Zinchenko: Believe. The Autobiography

The remarkable story of the footballer who battled against the odds to achieve his dreams - only to see his country having to fight to survive after the shocking invasion of Ukraine.

A fan favourite at Arsenal and previously at Manchester City, Oleksandr Zinchenko has been lighting up the Premier League with his fearless performances for many years. But his success has not come without its challenges. Having begun his career as a teenager at Shakhtar Donetsk, Zinchenko played amateur football when no club would sign him. But after he joined Manchester City in 2016 he would go on to experience exhilarating career highs, with four league titles in six years, before moving to Arsenal where he has played an integral part in their challenge for honours.

He has shown heroism of a very different kind through his extraordinary campaigning in support of his homeland during the ongoing war. After the invasion of Ukraine, he decided he could make the greatest difference by using his platform to spread awareness and raise money to support his country.

Written with candour and bravery, Believe is no ordinary tale of success on the pitch, but one of unwavering strength and integrity, tempered by sadness and anger. It provides unique insights into the methods of Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and the machinations of elite football teams. It is the story of a selfless man who cares deeply for his homeland's welfare, and always tries to deliver his best on and off the field.

Review

Offers fascinating insights into the tactics, demands and revelations of playing for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal ... A moving account of Zinchenko's life in Ukraine and how he has been thrust into a position of national importance -- Donald McRae ― The Guardian

About the Author

Born in Radomyshl, Oleksandr Zinchenko was thirteen years old when he joined the academy of Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine's most successful football club. Zinchenko began his professional career at Russian Premier League team Ufa before joining Manchester City in 2016. A versatile player, he started his career as an attacking midfielder, but eventually converted into a left back or wing back under Pep Guardiola, winning nine major honours at the club. He joined Arsenal in the summer of 2022, He joined Arsenal in the summer of 2022, any by the start of 2024-2025 he has won 66 caps for Ukraine.