Being a highly paid and successful Premier League star is every schoolboy's dream. You are guaranteed glory, wealth, and headlines--or at least that is how it is supposed to be. The real story behind every football star's rise to the top is a fascinating one of growing up in public, agents, scandal, and big money.

From the beginning of the journey, playing in the park to being spotted, signed up, and then snatched for stardom, a young player will go through more twists and turns than you could ever imagine.

In this fascinating Haynes Manual, we look at the various obstacles along the way including famous managers, unscrupulous agents, and the incredible deals. With the benefit of insider knowledge and information, you can soon see the perils and pitfalls behind every success story.