies he won with a string of high-profile clubs.
A great, incredibly interesting book. I thought I knew Joe's story, but there is so much here that I hadn't heard before, he shares everything in full for the very first time. A must-read.
A lovely read about a player who is far more unassuming than I'd imagined. It is, of course, mostly about a generational superstar talent who actually becomes more of an acclaimed superstar actor before injuries take their toll, but it's also about fatherhood. The late George Cole is the undoubted star of this book, an extraordinary character... who proves, for so many reasons, everything a young man in the spotlight needs from a father.
Cole's love-hate relationship with Mourinho is one compelling theme of his brilliantly candid book, Luxury Player.
Joe speaks brilliantly - and frankly - about his life growing up in Camden. Joe tells his story with wit and wisdom.
All stars
Most relevant
Luxury Player is the perfect football autobiography.
Jason Flemyng gives a great performance narrating, a very rich tapestry of a unique player.
Refreshingly, unlike other football audio titles that fall short of getting to know the actual person. Joe covers everything, from explaining how his mind processes a moment in a match, what comes into his head and how he utilises his natural ability, alongside hours of practice and tactical coaching. We also get to know about his family and what makes him unique as a Son, brother, husband, father, Uncle, and one of the most talented players of his generation.

Different, in the best way

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I do listen to a lot of sports biographies, and most footballers follow a similar path, but this story did surprise me. An honest and interesting and has to be said modest account of a great footballer.

Not a tired old story

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Nothing if you like football and people stories, this is for you. I didn't know much about Joe’s career in detail I do now

A great story of a player with great talent and father that that loved him,possibly the best book I have listened to

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I am going to savour this boo, I have only just started, but compared to my last three books which were quite frankly boring, this is very enjoyable. I am Spurs through and through, not a WHU or Chelsea supporter so I think everyone could enjoy this. I will update later.

Unexpectedly good

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what a great read. gripping from start to finish and a great insight into football at the time with a inside look into the relationships between player and managers. well written and quite funny at points great book for any football or Chelsea fan.

great insight into Joe's relationships with managers

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