Taking a Look at The Athletic Subscription Gift Set – Soccer Edition

Review: The Athletic Subscription Gift Set – Soccer Edition — Worth it?

If you’re buying a gift for a soccer fan who lives for tactical breakdowns, longform features, and informed opinion beyond the headlines, you’ve likely run into the same problem: most mainstream coverage skims match recaps and highlight reels without the context that makes the game richer. The Athletic’s Soccer Edition gift set promises to solve that problem by pairing a subscription to a newsroom known for deep reporting with a physical keepsake — The Soccer 100 — that celebrates the game’s greatest players.

What this product is

The Athletic Subscription Gift Set – Soccer Edition is a gift subscription to The Athletic that provides unlimited access to the site’s in-depth reporting, real-time news, scores, and analysis. The set also includes a copy of The Soccer 100, a hardcover book written by The Athletic staff profiling the 100 greatest soccer players. Important to note: gift subscriptions are intended for new subscribers only and are not transferable to existing accounts.

Specifications / Materials (Material & Quality)

The book itself is well produced: sturdy hardcover, quality printing, and photos interspersed with concise essays and player profiles. The Athletic’s digital product quality is reflected in its well-designed app and clean reading layout, with minimal clutter and a focus on longform text and data visualization where relevant.

Real-world experience — Pros & Cons

• Pros
  • Depth of coverage: The Athletic consistently publishes longform features, tactical analysis, and investigative pieces that you won’t find on quick-serve sports sites.
  • Ad-free reading experience: The subscription removes much of the ad noise common on free sports sites, making long reads more enjoyable on mobile and desktop.
  • Targeted following: You can follow specific teams and leagues and get tailored coverage, which is handy during major events or transfer windows.
  • Physical keepsake: The Soccer 100 is a tasteful, shareable piece that adds tangible value to the digital subscription and makes the gift feel special.
  • Real-time updates and notifications: The Athletic’s push alerts and score updates are reliable for staying on top of match developments.
• Cons
  • New-subscriber restriction: The gift is not usable by existing subscribers, which complicates gifting to someone who already has an account.
  • Not a streaming service: This is a journalism subscription — it does not include live match broadcasts, which some recipients may expect.
  • Price vs. expectations: At $75, buyers should value written analysis and the book; if the recipient prefers highlights and live games, this may not feel like a full-value gift.
  • Limited physical component: Aside from the book, the gift is primarily digital, so the tactile gift-giving experience is modest compared to bundles that include merch or tickets.

How it compares (quick)

• The Athletic vs. ESPN+: ESPN+ bundles live events and studio shows, while The Athletic focuses on original reporting and analysis. If your priority is watching matches, ESPN+ is the better pick; for investigative pieces, deep-dive columns, and beat reporting, The Athletic wins.
• The Athletic vs. Major sports outlets' premium feeds (e.g., The Guardian/FT sports membership or subscription newsletters): The Athletic typically dedicates more resources to beat reporting and U.S.-centric soccer coverage (MLS plus global leagues) and offers a more polished app experience. Other outlets might offer broader news coverage but less consistent in-depth soccer analysis.

Target audience — Who is this best for?

• Serious soccer fans who value tactical analysis, player profiles, and longform journalism.
• Fans who follow specific teams and want regular, beat-level coverage.
• Readers who prefer ad-free, well-edited content and a polished app experience.
• Gift buyers who want a present that doubles as a reference piece and a source of ongoing coverage — especially around major tournaments.

The Athletic Subscription Gift Set is less about live broadcasts and more about feeding the curious soccer mind — the book + reporting combo makes it a thoughtful gift for someone who wants context, history, and analysis.

Verdict

If the recipient prizes reporting, stories behind the score, and long-term team coverage, this gift set is a strong pick. The Soccer 100 adds tangible charm and makes the digital subscription feel more like a present. However, if the person you’re buying for prioritizes live matches and highlight packages above written content, you should consider a streaming-oriented gift instead.

Price: $75 USD. Remember: gift subscriptions are for new subscribers only and are not transferable to existing accounts.

Call to action

If this sounds like the right fit, check our store for available discount codes or special offers when purchasing — we often have promotions that can reduce the cost or add extras. A well-chosen subscription can keep giving all season long.