Dominique Rocheteau's book Thirst for the Ideal is a collection of thirty short stories that focus on emotions, relationships, and personal experiences rather than providing a chronological account of his career in football. Rocheteau, a former professional player, prefers to highlight the bonds between people over achievements like trophies or monuments. The book was published on October 8 and is described as having a simple, direct, and modest tone. Rocheteau recounts various moments from his life, such as a book tour, interactions with a supporter, time in a dressing room, and even the experience of knee pain, using clear and sometimes repetitive sentences but rarely employing pretentious language. He states that writing allows him to express himself freely and sincerely, and the narrative is characterized by restraint and accuracy. Rocheteau's ideal of football is closely tied to movement, pleasure, imagination, and collective play. He reflects on the freedom he felt on the field and how this ideal has remained with him even after his professional career ended. The book also humanizes great European football moments by incorporating doubts, fatigue, injuries, friends, parents, and supporters into the narrative. Rocheteau's perspective on contemporary football remains consistent, emphasizing the importance of making people happy and bringing them together. However, his approach is sometimes seen as too benevolent, with values like solidarity, humility, and respect repeated frequently throughout the text. The fragmented structure of the book is pleasant to read but leads to some repetitions and thin transitions between stories. Despite this, the book avoids fabricating a legend around Rocheteau's career and instead focuses on what has withstood the test of time. One such element is the friendship between former teammates, which is portrayed as genuine and enduring. Rocheteau's writing offers a more personal and reflective view of football, contrasting with the often dramatized narratives found in sports media. His stories provide a sense of authenticity and intimacy that resonates with readers who appreciate a more human side of the sport. While the book may not appeal to those looking for a traditional biography or detailed account of Rocheteau's professional life, it offers a unique perspective that emphasizes emotional truth over grandeur. The simplicity of the language and the focus on personal experiences make Thirst for the Ideal a compelling read for those interested in the human side of football. Rocheteau's ability to convey deep emotions with restraint and sincerity is a key strength of the work, making it a valuable addition to the literature about sports and personal reflection.