Cartoonist Tom Gauld has turned his satirical eye to the world of literary prizes, imagining what a FIFA-style award for books might look like. In his latest cartoon for the Guardian, Gauld depicts a grand ceremony where authors compete for the "FIFA Book of the Year" trophy, complete with penalty shootouts for plot twists and red cards for clichés.
A playful critique of awards culture
The cartoon, published on June 14, 2026, shows a stadium filled with writers and publishers, with a giant golden book trophy at center stage. Gauld's signature minimalist style highlights the absurdity of applying sports competition to literature. One panel shows an author being stretchered off after a particularly harsh critique, while another features a coach giving a pep talk to a nervous novelist.
Literary world reacts with humor
Readers and critics have praised the cartoon for its wit and insight. "It's a brilliant take on how the literary world sometimes treats awards like a sporting event," said one commentator. Gauld, known for his clever observations on culture and academia, has once again struck a chord with his audience. The cartoon has been widely shared on social media, with many calling for a real FIFA literature prize.
- Gauld's cartoon suggests a penalty shootout for deciding the best plot twist.
- Red cards are given for overused literary devices like deus ex machina.
- The winning author receives a giant golden book trophy.
While no official FIFA literature prize exists, Gauld's cartoon invites readers to consider how literary awards might be more entertaining if they adopted some of the drama and spectacle of football. The piece serves as a lighthearted reminder that both sports and literature have their own forms of competition and celebration.
