The 18 Best Gifts For Soccer Players And Fans

The Manchester United “Class of ’92” has been immortalized in film and writing, it’s the FA Youth Cup winning team that included the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes.

However, those players had a contemporary who was widely believed to be the greatest of them all, Adrian Doherty. But Doherty never played for Manchester United — a series of injuries destroyed the career of the eccentric footballer.

A finalist for the 2016 William Hill Sports Book of the Year award, this is his story.

So, G-Form sent us these shin guards and asked us to review them in our Holiday Gift Guide. We were skeptical. But here’s the thing: they’re nice. Lightweight, flexible, mostly shin-covering. They’re noteworthy in that they’re soft, but harden on contact (and you can make whichever innuendos you want out of that little piece of information). If you're curious, here's more information about the technology.

These are nicer than normal shin guards, and one of our reviewers even scored a goal off his shin while wearing them.

Celebrate the six-time Ballon d'Or winner with this "It's About To Get Messi" hoodie. You've got a variety of colors to choose from and a range of sizes for kids aged 6-14.

Education is important for us at The18. Soccer education, that is.

ESPN’s 30 for 30 series is as good as it gets when it comes to sports documentaries, and their “Soccer Stories” series is brilliant. You’ll cry your eyes out while watching “Hillsborough,” and “Ceasefire Massacre.”  You’ll be in awe watching Maradona and Mane Garrincha in “Maradona ’86” and The Myth of Garrincha.” The 8 episode disc pack should keep you busy for a day.

The best looking fanny pack in the game right now.

SOCCER BATTLE BOTS, what more do you want?! This set includes two soccer goals, two balls, six cones, team stickers, a soccer field mat and two remote controls for your robots (which play the game with real kicking action). It's supposed to be for your kids, but it's really for you.

Ah foosball, a game we all grew up playing whether it was waiting for a table at a restaurant or down in a friend’s basement.

The popular game just became more addicting (as if it wasn’t already). Thanks to Stuart Ross, we can bring the game with us wherever we go. The iPad foosball stand perfectly wraps around your iPad to bring the mini game to life. The updated game allows you to personalize your experience by customizing your team and field. Once you have the stand, all you have to do is download the Classic Match Foosball app and let the experience begin.

The app will not only keep track of your tournament play, but it will also provide a crowd to cheer you on as you kick your opponent’s ass. Let the game get as intense as you want, because the rubber feet on the table will keep all the action in one place. It’s the ultimate gift for a soccer fan, player, friend, family member, coworker, coach, teacher…really anybody. Buy it for your kids or for yourself. Just make sure you show everyone who’s boss. 

Nice! You finally found the motivation to get up off your couch and get fit for the New Year. All you have to do is get dressed and gather your things and head out on that run you’ve been avoiding all week. Phone check, headphones check, keys check, wallet check, water check, stopwatch check, chapstick check. Suddenly, your hands are overflowing and things start falling to the floor. You are now contemplating not going on your run …

Level Terrain has the solution for you. It’s called FlipBelt. FlipBelt works like a fanny pack but is wayyyy more fashionable. The belt wraps around your waist and keeps your possessions tightly locked so you can run, hike, or workout without having to worry. The belt comes in 5 sizes and 9 different colors so you really have no reason not to add this to your holiday list. An active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle so don’t let your personal possessions pull you down.

Spending time with your family? Want to get out of the house, but also want to drink in the presence of your own home?

The ultimate backyard game is here to bring your family closer together and get you outside. Grab your sister, cousin, grandpa or any family member and head outside with your Franklin Sports Backyard Foot Golf Set. No more complaining about spending quality time with the family, this game is fun and for ALL ages. It equally combines the game of soccer and golf but also gives you the freedom to create your own rules and make it your own personal game. The set includes 3 targets and 3 flags as well as a soccer ball and inflation pump. Purchase it and begin this holiday with a new family tradition that no one will want to turn down. 

If you really want to live and breath soccer 24/7, you simply must own a foosball table.

And, if you’re going to own a foosball table, there is only one way to go: Tornado. As avid foosballers here at The18 (we might play more than we work), we know a good foosball table when we see one, and Tornado tables are no joke. Remember, no spins unless you’re a noob, and be sure to let The18’s Mariel McCown know you’re better than her.