N’Golo Kanté, a name synonymous with relentless work ethic and humility, has carved an indelible mark in the world of football.
From his modest beginnings in Paris to lifting the FIFA World Cup with France, Kanté’s journey is one for the ages.
What do you know about the diminutive Frenchman, before his stint in the Premier League? Nothing? Worry not, Sportdailyfeeds will cover all the necessary details about him. Let’s get into it!
Bio-Data
Full Name: N’Golo Kanté
Date of Birth: March 29, 1991
Place of Birth: Paris, France
Nationality: French
Height: 1.68 meters
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Current Club: Al-Ittihad
Club Number: 7
Source: Sportdailyfeeds
Early Life and Background
Born on March 29, 1991, in Paris, France, N’Golo Kanté was the first of four children to Malian immigrants who had moved to France in 1980.
The family resided in a small apartment in Rueil-Malmaison, a suburban area on the outskirts of Paris. Kanté’s upbringing was modest; his father worked as a garbage collector, and his mother worked as a cleaner.
Tragedy struck early in his life when his father passed away shortly after Kanté turned 11, leaving his mother to raise the family. This loss instilled a sense of responsibility in young N’Golo, who took on various small jobs to support his family, including collecting garbage and recycling waste.
Despite the hardships, Kanté found solace in football. He began playing at a local club, JS Suresnes, at the age of eight. His coaches recall a diminutive player with an extraordinary work ethic and an uncanny ability to read the game.
However, his small stature led many to overlook his potential. Still, Kanté’s determination never wavered; he continued to hone his skills, often training alone after team sessions.
Boulogne
In 2010, Kanté’s perseverance paid off when he joined the youth academy of Boulogne, a club competing in France’s Ligue 2.
His transition to professional football was seamless; he quickly adapted to the demands of the game at a higher level. Kanté made his senior debut on May 18, 2012, in a Ligue 2 match against Monaco, coming on as a late substitute.
Although Boulogne faced relegation to the Championnat National (third division) that season, Kanté’s performances were a silver lining, that season.
During the 2012–2013 season in the Championnat National, Kanté became an integral part of Boulogne’s midfield.
He featured in 37 matches, exploring his stamina, ball-winning abilities, and tactical intelligence. His consistent performances caught the eye of several clubs, but eventually, SM Caen, a team in Ligue 2, secured his signature in 2013.
Caen
Kanté’s move to Caen marked a significant step in his career. In his debut season (2013–2014), he played every league match. His contributions were crucial in Caen’s third-place finish, earning them promotion to Ligue 1.
Kanté’s ability to break up opposition play and initiate counter-attacks made him indispensable.
The following season in Ligue 1, N’Golo Kanté continued his impressive form. He finally scored his first top-flight goal against Evian on August 9, 2014, contributing to a 3–0 victory.
His performances were characterized by an exceptional work rate; he covered more ground than any other player in the league and had the highest number of ball recoveries in Europe that season.
Such statistics demonstrated his growing reputation as one of the most effective defensive midfielders in French football.
Leicester City
In August 2015, N’Golo Kanté made a significant move to Leicester City in the English Premier League for a fee of £5.6 million.
Under the management of Claudio Ranieri, Kanté was deployed as a central figure in Leicester’s midfield, where his relentless energy and ball-winning skills became instrumental, due to this, he led the league in interceptions and tackles
Kanté’s impact was immediate and profound. Leicester City, who had narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, embarked on an extraordinary campaign.
Defying 5000-1 odds, they clinched the Premier League title in the 2015–2016 season. Kanté’s performances earned him widespread acclaim, with many pundits considering him the signing of the season.
His ability to disrupt opposition play and provide a shield to the defense was pivotal in Leicester’s historic triumph, in proving the saying that, “a good attack wins you games, but a good defense wins you trophies.”
Chelsea
Kanté’s stellar performances at Leicester caught the attention of Chelsea FC, leading to a £32 million transfer in July 2016. Donning the number 7 jersey, he made an immediate impact under manager Antonio Conte.
His relentless energy and ability to break up opposition play continued to thrive in Chelsea’s 2016–2017 Premier League title win.
N’Golo Kanté exceptional performances earned him multiple individual accolades, including the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, and the Premier League Player of the Season.
He became the first player since Eric Cantona to win back-to-back top-flight titles in England with two different clubs.
The following season, Kanté continued to be an indispensable asset for Chelsea. He played a crucial role in their FA Cup triumph in 2018, delivering a man-of-the-match performance in the final against Manchester United.
In the 2018–2019 season, Kanté adapted to a more advanced midfield role under manager Maurizio Sarri.
Despite the positional change, he maintained high performance levels and was instrumental in Chelsea’s UEFA Europa League victory, starting in the final where they defeated Arsenal 4–1.
The 2020–2021 season marked another pinnacle in N’Golo Kanté career. He delivered a series of standout performances in the UEFA Champions League, particularly in the semi-finals against Real Madrid and the final against Manchester City.
His dominance in midfield earned him the man-of-the-match award in the final, as Chelsea secured a 1–0 victory to claim their second Champions League title. These performances led to widespread acclaim, with many considering him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or that year.
Kanté’s tenure at Chelsea was also marked by personal challenges, including injuries and the loss of a close family member.
Despite these hardships, his professionalism and dedication remained unwavering. He continued to be a central figure in Chelsea’s midfield until his departure in 2023.
Al-Ittihad
In June 2023, Kanté embarked on a new journey by signing with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
This move was part of a broader trend of high-profile players joining the league, including his former compatriot Karim Benzema.
Kanté’s arrival was met with enthusiasm by Al-Ittihad fans, eager to see the World Cup winner bolster their midfield.
Adjusting to a new cultural and footballing environment, Kanté quickly became an integral part of the team. His experience and work ethic provided a significant boost to Al-Ittihad’s midfield stability.
Fans and analysts noted that despite the change in leagues, Kanté’s commitment and style of play remained as impactful as ever.
Off the pitch, N’Golo Kanté humility and character continued to shine.
In a match against Al-Ahli, fans threw flags onto the pitch to delay the game.
During a break, Kanté took it upon himself to clear the flags, ensuring the match could proceed smoothly, a stark reminder of the man behind the football personality.
International Career
N’Golo Kanté international career with the French national team is highlighted by their 2018 FIFA World Cup victory.
His performances throughout the tournament were lauded for their consistency and excellence.
In the final against Croatia, Kanté’s relentless work rate contributed significantly to France’s 4–2 victory, securing their second World Cup title.
His performances throughout the tournament earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his status as one of the world’s premier midfielders.
Personal Life
N’Golo Kanté is renowned not only for his footballing prowess but also for his humility and integrity. Despite his success, he has remained grounded, often shunning the limelight.
Instances such as joining fans for dinner after missing a train and driving a modest car despite his wealth have endeared him to many.
His devout Muslim faith plays a significant role in his life, guiding his principles and actions both on and off the pitch.
Kanté’s charitable endeavors, including donations to various causes and support for grassroots football initiatives, reflect his commitment to giving back to the community.
Final Thoughts on N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kanté’s journey from the suburbs of Paris to the pinnacle of world football is a testament to hard work, humility, and dedication.
With a career filled with success, perseverance, and humility, N’Golo Kanté continues to be one of football’s most respected and admired players.
His career serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide, demonstrating that success is attainable through perseverance and integrity.
As he continues to ply his trade with Al-Ittihad, away from European football, Kanté remains a beloved figure in the footballing world, embodying the true spirit of the beautiful game.
FAQs
1. Where was N’Golo Kanté born?
N’Golo Kanté was born in Paris, France, on March 29, 1991.
2. What is N’Golo Kanté’s nationality?
Kanté is of French nationality but has Malian heritage through his parents.
3. Which clubs has N’Golo Kanté played for?
He played for Boulogne, Caen, Leicester City, Chelsea, and currently plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
4. What position does N’Golo Kanté play?
Kanté plays as a defensive midfielder, known for his exceptional ball-winning ability and work rate.
5. How many Premier League titles has N’Golo Kanté won?
He won two Premier League titles—one with Leicester City in 2015–16 and another with Chelsea in 2016–17.
6. Did N’Golo Kanté win the FIFA World Cup?
Yes, as part of France’s squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
7. Has N’Golo Kanté ever won the UEFA Champions League?
Yes, he won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in the 2020–21 season.
8. What individual awards has N’Golo Kanté won?
He has won several individual awards, including the PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2016–17), FWA Footballer of the Year (2016–17), and UEFA Midfielder of the Year (2020–21).
9. Why is N’Golo Kanté known for his humility?
Despite his success, Kanté remains humble, known for his modest lifestyle, soft-spoken nature, and acts of kindness, such as joining fans for dinner and continuing to drive a simple Mini Cooper.
10. What car does N’Golo Kanté drive?
He has been known to drive a modest Mini Cooper, which he purchased during his time at Leicester City.
11. What is N’Golo Kanté’s religion?
He is a devout Muslim and follows his faith diligently.
12. How tall is N’Golo Kanté?
He is 1.68 meters (5 feet 6 inches) tall.
13. Why did N’Golo Kanté leave Chelsea?
After battling injuries and spending several successful years at Chelsea, Kanté moved to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League in 2023.
14. Has N’Golo Kanté ever scored for France?
Yes, he has scored for the French national team, including in a 2018 friendly match against Russia.
15. Is N’Golo Kanté married?
Yes, N’Golo Kanté recently got married in a private ceremony, marking an important personal milestone in his life.
16. Why did N’Golo Kanté leave Chelsea?
Kanté left Chelsea in 2023 after seven successful years, moving to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia due to the club’s financial offer and the opportunity for a new challenge.
17. What was N’Golo Kanté’s first professional club?
His first professional club was Boulogne, where he made his senior debut in 2012.
18. Did N’Golo Kanté ever captain Chelsea or France?
While Kanté was not a regular captain, he occasionally wore the armband for Chelsea and has served as vice-captain for the French national team.
19. What is N’Golo Kanté’s salary at Al-Ittihad?
Kanté reportedly earns over €100 million per year at Al-Ittihad, making him one of the highest-paid players in the world.
20. What makes N’Golo Kanté one of the best defensive midfielders?
His ability to read the game, intercept passes, recover possession, and cover vast areas of the pitch sets him apart as an elite defensive midfielder.
21. Has N’Golo Kanté ever received a red card?
Despite his aggressive ball-winning style, Kanté is known for his clean play and has rarely, if ever, received a straight red card in his career.
22. What is N’Golo Kanté’s dribbling style?
He uses short, quick touches and his low center of gravity to maneuver past opponents, often surprising them with his agility.
23. How does N’Golo Kanté compare to other midfield legends?
Many analysts and former players compare him to legends like Claude Makélélé and Patrick Vieira due to his defensive skills and relentless work rate.
24. What off-field hobbies does N’Golo Kanté have?
Kanté enjoys spending time with his family, playing board games, and staying away from the spotlight when not playing football.
25. Has N’Golo Kanté ever been involved in any controversies?
No, Kanté is widely respected for his professionalism, humility, and clean reputation both on and off the pitch.
