Francis Benali: The Autobiography

by Francis Benali

'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.

Genres: Football

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frannie Benali was at best an average Premier League defender, but his effort and loyalty endeared him to Southampton supporters. The moment he scored his only competitive goal against Leicester is among my fondest memories of The Dell. His autobiography reveals the dedication and fitness regime that underpinned his success. Eschewing matey anecdotes about teammates’ high jinks, Benali paints an engaging portrait of his footballing career from very humble beginnings. Where this sporting biography outperforms its counterparts is in its account of Frannie’s post footballing exploits as a charity fundraiser. His three big challenges become progressively more extreme until he pushes himself beyond breaking point. I found this later section of the book fascinating and increased my appreciation and respect for this hard working and dedicated family man.

[David Margetts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a life long Saints fan since 1973, so have experienced the ups' and down's (more down's than up's admittedly) over the years. As a season ticket holder I watched Francis Benali during the 90's, and it was a sort of 'love / hate' relationship. Like his best mate Matt Le Tissier, watching them both could be highly frustrating, and wondering what sort of player a combined Le Benissier would have been - excelling Ronaldo no doubt. Of course Le Tissier was 'Le God' to many of the fans, and Benali often the 'fall guy'. I remember travelling up to Bolton to watch Saints in a critical relegation battle, only to see Franny needlessly clip an opponent around the face early on in the game, leaving us down to 10 men for at least 60 mins.....he wasn't my favourite player on that day, although we did hang on for a draw. Yet the sheer determination, drive, passion, courage and energy of Francis should have generated far more deserved respect and admiration, and in many respects, gradually did.
Like most professional footballers, when he left Saints he was largely forgotten, until he started his amazing charity feats.
I met the man himself a couple of times on P&O cruises, and then got to know him just a little in July 2023 on a Mediterranean Cruise performing on stage and training in the gym with his wife.
His incredible runs, bike rides and swimming over three separate events were breath-taking, inspiring, and humbling. His trade mark discipline, drive and determination taking him to incredible heights of endurance and achievement, in pursuit of helping others - quite staggering. (especially when you compare him with some of his professional football peers from the 80's and 90's! - alcohol and the wrong food do make a difference!)
But with all that said, I can absolutely confirm that the man 'off the field' is one of the most kind, considerate, engaging, down to earth and humble person that I have had the pleasure to meet.
He is an example to us all, how talent is often so overrated, how hard work and effort can overcome most challenges, and that the 3 D's of discipline drive and determination behind a clear inspiring purpose and specific measurable goals is the key to success, whilst engaging and supporting others.
This is not a review about another sports biography, but about an incredible human being and role model. Well done Franny, you constantly overcame the doubters and showed us all what is possible!!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francis Benali's autobiography was a brilliant and uplifting read. It was a strong book as it was interesting, funny and emotional. The book is split between his football career and then his amazing charity work. He was a solid player for Southampton during his playing career and chose to play for them for pretty much his entire career as they were the team he had always supported from childhood. This story really is a book that shows the importance of loyalty and dedication. I met Francis a while ago and he is such a genuine person as well and in this book it comes across. Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it to all Southampton fans and all football fans in general as it is a really good book.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this very honest account of his football career . Not my favourite player as he was a proper old fashioned full back who took no prisoners but he was very honest admitting he often saw the red mist. Turned into an endurance athlete and raised a considerable amount of money for charity for his endeavours. Well worth a read.

[Naomi Stock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read about a player who gave his all in every game and then took on near impossible challenges. That he succeeded in those challenges shows him to be the truly exceptional person that he is. I did think some parts lacked a little detail.

[Alistair James · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Franny so it has to be five stars. Not a literary classic but honest stories and reflections of Franny’s career, failings and his endurance events.