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Alphonso Davies: A New Hope
Built on years of interviews with friends, family, teachers, coaches, and teammates, the first biography of Alphonso Davies, the new face of Canadian men’s soccer
Arguably the most famous Canadian athlete on the planet, Alphonso Davies has been the subject of global attention after bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old soccer sensation. Since then, he’s won every trophy imaginable with German giant FC Bayern Munich and helped Canada reach the men’s World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
Based on years of original reporting and extensive interviews with his friends, family members, teachers, coaches, teammates, and others from his inner circle, Alphonso Davies: A New Hope paints a complete portrait of the soccer star. The first biography about “Phonzie” covers every angle of his life and career — from the harsh realities of growing up in a refugee camp amidst the Liberian civil war, to the unique challenges of starting a new life in a foreign country, twice, to his trailblazing path as a Canadian megastar in the world’s most popular sport. Bringing together intimate details and never-before-told stories, author Farhan Devji pulls back the curtain on a person and player who has captured the hearts of a nation and become a shining light for refugees everywhere.
Arguably the most famous Canadian athlete on the planet, Alphonso Davies has been the subject of global attention after bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old soccer sensation. Since then, he’s won every trophy imaginable with German giant FC Bayern Munich and helped Canada reach the men’s World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
Based on years of original reporting and extensive interviews with his friends, family members, teachers, coaches, teammates, and others from his inner circle, Alphonso Davies: A New Hope paints a complete portrait of the soccer star. The first biography about “Phonzie” covers every angle of his life and career — from the harsh realities of growing up in a refugee camp amidst the Liberian civil war, to the unique challenges of starting a new life in a foreign country, twice, to his trailblazing path as a Canadian megastar in the world’s most popular sport. Bringing together intimate details and never-before-told stories, author Farhan Devji pulls back the curtain on a person and player who has captured the hearts of a nation and become a shining light for refugees everywhere.
- GenresSoccer
260 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023
12 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 29, 2023
I thought the book was well written and I learned a lot about Alphonso Davies life that I did not know before. I have followed his soccer career since he was on the White Caps so it was very cool getting to learn more about what was happening outside of his career and what has shaped him into the person he is. Thank you net galley, ECW press, and Farnham Devi for the ARC copy of this book
June 28, 2025
If you've been following Alphonso Davies' career there isn't much new here. If you are looking for a general bio and decent timeline of his accomplishments leading up to Canada qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar though this is the read for you.
June 24, 2023
Alphonso Davies has always been a likeable person, but after reading this book, he is somehow even more likeable. I have so much respect for all the struggles he and his family have lived through. The amount of hard work and dedication Davies has put in to becoming a world class footballer is inspiring.
Truly a great read for anyone who enjoys football, but also for anyone that enjoys seeing people overcome serious obstacles to achieve their dreams.
Truly a great read for anyone who enjoys football, but also for anyone that enjoys seeing people overcome serious obstacles to achieve their dreams.
September 28, 2023
Never in a million years did I think a book about a sport (and athlete) would have me feeling so emotional--in the best way! I'm not a die-hard soccer fan, but it was incredibly inspiring to learn about Alphonso's journey to stardom, and I found myself rooting for him through every chapter. It was especially insightful and humbling to read about his early life as a refugee and the role his family played in his incredible soccer career. This book is so well-written and moving; I would recommend it to all!
September 16, 2023
Amazing book!
August 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this read. Devji's writing captures the heart and soul of Davies' incredible journey, outlining his families dedication to him and presenting us with a gripping account of his inspiring story. The book delves into the pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs that shaped Davies' career. I am familiar with Davies' journey but while reading this telling of his life, I gain a deeper appreciation for his immense talent, unwavering determination, and remarkable resilience possessed by this extraordinary athlete.
May 13, 2025
A mildly interesting read. I love that a book was written about a Canadian soccer player, and Alphonso Davies at that. However, the book read like a wikipedia page. It had most of the facts, but it lacked texture. The book is knowledgeable rather than interesting.
There was much more the author could have included in the book. For example, there is a complete lack of discussion of soccer positions, game set up and formations. Rather it focuses more on his goal exploits. The reader is left with the idea that Davies scored some important goals for the Vancouver Whitecaps, but missed that the Whitecaps were a mediocre team that played in a stagnant manner at the time. Also, more focus could have been placed on Davies' transformation from a promising winger to one of the best wing-backs in the world. As a result, it felt as if the author did not understand the game of soccer itself.
In fairness, this is much better that Christine Sinclair's autobiography - another Canadian soccer player. However, only the most diehard fans will enjoy this book.
There was much more the author could have included in the book. For example, there is a complete lack of discussion of soccer positions, game set up and formations. Rather it focuses more on his goal exploits. The reader is left with the idea that Davies scored some important goals for the Vancouver Whitecaps, but missed that the Whitecaps were a mediocre team that played in a stagnant manner at the time. Also, more focus could have been placed on Davies' transformation from a promising winger to one of the best wing-backs in the world. As a result, it felt as if the author did not understand the game of soccer itself.
In fairness, this is much better that Christine Sinclair's autobiography - another Canadian soccer player. However, only the most diehard fans will enjoy this book.
January 26, 2024
Finished reading this after a really lousy week in the world of Canadian soccer. 2022 feels a million years ago 😫
But hey, this book is a great reminder of the fact that we have one of the best young talents in the world playing for Canada. Davies' story could easily be a work of fiction, it's that special.
Devji gives us some great insights into his childhood, and his journey to the professional ranks. It features interviews with a who's who of Canadian soccer. It's accessible for the casual fan but has enough Easter eggs for the diehard as well.
Can't wait to read a sequel in 10 years!
But hey, this book is a great reminder of the fact that we have one of the best young talents in the world playing for Canada. Davies' story could easily be a work of fiction, it's that special.
Devji gives us some great insights into his childhood, and his journey to the professional ranks. It features interviews with a who's who of Canadian soccer. It's accessible for the casual fan but has enough Easter eggs for the diehard as well.
Can't wait to read a sequel in 10 years!
June 30, 2023
I have been an Alphonso Davies fan ever since he stepped foot onto the pitch at BC Place for the Whitecaps. This book brings Phonzie's story to life! It is a very well written book that puts a smile on your face every time you turn a page. Farhan has done justice to Davies' story. I recommend any athlete or someone who is chasing a dream to read this book. It has inspired me and I hope it will inspire you! Thank you, Farhan.
April 14, 2024
Beautifully written and inspiring. The biography shares the history of Davies’ soccer career, along with his family’s early life in a refugee camp in Buduburam before they resettled in Canada.
It also frames Davies’ career within the history of the mens Canadian soccer team and how monumental his contribution has been in helping them secure space on an international stage.
It also frames Davies’ career within the history of the mens Canadian soccer team and how monumental his contribution has been in helping them secure space on an international stage.
October 21, 2023
Overall, a fun and interesting read about a truly exceptional footballer and Canadian. I felt that some areas of the book went into too little detail, specifically his earlier years; however this book is well worth the read!
February 12, 2024
Great story. Average book
August 30, 2025
my goat
November 24, 2023
I'll start off by saying that I'm not a huge sports or soccer fan but I do enjoy learning about the psychosocial and cultural contexts athletes as well as the business of sport.
This book does a nice job of humanizing Canada's star athlete but also a son, friend, brother and teammate while profiling his numerous accomplishments in an entertaining way for a reader who doesn't really know much about soccer.
I appreciated the depth of research that went into this book, particularly the details about the history of Ghana and Liberia, refugee camp and Canadian immigration process, and what it's like to grow up in Canada as a new immigrant.
The process of scouting Canadian athletes for international platforms is not really well known (to me at least) which was super interesting to read about.
An entertaining and insightful read, loved the Canadian humour throughout!
This book does a nice job of humanizing Canada's star athlete but also a son, friend, brother and teammate while profiling his numerous accomplishments in an entertaining way for a reader who doesn't really know much about soccer.
I appreciated the depth of research that went into this book, particularly the details about the history of Ghana and Liberia, refugee camp and Canadian immigration process, and what it's like to grow up in Canada as a new immigrant.
The process of scouting Canadian athletes for international platforms is not really well known (to me at least) which was super interesting to read about.
An entertaining and insightful read, loved the Canadian humour throughout!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2023
If there is anyone in a position to write this story, it's Farhan Devji. He was there when "Phonzie" started out his pro career, working as the Whitecaps club reporter.
Devji brings in the insight of family, friends, administrators, coaches, teammates to tell Davies story this far. Well written book which, although I was quite familiar with Davies journey from refugee camp to Canada to global stardom, provided a deeper look into Phonzie's life both on and off the pitch.
And at 23 years old the story will continue.
Devji brings in the insight of family, friends, administrators, coaches, teammates to tell Davies story this far. Well written book which, although I was quite familiar with Davies journey from refugee camp to Canada to global stardom, provided a deeper look into Phonzie's life both on and off the pitch.
And at 23 years old the story will continue.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews