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DeRo: My Life
The autobiography of the best male soccer player to ever come out of Canada. Before Kaká, Rooney, and Zlatan, DeRo was the godfather of Major League Soccer.
DeRo is the life story of one of the greatest athletes Canada has ever produced. Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Dwayne De Rosario wasn’t expected to make it out of high school, let alone to the top of soccer world. As part of a family of five, growing up in a one-bedroom apartment, he had to work for everything he had and sometimes that meant doing things he realized he didn't want to do. It was soccer that saved him from a life on the street.
For the first time, Dwayne shares many heartbreaking, life-altering stories from his mischievous childhood, an upbringing that made him the hungry, successful, superstar athlete he became. His strong Caribbean heritage shaped the person and the player the world knows as a four-time MLS Cup champion, seven-time MLS All-Star, Canadian national team captain, and record goal-scorer. He helped put Canadian soccer on the map, and it’s clear that pursuit of greatness didn’t come without struggle, both on and off the field. Now, DeRo hopes to inspire, and train, the next great Canadian soccer star.
DeRo is the life story of one of the greatest athletes Canada has ever produced. Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Dwayne De Rosario wasn’t expected to make it out of high school, let alone to the top of soccer world. As part of a family of five, growing up in a one-bedroom apartment, he had to work for everything he had and sometimes that meant doing things he realized he didn't want to do. It was soccer that saved him from a life on the street.
For the first time, Dwayne shares many heartbreaking, life-altering stories from his mischievous childhood, an upbringing that made him the hungry, successful, superstar athlete he became. His strong Caribbean heritage shaped the person and the player the world knows as a four-time MLS Cup champion, seven-time MLS All-Star, Canadian national team captain, and record goal-scorer. He helped put Canadian soccer on the map, and it’s clear that pursuit of greatness didn’t come without struggle, both on and off the field. Now, DeRo hopes to inspire, and train, the next great Canadian soccer star.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published May 11, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 22, 2021
Nice to see a Canadian soccer player get a biography. But a ghost writer should know that when a footballer plays with “flare” they might get burnt
April 10, 2021
Thanks to ECW PRESS for sending me an ARC of this book.
An interesting read for me, On a subject l do not know much about.. Dero was born ln
Guyana,South America, and came to Canada when he was 5 yrs old and lived with his Father and brothers at his Aunts Apt ln Scarborough..When he was at School, he got into a lot of mischief. When he was older he got ln with the wrong crowd. Eventually he came to a fork ln the road, he could have made more money selling drugs etc.
But lnthe end he chose soccer. His Father was his Soccer Coach, eventually he worked his way up played in various Camps, then different teams, eventually playing in MLS,abroad etc.. he either wore a # 7 Jersey or #14 One of the teams he played on was Toronto , During his career he achieved many things, one of which was being awarded the Golden Boot...ln his Personal life he met with a lot of obstacles.
He has a great sense of humor, and does not Sugar coat anything about his life! He formed an entertainment company with his Brothers...After he retired, he became a mentor to children, and youth by forming an association , Dero United Futbol Academy ln Toronto where they could channel there energy into Soccer and more positive thoughts to help them In the future . Soccer was always his escape from things that were really bothering him. His Son ls already showing talent in Soccer.
I personally would have liked a key to the abbreviations in this book , and maybe some Photos. As this ls an ARC maybe there r some photos in the finished book.Dero ..Wrote this book with Brendan Dulop..A Sports Journalist, The book also has a forward by Lennox Lewis.
An interesting read for me, On a subject l do not know much about.. Dero was born ln
Guyana,South America, and came to Canada when he was 5 yrs old and lived with his Father and brothers at his Aunts Apt ln Scarborough..When he was at School, he got into a lot of mischief. When he was older he got ln with the wrong crowd. Eventually he came to a fork ln the road, he could have made more money selling drugs etc.
But lnthe end he chose soccer. His Father was his Soccer Coach, eventually he worked his way up played in various Camps, then different teams, eventually playing in MLS,abroad etc.. he either wore a # 7 Jersey or #14 One of the teams he played on was Toronto , During his career he achieved many things, one of which was being awarded the Golden Boot...ln his Personal life he met with a lot of obstacles.
He has a great sense of humor, and does not Sugar coat anything about his life! He formed an entertainment company with his Brothers...After he retired, he became a mentor to children, and youth by forming an association , Dero United Futbol Academy ln Toronto where they could channel there energy into Soccer and more positive thoughts to help them In the future . Soccer was always his escape from things that were really bothering him. His Son ls already showing talent in Soccer.
I personally would have liked a key to the abbreviations in this book , and maybe some Photos. As this ls an ARC maybe there r some photos in the finished book.Dero ..Wrote this book with Brendan Dulop..A Sports Journalist, The book also has a forward by Lennox Lewis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2021
Slightly biased here, because DeRo is one of my favourite footy players ever :)
In all seriousness, though, this book was interesting. I didn't know much about DeRo's career before Toronto FC (other than that he was a star player for Houston Dynamo), and I knew nothing of his childhood, so it was nice to fill in the details. And I liked that he gave an honest account of how things went down at Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls, and D.C. United. I was angry for him when TFC wouldn't sign him as a designated player, and for how he was treated by New York and D.C.
He also had some very brutally honest things to say about how the Canadian men's national team doesn't get support, and how Canadian soccer as a whole needs to be respected. I especially liked that he gave a nod to the women's team and Christine Sinclair.
In all seriousness, though, this book was interesting. I didn't know much about DeRo's career before Toronto FC (other than that he was a star player for Houston Dynamo), and I knew nothing of his childhood, so it was nice to fill in the details. And I liked that he gave an honest account of how things went down at Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls, and D.C. United. I was angry for him when TFC wouldn't sign him as a designated player, and for how he was treated by New York and D.C.
He also had some very brutally honest things to say about how the Canadian men's national team doesn't get support, and how Canadian soccer as a whole needs to be respected. I especially liked that he gave a nod to the women's team and Christine Sinclair.
June 19, 2021
Disclosure: I neither watch nor follow soccer, and I’ve never heard of DeRo before, ever… not even a recollection in passing.
Regardless, I quite enjoyed reading this title. I will admit to skimming parts of it - where, for someone like me, it gets bogged down in the minutiae of detail as it relates to the ‘soccer’ per se - but I found it an honest and open discussion of ‘how the man was made’... examining the influences that shaped his life (family, friends, community), how easily his life could have turned out very differently, and the politics of sport (perhaps the reason I don’t pay much mind to professional sports??). Fascinating.
3.5
Regardless, I quite enjoyed reading this title. I will admit to skimming parts of it - where, for someone like me, it gets bogged down in the minutiae of detail as it relates to the ‘soccer’ per se - but I found it an honest and open discussion of ‘how the man was made’... examining the influences that shaped his life (family, friends, community), how easily his life could have turned out very differently, and the politics of sport (perhaps the reason I don’t pay much mind to professional sports??). Fascinating.
3.5
February 10, 2022
A bit more of a roller coaster than expected. I found this a very much love-hate story. DeRosario’s views on the issues with Soccer Canada are interesting and intriguing as well as the development of MLS. His commentary on post-retirement is fascinating. However, at times, DeRosario comes off as another spoiled, self-centered athlete. He was dismissive of his troubles with the law as a youth. At times, it felt like the book made me dislike the subject more than before I started reading. Well written and interesting, especially with regards to a topic (Canadian Soccer) where precious little is written.
September 26, 2022
Could not put this book down- wow! Such an incredible story from an admirable soccer player, community builder, and family man. If anyone watched him play growing up or you're just looking for a life story that will give you goosebumps, tears, and overwhelming feelings of joy, then definitely give this one a read!!
August 9, 2023
Almost put this down after chapter 1 but glad I stuck through it. Very heavy on the MLS experience. Would have loved to read more about his personal life (in a book called My Life, it was barely addressed), his mother, why he went vegan at 14 (completely glossed over!), and international experience. Writing felt very rushed.
March 28, 2022
A well-organized tell it like it is/tell all about the growing pains of being raised in Toronto as the child of immigrants and the uphill struggles professional soccer has/had taking root in Toronto. Filled with hope, betrayal, and optimistic positivity.
August 20, 2022
Dero had an amazing career and has an incredible story. It’s a great read. I have met him a number of times and he always takes time to have a conversation with you and makes you feel welcome. Toronto Legend! MLS Legend! Canadian Legend!
March 16, 2023
Great book. Flew through it. Dwayne had to overcome a lot of hurdles to achieve what he did. He was also offered a contract by AC Milan when he was 17. Not the AC Milan from 2016, but the one boasting the likes of George Weah and Roberto Baggio. Canadian Legend.
May 4, 2021
Bought it as a Dynamo fan. Enjoyed it as a well written and fairly honest sports biography.
May 30, 2021
Amazing DeRo ❤️❤️❤️
The life is not easy, but for DeRo “ To fail is Not an Option “ . All the best for Canada’s Best Football Ambassador!!!!
The life is not easy, but for DeRo “ To fail is Not an Option “ . All the best for Canada’s Best Football Ambassador!!!!
January 5, 2022
Title:
Dero: My Life
Author: Dwayne De Rosario
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 3.25 stars
Pub Date: May 11 2021
Thanks to ECW Press for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
T H R E E • W O R D S
Biographical • Honest • Dry
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Dero is the memoir of one of the greatest male athletes to ever come out of Canada. Having been raised in Scarborough, he fell in with the wrong crowd, so the odds were stacked against him. But with the helpful guidance of his aunt and father, soccer would help save him from a life on the streets. And now he hopes to help guide the next generation of soccer players in Canada.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Full disclosure, I am not someone who watches or knows a lot about soccer. I had heard of Dwayne De Rosario before picking this book up, but honestly didn't know much beyond his name. I enjoyed reading this book, but did find parts to be a tad on the boring side. From his childhood to the decision to commit to soccer to his journey around major league soccer, I was given a glimpse into his life and his push to put Canadian soccer on the map. This book also gave a bit of a inside look at the behind the scenes of soccer life.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Soccer fans
• readers who enjoy sports memoirs
⚠️ CW: violence, drug use, death, death of a parent, cancer
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"It never ends precisely the way you want it to end."
Author: Dwayne De Rosario
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 3.25 stars
Pub Date: May 11 2021
Thanks to ECW Press for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
T H R E E • W O R D S
Biographical • Honest • Dry
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Dero is the memoir of one of the greatest male athletes to ever come out of Canada. Having been raised in Scarborough, he fell in with the wrong crowd, so the odds were stacked against him. But with the helpful guidance of his aunt and father, soccer would help save him from a life on the streets. And now he hopes to help guide the next generation of soccer players in Canada.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Full disclosure, I am not someone who watches or knows a lot about soccer. I had heard of Dwayne De Rosario before picking this book up, but honestly didn't know much beyond his name. I enjoyed reading this book, but did find parts to be a tad on the boring side. From his childhood to the decision to commit to soccer to his journey around major league soccer, I was given a glimpse into his life and his push to put Canadian soccer on the map. This book also gave a bit of a inside look at the behind the scenes of soccer life.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Soccer fans
• readers who enjoy sports memoirs
⚠️ CW: violence, drug use, death, death of a parent, cancer
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"It never ends precisely the way you want it to end."
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews