With Christmas just weeks away, we are all desperate to find that perfect present for our sport-loving family member or friend.

Forget the funny football club memorabilia, you can never go wrong with a good book, whether it’s an autobiography or memoir, a good insight into a sporting legend is always a worthwhile read.

Luckily in this year’s Sports Books Awards, there are 12 incredible autobiographies that have been shortlisted for top spot, from Olympic medalists and a Tour de France winner to former Premier League stars and an England cricketer.

We take a look through the nominees to give you some ideas ahead of your Christmas shopping.

12. Kevin Keegan – My Life In Football

41 years after the release of Kevin Keegan – My Autobiography, the former England manager has released his second book.

In the book Keegan goes into detail the events of his infamous second spell at St. James’ Park, including how he feels that he can never return to Tyneside.

A Sunday Times bestseller is available to buy on Amazon here. 

11. Geraint Thomas – The Tour According to G

2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas’ latest book is also an update to his life events from his 2015 book The World of Cycling According to G. 

As per the title, Thomas goes into detail his journey to becoming this year’s winner, including stories from the peloton and secrets from his team mates including, Bradley Wiggins, Sir Chris Hoy and Mark Cavendish.

The book is available on Amazon here.

10. Michael Carrick – Between The Lines

The recently retired Michael Carrick brings a behind the scenes look into his incredible 19 year career, with his autobiography Between the Lines. 

Now working as Jose Mourinho’s assistant, the former Manchester United midfielder tells of his trials and tribulations as a professional footballer, including battling with mental health issues.

Now available on Amazon, all of Carrick’s personal proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Michael Carrick Foundation, dedicated to providing financial support to community services that will give underprivileged children living in the North and North East.

9. Peter Crouch – How to Be a Footballer

Buoyed by the success of his new BBC 5 Live podcast, Stoke City forward Peter Crouch’s autobiography is also on the shortlist.

If the stories he tells on That Peter Crouch Podcast are anything to go by, then readers are in for a comical treat as the former England man reveals tales from his career on and off the pitch.

How to be a Footballer is available on Amazon here.

8. Stephen Hendry – Me and The Table

Seven-time World Champion Stephen Hendry reveals all in his own autobiography Me And The Table. 

Now a commentator, the Scotsman reveals his life story from climbing the ranks in the 80s, becoming the youngest ever world champion in 1990 and the lows of the 00’s.

Me And The Table is available to buy at Amazon.

7. Moeen Ali – Moeen

Cricketer Moeen Ali joins a growing number of England players who have released their own autobiography in recent years.

The off-spinner tells of his journey to becoming an influential member of the England squad and hopes his story will “give somebody else a bit of inspiration for their future.”

Moeen is available on Amazon here.

6. Sam Quek – Hope and a Hockey Stick

Thanks to her Olympic gold medal success with the Team GB Hockey team in Rio 2016, Sam Quek has been able to carve out a career in the media.

In her book Hope and a Hockey Stick she reveals what it took to become an Olympic champion, as well as stories from her time on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here. 

Now available at Amazon.

5. Doddie Weir – My Name’5 Doddie: The Autobiography

Former Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2017 and since has work tirelessly for his own foundation ‘My Name’5 Doddie’.

In his book by the same name, Weir talks of his career which included 61 caps for Scotland and his work for the foundation after his diagnosis.

Available here.

4. Charlotte Dujardin – The Girl on the Dancing Horse

Like Sam Quek, Charlotte Dujardin became a household name after her incredible Olympic success.

Two gold medals at London 2012 were followed by a Gold and silver four years later in Rio 2016.

Her book aptly named The Girl On The Dancing Horse details her journey to the top, as she now trains ahead of Tokyo 2020.

Available at Amazon here.

3. Jonathan Rea – Dream. Believe. Achieve. My Autobiography

Four time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea has combined with fellow rider Carl Fogarty to release his own Autobiography.

Rea, 31, may not have retired yet, but his four consecutive world titles mean he has certainly enough to fill a book.

You can find it on Amazon here.

2. Alan Smith – Heads Up: My Life Story

Former Leicester and Arsenal forward Alan Smith reveals an interesting insight into his career in football and now in broadcasting.

The Sky Sports co-commentator’s book Heads Up has received a lot of praise, with Gary Lineker comparing it to Alan as a player:

“Alan’s book is like his game: incisive, thoughtful, intelligent and consistently hits the target.”

1. Paul Ferris – The Boy On The Shed

With a foreword from Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, Paul Ferris’ sporting memoir The Boy On The Shed has been one of the most talked about books of 2018.

Growing up as a Catholic on a Protestant estate in Lisburn in the 1970s, Ferris had a career in football ended by injuries before returning to Newcastle as a qualified physiotherapist.

Well worth a read, and available at Amazon.