Benni McCarthy Shares Misconceptions that Forced Him to Write his Upcoming Biography

During his storied football career, Benni McCarthy was a player who divided opinion and was also often misunderstood.

McCarthy made plenty of headlines for his goalscoring exploits for clubs in Europe and the South Africa national team but was also dragged into off-field controversies.

Whether it was something he said, how he dressed or whom he was seen with, McCarthy had his fair share on negative publicity during a career that took him to Europe as a teenager where he played for Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, Celta Vigo in Spain, Portuguese giants FC Porto and later in the Premier League with both Blackburn Rovers and West Ham.

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McCarthy also had a love-hate relationship with the national team Bafana Bafana and after watching others create an image of him that was not the right one for years, McCarthy decided to tell his own story, leading to his biography BENNI, which will be released next month.

“People have had a lot to say about me throughout my career,” McCarthy told Daily News. “This is my story from my own perspective. I am proud of what I have achieved, and I am looking forward to sharing it with the world.”

Co-authored by veteran South African writer and football commentator Mark Gleeson, BENNI delves into the struggles of McCarthy, coming through the Cape Flats in Cape Town City and overcoming lots of obstacles before he made it as a professional footballer.

Gleeson, who has followed McCarthy’s career since he was 17 was also left stunned by some of the revelations from the Harambee Stars coach as he worked on the book.

“I have watched Benni play from the age of 17 and been present at many standout moments. But listening to him talk about them in detail was continually surprising and fascinating. There were many revelations that changed how I viewed parts of his career,” Gleeson admitted.

Now that his story has been put on paper and will be on the shelves soon, McCarthy hopes it inspires others who are struggling to break the glass ceiling in their different spheres of life.

“I want people from all walks of life to see this book as a way to empower themselves,” added McCarthy.

“When people look at me, they see someone from a disadvantaged area with no means, only a dream. I am living proof that following your dream can change your life and the lives of everyone you love.”