Rise Above: My 500 Days of Faith, Forgiveness, and Fighting Back

by Steve Zakuani

Loss. Defeat. Hardship. Suffering. Pain. They're at the center of the experience of being human. And yet, these experiences can cripple-unless they result in strength. When a sudden accident resulted in multiple fractures to his leg and threatened to take him out of soccer permanently, Steve Zakuani faced his biggest challenge yet. The road to his soccer success hadn't merely involved athletic challenges; in the years leading up to his position with the Seattle Sounders, Zakuani had overcome an upbringing in one of London's roughest neighborhoods, battled personal apathy, and learned to not only walk but run after an accident that left doctors without hope for his future in soccer. He found renewed purpose through the influence of a mentor and, through that mentor, found his purpose in God's call on his life. Yet his early challenges began to look small after Zakuani suffered another injury that broke his leg-and, this time, threatened his career. That injury-and the 500 days of recovery before he returned to the field-forced him to grapple with who he was when his identity in soccer and his personal goals were taken out of his hands. This book, drawn from journals written during his recovery, gives readers a raw, honest look into Zakuanis story-and coach readers how to face tragedy with a positive mindset, how to set goals that are bigger than their adversity, how to remain hopeful in their darkest moments, and how to help others in their life overcome their own adversities. Includes a study guide to aid in personal reflection or group discussion

Genres: Sports

248 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2018

About the author

Steve Zakuani was born 1988 in the DR Congo before moving to London aged four where he resided until aged 19. It was at this point he received a full scholarship to play college soccer in the USA. Zakuani was drafted no.1 MLS pick in 2009 by the Seattle Sounders who were entering their first season as an MLS franchise. Steve Zakuani played a total of six seasons and made over 100 appearances professionally before taking the decision to retire, as a result of a terrible leg breaking injury suffered in his third season. Steve is a well known public speaker in sports, business, churches and has addressed an U.N committee. He is the founder and President of Kingdom Hope, a non profit organization that aims to 'inspire individuals to achieve greatness'. 500 Days is the first book written by Zakuani and it details the period of life that most fundamentally impacted him...the 500 Days from his career threatening injury to returning to the starting line up.

Reviews

[Joe]

I heard Steve on the Nerd Farmer podcast and was very interested in learning more about his story. I loved the book! I can relate to how a chance encounter helps change someone's life trajectory. I'm recommending this book to a lot of young men in my life!

[Hope]

Short, inspirational biography. Would happily give this book to a middle grade reader who loves soccer.

[Joellen]

Steve is an inspiration. I would love to hear him speak, I do know I enjoy his broadcasts and team previews and analysis. I loved watching him play too!