Francis Benali
Football After Dinner Speaker | Guest Speaker | Personal Appearance Football Celebrity
Ask anyone involved with Southampton Football Club about Francis Benali and they’ll describe a loyal club legend.
The former professional footballer and coach spent the majority of his 20 year playing career with the club.
After 389 games with Southampton Francis, or Franny as he’s more affectionately known, is still a fans favourite today thanks to his commitment to the club, hardworking attitude and ferocious, full-blooded tackles.
Many fans will remember Franny playing through injuries to help the team, including famously playing on with a broken arm!
Born on 30 th December 1968 Franny has lived in Southampton his whole life. There was only ever going to be one team he wanted to play for. After an illustrious youth career (as a free scoring striker!) that included representing his country at schoolboy level Southampton signed him up – his debut coming against Derby County in October 1988.
As a loyal servant to Saints his time with the club saw Franny working under various managers and many emotional ups and downs for the club. Throughout though he remained a regular on the team sheet thanks to his never give less than 100% approach. An excellent Southampton playing career came to an end as he made his final appearance in 2004 against Bayern Munich in a friendly.
Since retiring Franny has remained a big part of Southampton Football Club – working with the Saints Foundation – as well as being a Head Coach and Director of fellow Saints legend Matt Le Tissier’s youth academy.
Away from football Franny is married to Karen and has two Children Luke and Kenzie. He has also turned his attention to business opportunities away from football – an interest in an award winning Bangladeshi restaurant and property development as well as a regular on the after dinner speaking circuit.
Benali’s knowledge and experience within the game has seen him regularly on TV, the radio or in the papers offering his thoughts and opinions on footballing matters.
To hire Francis Benali ex professional footballer as the football speaker or top table guest for your next event please “enquire now” or call us on 01522 508355
Fees quoted are only an indication of what you might have to pay, and in no way constitute an offer of any kind. In some cases overnight accommodation, travel expenses and VAT may be charged in addition to the fee.