Matt Oldfield

Matt Oldfield is a British children's author, best known for co-writing the massively popular Ultimate Football Heroes series with his brother Tom. He's also the author of the award-winning Unbelievable Football series and the Johnny Ball: Football Genius novels. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide, making him one of the most recognizable names in football-themed children's literature.

Oldfield's work focuses on making football stories accessible and exciting for young readers aged 7 to 12, blending real-life player biographies with fictional adventures. He's a regular at school visits and literacy events across the UK, working with organizations like the National Literacy Trust and the Premier League to get kids reading.

As of 2026, he continues to write new series, including the recently announced Football Spy, and remains a key figure in encouraging a love of reading through sport. [edit]

Matt Oldfield grew up in Southampton, England, alongside his younger brother Tom, and the two were obsessed with football from a young age. They spent hours playing in the garden and following their local team, Southampton FC. This shared passion would later become the foundation of their writing partnership.

Before becoming a full-time author, Matt worked in publishing and as a freelance writer, honing his craft. He and Tom started brainstorming ideas for football books for kids, noticing a gap in the market for engaging, accessible biographies of football stars. Their early efforts included titles on Gareth Bale, Wayne Rooney, and Raheem Sterling, which would eventually form the core of the Ultimate Football Heroes series.

The brothers drew on their own childhood experiences, recalling how they loved reading about their heroes but found many books too dry or complex. They wanted to create something that felt like a story, not a textbook. That vision drove them to pitch the series to publishers, eventually landing a deal with John Blake Books. [edit]

Matt Oldfield's career took off with the Ultimate Football Heroes series, co-authored with his brother Tom. Published by Hachette UK, the series has become a staple in primary schools and homes across the UK. Each book tells the story of a football star, from Lionel Messi to Megan Rapinoe, in a narrative style that keeps young readers hooked.

In 2020, Oldfield won the Children's Sports Book of the Year award for Unbelievable Football, a non-fiction collection of incredible football facts and stories. The series has since sold over one million copies worldwide, a testament to its appeal. He has also written the Football GOAT series, which ranks the greatest players of all time, and the Johnny Ball: Football Genius fiction novels.

In March 2026, Hachette Children's Group acquired a four-book deal for his new middle-grade series, Football Spy, described as a fast-paced adventure series. He also participated in World Book Day 2026, creating quizzes and hosting events, including a memorable quiz for The Times about obscure World Cup footballers from nations like Haiti and Curaçao. [edit]

Matt Oldfield is seen as a champion of reluctant readers, particularly boys aged 7 to 12. His books are known for their engaging, narrative-driven style that makes football history and player stories feel like adventures. He's a familiar face at school assemblies and literacy events, often partnering with the National Literacy Trust and the Premier League.

His social media presence, particularly on Instagram under @mattoldfieldbooks, is a mix of book promotions, football trivia, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his writing life. Fans appreciate his genuine enthusiasm for the game and his ability to make reading fun. He's often described as a veteran children's author, a label he wears with pride. [edit]

Matt Oldfield commands a steady, global readership within the specific niche of children's football literature, yet he does not currently hold a ranked position in the iFANN global fame index. The iFANN database indicates that no formal ranking has been assigned to his name as of August 2026, meaning he is not placed on the list of the world's most famous individuals at this time. While his books have sold millions of copies and his series have achieved significant commercial success, these metrics have not translated into a quantifiable celebrity rank within the current evaluation cycle. Consequently, there is no ordinal placement to cite for his standing in the general public consciousness or among literary figures. Regarding his audience, Matt Oldfield does not possess a documented fandom with an official moniker. His supporters are primarily young readers aged seven to twelve and their educators rather than a dedicated group of fans who identify themselves by a specific name or engage in organized fan rituals. There are no recorded instances of fan-funded campaigns, birthday billboards, or social media movements bearing his name, distinguishing his relationship with his audience from that of pop culture icons or performers. His interaction remains focused on educational outreach and school visits rather than the mythos of a fanbase.[edit]

Matt Oldfield forms one half of the writing duo 'Matt and Tom Oldfield,' and the brothers frequently appear together at public events. He possesses a distinct ability to uncover underdog narratives, a trait demonstrated during his World Book Day quiz which featured players like Duckens Nazon and Eloy Room. Beyond writing, he maintains an active blog where he shares insights into his creative process and football trivia. Despite his commercial success, he remains deeply engaged with his audience through regular visits to schools and libraries. He has noted that witnessing a reluctant reader become immersed in one of his books is the most rewarding aspect of his career. A devoted supporter of Southampton FC, his hometown club, he often incorporates references to the team's history into his stories. Recent professional milestones include securing a four-book deal for the Football Spy series from Hachette Children's Group in March 2026. His work has also achieved critical recognition, with the Unbelievable Football series winning the "Children's Sports Book of the Year" award in 2020.[edit]

Matt Oldfield's family life is closely tied to his professional life, as he co-authors most of his books with his younger brother, Tom Oldfield. The brothers grew up in Southampton, where their shared love of football blossomed. While specific details about his parents and extended family are private, it's clear that the Oldfield household was one where football and storytelling were both valued.

Matt currently lives in the UK, though he keeps his personal life largely out of the public eye. There is no public information about whether he is married or has children, which suggests he prefers to keep his family life separate from his public persona. [edit]

Matt Oldfield's most significant professional partnership is with his brother Tom Oldfield, with whom he co-authors the Ultimate Football Heroes, Classic Football Heroes, and Heroes Football series. The brothers share a love of football and writing, and their collaboration has produced some of the most popular children's sports books in the UK. [edit]

Matt Oldfield keeps his personal life extremely private, and there is no public information about his dating history or current relationship status. He has never been linked to any public figure, and he rarely discusses his personal life in interviews. As of 2026, he is reportedly single, but this is based on the absence of any public information rather than confirmed reports. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Matt Oldfield's net worth at $5 Million as of 2026. This figure is derived from his primary income streams, which consist largely of book royalties. The *Unbelievable Football* series alone has generated significant revenue after selling over one million copies globally. Additional earnings are attributed to paid appearances at school visits and literacy events, where he partners with organizations such as the National Literacy Trust and the Premier League. The substantial financial returns from his various successful series, including *Ultimate Football Heroes* and *Football GOAT*, contribute heavily to his overall wealth. Furthermore, the recent agreement for the *Football Spy* deal with Hachette is projected to add significantly to his earnings in the coming years. Although he does not hold major brand endorsements, his consistent output and enduring popularity within the children's book market ensure a steady financial trajectory.[edit]

Matt Oldfield won the Children's Sports Book of the Year award in 2020 for Unbelievable Football. This prestigious honor recognized his ability to make sports history engaging for young readers, and it remains a highlight of his career. [edit]