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Francis Benali

The Autobiography: Shortlisted for THE SUNDAY TIMES Sports Book Awards 2022
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( 63 ratings, 6 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Francis Benali is a compelling biography that delves into the life and career of the respected former Southampton FC footballer. It covers his journey from the early days in the youth team to becoming a fan favourite and enduring club legend, reflecting on his dedication, challenges, and the remarkable endurance feats he achieved post-retirement. Through personal insights, this memoir captures the spirit and determination that define both his sporting and personal life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are a fan of football and appreciate inspirational stories of dedication, resilience, and loyalty to a single club. This biography captures the life of a footballer who is as celebrated for his relentless work on the pitch as he is for his admirable charity pursuits and personal passion projects.

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Francis Benali is a Southampton Football Club legend and a celebrated charity endurance athlete, and he's ready to tell his story.

Francis Benali is a Southampton Football Club legend and a celebrated charity endurance athlete, and he's ready to tell his story.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

LONGLISTED FOR The Sunday Times Sports Book Awards 2022

'Anyone wanting an example of never being beaten should look at the incredible Francis Benali.' – Alan Shearer

'Honest, revealing story of a strong man who pushed his body to its limits and beyond on and off the pitch. Incredible read.' – Henry Winter, The Times

'The iron man with a will of steel and a heart of gold. Truly fran-tastic!' – Jeff Stelling, Soccer Saturday

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Francis Benali is a Southampton Football Club legend and a celebrated charity endurance athlete, and he's ready to tell his story.

Francis 'Franny' Benali played football for 20 years for Southampton FC in nearly 400 games, almost his entire career. His utter dedication to the club caused him to be a hero to Saints fans around the world.

Written with the acclaimed Daily Mail sportswriter Matt Barlow, this book details Benali's humble beginnings and has countless tales involving players, managers, and matches detailing Benali's illustrious football career. But his story is much more than that. The intense commitment he had as a player found a new outlet in the world of endurance sport. Through Ironman triathlons and marathons, he has raised more than £1 million for Cancer Research UK.

Benali's story shows us what can be achieved through dedication and commitment on and off the pitch. Through football and charity, he has made a positive difference in countless people's lives. His is truly an inspirational story.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Francis Benali is celebrated for his relentless determination both on and off the football pitch. Reviewers commend the book for its honest and revealing narrative about Benali's physical and mental endurance. Described as an inspiring and incredible read, the memoir highlights his selflessness, passion, and dedication, which have made him a Premier League legend and a revered fundraiser.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472986825

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 August 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Sport

Illustration: 8pp plate section

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 188g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Francis Benali MBE is a former professional footballer and coach who spent most of his playing career at Southampton FC. In recent years, Franny has been in the media spotlight for different reasons, completing ultra-endurance challenges, all in aid Cancer Research UK. In 2014, Benali completed a three-week 1,000-mile (1,600 km) challenge running to all 20 Premier League grounds, raising in excess of £100,000 for the charity Cancer Research UK. In 2019 he attempted seven Ironman distance triathlons in seven days! Franny has raised over £1 million for Cancer Research UK. He was named in the New Years Honours list 2020, where he was awarded an MBE. Francis Benali has 40k Twitter followers.

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