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The Ultimate Collection

Football: The Impossible Collection

$1,400 USD
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Football. Fußball. Fútbol. The Beautiful Game. No sport has ever captured the human imagination quite so completely, or united so many millions across borders, languages, and generations. Football: The Impossible Collection distills the sport into 100 defining moments, not simply the greatest, b...
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Rory Smith has covered football for the better part of twenty years, attending six World Cups, five European Championships, and eight Champions League finals. He was present for a fifth of the moments included in this collection. Prior to his current roles as football correspondent of The Observer and regular contributor to Men in Blazers, he spent eight years as chief soccer correspondent for The New York Times. He has previously written for ESPN, The Times of London, and The Independent, and is the author of two books: and Expected Goals. He is a frequent guest on BBC radio and television, as well as a member of the Libero podcast. He lives in Yorkshire, the second-best bit of Britain, with his wife, two well-behaved children, and one poorly trained dog.

This French concept embodies the art of knowing exactly what to do and when to do it. At Assouline, savoir-faire defines every creation: from the artistry of our covers to the meticulous detailing of our Ultimate Collection and the precision of every page. Each title is a journey of craftsmanship, from concept to creation, guided by our creative team and brought to life with the highest standards of design, photography, and production. Every book reflects the dedication, care, and expertise that turn an idea into a lasting work of art.

  • Handle with Clean, Dry Hands: Always use clean, dry hands when handling your book to avoid transferring oils, dirt, or liquids onto the pages and cover.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading or discoloration of the cover and pages, or melt or warp the binding, compromising the book's integrity.
  • Store in a Cool, Dry Place on a Low, Secure Shelf: Humidity and moisture can damage the paper and melt or warp the binding. Store books upright and closed on a flat surface, away from heat sources. Heavy books placed precariously on high shelves or surfaces may cause injury. Do not use as a storage surface.
  • Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster to gently remove dust from the cover and page edges.
  • Use Caution When Opening: Do not force the spine flat, especially on new books, as this may damage the binding.
  • Keep Away from Liquids and Food: Avoid placing books near food or beverages to prevent spills and stains.
  • Keep Away from Children and Pets: Large books are heavy and unwieldy and may cause injury.
  • Keep Away from Sharp Objects: Sharp objects can damage the cover and pages.
If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact Customer Service as soon as possible. For damaged items, kindly email us your order number, a description of the issue, and photos of the damage.

If you wish to return your order for any other reason, we allow exchanges for merchandise credit within 14 days of delivery. We do not allow refunds and the customer is responsible for the cost of return shipping. Merchandise credit may only be redeemed in the region where the original order was placed.

Please note that items must be returned unused and unopened, in the same condition in which they were received, with all the original packaging. Books, candles, and diffusers must remain sealed in their original cellophane; games and objects must be returned in their original packaging. Exchanges and credit are applicable only at the original point of purchase.

Vespa helmets may be exchanged for a different size within 14 days of delivery, with complimentary shipping both ways.

The Ultimate Tower, The Allure Bookstand, XXL editions, headphones, and vintage or third-party objects are final sale and not eligible for return or exchange.

Please email us at customerservice@assouline.com with your order number to begin the return process for an online order. View our full return policy.

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The Ultimate Collection

Football: The Impossible Collection

$1,400

Somebody said that football is a matter of life and death.... Listen, it’s more important than that.

— Bill Shankly
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Page count

236 pages

Number of illustrations

Over 150

Language

English

Released on

May 2026

Dimensions

W 16 x L 19 x D 4 in

Cover materials

Handcrafted volume in a luxury rubber-like clamshell case with a 3D sculpture of a football

ISBN

9781649806505

Weight

26.46 lb

Author

Rory Smith

Our commitment to sustainability

Assouline supports One Tree Planted in its commitment to a more sustainable world through reforestation. Since 2019, this partnership has contributed to global efforts to restore forests, with the long-term vision of creating a sustainable cycle by sourcing paper from the trees planted. Our dedication to craftsmanship extends beyond the books themselves—today, our titles are printed on paper selected with the environment in mind, supporting the shift toward more responsible materials. With the belief that beauty stands not just in how it looks, but in how it’s made.

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Ultimate Gift Wrapping

Assouline signature gift wrapping is available. When this option is selected, books are wrapped in a special white matte gift wrapping paper – sourced specifically by the Assouline family for an authentic approach and sealed with the brand’s signature red wax seal for the final touch of luxury.