500 Days - What I Learned From The Moment That Changed Everything

by Steve Zakuani

The worst thing an athlete can experience is a career-threatening injury. On April 22, 2011 rising MLS star Steve Zakuani broke his leg and his career was immediately put in jeopardy. In one moment, he lost everything he had worked his whole life for. There is no way to prepare for something like that. It took him 500 days to fully recover and get back on the field. People always ask Steve what that experience was like, and if he had any advice for someone going through something similar. This book is his recollection of the setbacks, fears, doubts, victories, advice, and encouragement he experienced as he fought for his career. Derived from the journals he kept during his 500 day recovery, it is his hope that this book will inspire you to face any adversity you encounter head on.

Genres: Sports, Soccer, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

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

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Zakuani was an up and coming professional soccer player for the Seattle Sounders, when a couple years into his career he experienced a difficult break to his leg. Steve recounts his story of the events that lead his life to play soccer, the people and events that shaped him,to the fateful day and through his difficult rehab to play again.
As a fan, his injury was one of the worst injuries I have ever seen and I don't think anyone watching that day will forget it. I appreciated Steve's honesty in the ups and downs of having to fight back. Glad he has returned to Seattle as part of the game day broadcast, as he adds an intelligent and interesting perspective and voice to the gameday experience.

[Katharine Grubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting past editing errors of a first print run... A wonderful read. I've never read a sports bio. While I do have some connection being an "11" card holding fan, I just really enjoyed this book. Most telling for me was his quote, "you should always have an identity outside of your profession, no matter what your profession is."

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I miss seeing Steve play. He continues to be around the organization and is an amazing play by play guy. He was my first ever favorite Sounder. He is an inspiration to many. I tore my acl around the same time He broke his leg. I stopped playing. Steve you are a kind man. Keep being a positive influence and force in the world.

[Michael Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be in the stands when Steve returned as a sub against Colorado. As soon as he appeared the crowd started going crazy, then when he came on, the atmosphere was electric! Reading about what it took to go from the injury that he had to get to not only that point, but gain his place back as a starter, definitely makes that match even more special. Very inspiring to anyone who is dealing with or overcome a serious injury.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Zakuani was born in the Congo, but immigrated to London with his parents as a child. He grew up in a rough neighborhood filled with poor families, gangs, and drugs. Soccer was his ticket out. After a few missteps, he ended up playing professional soccer in the US for the Seattle Sounders. Everything was going swimmingly until a horrific injury on the field. This is the story of his life and the 500 days between the injury and stepping back on the pitch.

I'm a Sounders fan, so I'm probably biased. Although this is not the highest quality literature, it is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir about coming from nothing, setting goals, fulfilling a dream and then having it shattered. Zakuani's highs and lows are described, along with the advice he gives to anyone with a dream. The spirit he shows as he tries to make it in the world of professional sports is inspiring. I really enjoyed every page, especially how he has used his fame to help others. What a great example for young people, both in sports and life.

[Roberto Petrella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woow Steve is such an amazing person!! I think that everybody should know his story, 7 surgical operation and still he got back on the pitch!! If you ever feel like you are down or you are going through tough times, this is definitely the book for you!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly a first time author, but the amazing story and person behind the editing errors shines. Zak, you will always be an inspiration. EBFG!