N’Golo Kanté @31: Late Bloomer Who Became World Champion

N’golo Kanté is a French professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Premier League club Chelsea and the French national team.

Born in Paris to Malian parents, Kanté began his career at the age of eight at JS Suresnes, in the western suburbs of the capital, remaining there for a decade. He remained outside the radar of the big teams because of his small stature and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger passed on the offer to sign him in 2010. The midfielder is considered a late bloomer as he did not make his professional debut until 2012 when he did so for Boulogne in the French Ligue 2, playing an entire season in the third division the following year.

After that, he joined Ligue 2 side Caen on a free transfer and won promotion to Ligue 1 where he stayed with the club for one more year.

2015 was the breakthrough year for Kanté as he joined Leicester City for a £5.6 million and instantly became an integral part of their Premier League triumph that same year.

He earned much praise for his consistent impressive displays and was widely considered the major factor in the club’s success. At the end of the season, the Frenchman made more tackles and interceptions than any other player in the league and was named in the 2015-16 PFA Team of the Year.

On 16 July 2016, Kanté signed a five-year deal with Chelsea who reportedly paid £32 million in transfer fees.

Kanté instantly became a vital player for the Blues as he produced man of the match performances and energetic displays in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

On April 20, 2017 Kanté was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the second consecutive season, PFA Players’ Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, and the Premier League Player of the Season and becoming the first player to win back-to-back top flight titles with two clubs since Eric Cantona in 1993.

Chelsea ended the season becoming Premier League and FA Cup Champions. The midfielder went on to become a hero both for the Blues and generally across world football. He turbocharged Chelsea to further win the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. His outstanding performances in their Champions League winning season in 2021 earned him the award for UEFA Men’s midfielder of the year, second place to teammate Jorginho for the UEFA Men’s player of the year and a spot in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or.

Internationally, Kanté made his debut for France in 2016 aged 21 and was included in the squad that finished runners-up at the 2016 European Championship. In 2017, Kanté was named French Player of the Year, a first for a player from the Premier League in seven years, and twelve months later, he became a world Champion playing all seven matches in the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament that saw France emerge triumphant.

Kanté is also renowned for his immense humility off the pitch as he is one of the few never seen living an extravagant lifestyle. In March 2022 he visited his native Mali and interacted with locals in Bamako without any paparazzi or bodyguards also casually taking photos with the locals, and one would be forgiven to thinking he was one of them. His seamless ability to interact with fans from different walks of life makes him a unique individual.

A dynamic, diminutive and disciplined player, Kanté is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of all time. On the occasion of his 31st birthday, March 29, 2022, we celebrate the humblest footballer ever, who brings happiness with his smile to all.

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