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Speaker & Southampton FC legend

Francis Benali

Inspire resilience and peak performance with Francis Benali, speaker and former Southampton FC legend. Francis works with organisations to develop mental toughness and charitable leadership, delivering motivational insights backed by his MBE award and £1 million+ fundraising achievements.

Trusted by Southampton FC

Francis Benali, Speaker | Football & Charity Pro
Francis Benali

Francis Benali

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Francis

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Francis Benali's biography

At a glance

  • Legendary player with 389 games for Southampton FC
  • Raised over £1 million for Cancer Research UK through ultra-endurance challenges
  • Awarded MBE for services to charity and Southampton Football Club
After 389 games with Southampton FC, 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. Since retiring, Franny has remained a big part of Southampton Football Club, working regularly with Saints Foundation and becoming a Club Ambassador. In recent years, Franny has also been in the media spotlight for different reasons, completing 3 ultra-endurance challenges, all in aid of Cancer Research UK, for which he has gone on to raise over £1 million. Franny's other challenges include running a marathon and then cycling at least 75 miles every day, and attempting 7 Ironman distance triathlons in 7 days, to name just a couple. In recognition of Franny's contribution to charity, including the Saints Foundation and Cancer Research UK, along with services to Southampton Football Club and the city of Southampton, Franny was awarded the Freedom of The City in 2016. He was named in the New Year's Honours list 2020, where he was awarded an MBE. If you want a story and message that will inspire and motivate your team, look no further than Franny.

Francis's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Performing At Your Peak
Francis Benali, a top-tier footballer, shares his unique insights on achieving peak performance in sports. He emphasises that success often hinges not just on talent, but on the determination and effort one is willing to invest. Attendees will learn how to cultivate a strong work ethic and mental resilience, essential traits for excelling in any competitive field. This talk will inspire individuals to push their limits and elevate their performance to new heights.

Why we recommend booking Francis

Franny's unparalleled dedication, both on the football field and through his extraordinary charity work, showcases his resilience, commitment, and ability to inspire. His journey from a celebrated athlete to a philanthropic hero embodies valuable lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and making an impact beyond one's field. Booking him as a speaker will not only motivate your team but also instill a profound sense of purpose and drive to achieve greatness.

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Trusted by Southampton FC

Testimonials

Your presentation was absolutely fantastic. It was humble, relatable and very inspiring. Even though you presented to a real mix of people (different age groups, job roles, etc) everyone found it informative and was able to take a personal touch away with them. It really was the highlight of the day and we would have no hesitation in asking you to speak at future events again.

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Francis Benali for my next event?
Email francis.benali.mbe@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Francis's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Francis Benali's speaking style like?
Francis Benali draws on his record of completing multiple ultra-endurance challenges — including daily marathon-and-cycle combinations and seven Ironman-distance triathlons in seven days — to illustrate how determination and work ethic drive performance beyond natural talent.
What topics does Francis Benali specialise in?
Francis Benali MBE speaks on peak performance, mental resilience, and work ethic in competitive environments. He made 389 appearances for Southampton FC and has raised over £1 million for Cancer Research UK through ultra-endurance challenges, for which he was awarded an MBE in 2020.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.