FRANCIS BENALI MBE

Francis Benali was born and raised in Southampton, England and is a former Professional Footballer who played in nearly 400 games for his hometown club Southampton FC. 

In recent years he has completed a number of ultra endurance challenges, which culminated in 2019 and has raised £1.4 Million for Cancer Research UK.  As a result of his fundraising efforts he was the first recipient of the Barclays Spirit of the Game award, a Cancer Research UK Flame of Hope Award Winner and the JustGiving Celebrity Fundraiser of the Year.  He was also recognised by Southampton City Council making him a Freemen of the City. In 2019 he became an official Club Ambassador for Southampton FC and Saints Foundation and was awarded an MBE in the New Year 2020 Honours List.

Franny currently works in the media as a football pundit working with companies such as Sky Sports and the BBC.  He’s also a public speaker delivering inspirational talks to various audiences including corporate, educational and sporting clients.

He has been married to Karen for 33 years and they have a son Luke (32) and daughter Kenzie (30), as well as three young grandchildren.

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You can also catch Francis Benali MBE on board

Seabourn Ovation | Dec 22nd 2025, Barbados & Jan 3rd 2026 Barbados

 and 

Seabourn Sojourn | Jan 24th 2026 Papeete