By Michael Renouf

My Incredible World Cup Journey - Around the Globe from Argentina to Brazil

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When a small English boy fell in love with football, his commitment to it was unlikely to wane. As it does with everyone transfixed by its beauty, the game was destined to please, torment and frustrate him in all its imperfection. Such has been the journey of Michael Renouf - watching, supporting and obsessing over football matches since the late 1970s.

From the days of short pants and small screened black and white televisions, to international travel and attendance at the World Cup in person, this memoir spans 36 years, stretches across ten World Cups, military juntas, corrupt officials and goals impacted by the divine.

Set against the backdrop of personal, political and social change, the narrative explores what football means both within and beyond the 90 minutes on a pitch. It is a detailed, stunning - and occasionally humorous - account, blending life and football into one. 

More Information

  • Format: Paperback
  • Published: November 2022
  • ISBN:  978-1-925914-31-3, 978-1-925914-32-0 (ePub)
  • Weight: 0.3kg
  • Size: 216mm x 140mm 
  • Pages: 184
  • Imprint: Fair Play Publishing

About the Author

Michael Renouf, almost lifelong football fan, sportswriter, occasional gambling man, and keen supporter of a team he dare not mention in case it puts you off buying this book, grew up in a small Wiltshire village in the UK. He was five years old when he realized there was a beautiful game beyond playing with matchbox cars and now in his 50s, not much has changed.

In 2015 he relocated to Mexico and began writing professionally, penning film reviews and sports features for magazines and websites around the world. Although he has left the country for sunnier climes he still supports England but thanks to their performances at previous tournaments now fervently hopes rather than believes, as he did for many years, that he will witness them lift the World Cup one day.

He lives with his long-term partner Gail, who doesn’t support his team or totally gets the offside rule, and lovable rescue dog Princesa, who has never chased a ball in her life. 

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$24.99
$24.99