SHORTLISTED 2026

Children's Sports Book of the Year | Shortlisted

The Not-So-Secret Diary of a Footballer

by Ella Toone

A behind-the-scenes look into the life of a Lioness

Find out what really happens behind the scenes and on the world stage when you’re a professional footballer, in the not-so-secret diary of England’s favourite Lioness, Ella Toone. From training sessions, pranks, and the pre-match meals and post-match celebrations, Ella has too many amazing memories to keep to herself!

Ella Toone is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Women’s Super League club Manchester United and the England national team. Born in Tyldesley in Manchester, Ella joined Manchester United’s youth academy at 8 years old and has been playing ever since. Ella’s first children’s book was Three Lionesses, which she wrote with teammates Nikita Parris and Georgia Stanway.

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