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Francis Benali

The Autobiography: Shortlisted for THE SUNDAY TIMES Sports Book Awards 2022

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Francis Benali

By: Francis Benali
Narrated by: Francis Benali
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Bloomsbury presents Francis Benali written and read by Francis Benali.

SHORTLISTED 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

———-

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.©2023 Francis Benali (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Football (American) Running & Jogging Sports Biography Career
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Critic reviews

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)
Franny’s refusal to ever accept defeat made him a top-flight footballer and a top-flight fundraiser. The iron man with a will of steel and a heart of gold. Truly fran-tastic! (Jeff Stelling, Soccer Saturday presenter)
Probably the most selfless man I’ve ever met, you need to read his story (Matt Le Tissier)
Franny was one of the last proper football sportsmen, he gave everything, always. (Chris Packham, Wildlife TV presenter & conservationist – and Saints supporter)
Tough, passionate and dedicated, Franny is a Premier League legend. These tales from his playing career and his endurance challenges make for an incredible read.
Franny has always been an inspiration. From squeezing every last drop of ability to become a fans’ favourite – to raising so much money for charity. All done with class and dignity.
All stars
Most relevant
I have listened to many audible books particularly autobiography’s but i find that you can relate and appreciate the author’s experiences more when they narrate it themselves. I would thoroughly recommend this audible book regardless of your football allegiances. Finally I managed to listen to this book in one day.

Excellent listen

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Top man with a golden heart and a true saint! A true inspiration to us all.

Top man with a golden heart.

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A great man, with a great history doing great work for those in need. Legend.

COYR

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What a guy Sir Francis Benali is. The best Autobiography I've read/listened to. Absorbing.

Absolutely Brilliant!!

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Firstly the reminiscing the same same early schools…. Those crazy days as a Saints fan, including the being there factor…. Then the emotional journey Fran takes us on with his unbelievable achievements in raising a million for Cancer Research…. Take a bow Iron Fran, what a legend, what a man!

Wow…. I’m in bits….

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