Early Life and Family History: Kanté grew up in a small apartment and spent his early years working alongside his mother as a trash picker, collecting and sorting through waste to make ends meet. This experience deeply influenced his work ethic and his unassuming nature, which would later become his hallmark on the football field.
Career Timeline:
- 2012-2103: Boulogne: Kanté made his professional debut with Boulogne in 2012. Though the team was struggling, Kanté’s performances were a bright spot. His energy, tackling, and ability to cover ground quickly gained him recognition.
- 2013-2015: SM Caen: Kanté’s move to Caen in 2013 marked a significant step up in his career. Playing in Ligue 2, Kanté was instrumental in helping the team achieve promotion to Ligue 1. His performances in the top flight of French football caught the eye of several European clubs.
- 2015-2016: Leicester City: In 2015, Kanté moved to Leicester City in the English Premier League for a fee of around £5.6 million. This transfer would prove to be a turning point in his career. Under the management of Claudio Ranieri, Kanté played a crucial role in Leicester’s unbelievable title-winning campaign in the 2015-2016 season. His ability to break up play and start counter-attacks earned him widespread acclaim, and he was often referred to as the “engine” of the team.
- 2016-2023: Chelsea FC: Kanté’s performances at Leicester led to a move to Chelsea in 2016 for a reported fee of £32 million. At Chelsea, he continued to excel, winning the Premier League title again in his first season with the club. Kanté became one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, known for his relentless work rate, interceptions, and ability to cover every inch of the pitch. During his time at Chelsea, Kanté also won the FA Cup, the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup. His performances in the 2020-2021 Champions League, where he was named Man of the Match in both semi-final legs and the final, were particularly lauded.
- International Career: Kanté made his debut for the French national team in 2016 and was a key part of the squad that reached the final of UEFA Euro 2016. However, it was in 2018 that he achieved his greatest international success, helping France win the FIFA World Cup in Russia. His performances were integral to France’s success, and he was celebrated for his humility and tireless contributions on the field.
Hardships and Challenges: Despite his success, Kanté’s journey was not without challenges. Growing up in poverty and losing his father at a young age were significant hardships. His small stature also meant that he was often overlooked by scouts and coaches in his early years. However, his determination, work ethic, and humility helped him overcome these obstacles.
In recent years, Kanté has faced several injury challenges that have kept him out of action for extended periods. However, he has remained a beloved figure in football, admired not only for his talent but also for his character and sportsmanship.
Success and Stardom: Kanté’s rise to stardom is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. From the streets of Paris to the pinnacle of world football, he has become one of the most respected and successful players of his generation. His humble nature, combined with his incredible footballing abilities, has made him a fan favorite around the world.
His success is also reflected in the numerous individual accolades he has received, including being named the Premier League Player of the Season (2016-2017), the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, and making the FIFA FIFPro World XI multiple times.
Real Name: N’Golo Kanté
Date of Birth: March 29, 1991
Birth Place: Paris, France
Residence: London, England (as of recent updates, given his time with Chelsea FC)
Profession: Professional Footballer
Nationality: French
Religion: Islam
Partner: Information regarding his partner is kept private; Kanté is known for being reserved about his personal life.
Father: Died when Kanté was 11 years old
Mother: Maimouna Kanté
Horoscope: Aries
Age: 33 (as of 2024)
Weight: Approximately 70 kg (154 lbs)
Height: 168 cm (5 ft 6 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black