Ghanaian · Kumasi, Ghana · Born 3 December 1982Ghanaian footballer who became one of the Premier League's finest midfielders, winning two titles with Chelsea and playing 58 times for Ghana including World Cu
Chelsea's Ghanaian powerhouse — African Player of the Year and one of the most complete midfielders of his generation. Football at the highest level rewards technical mastery, physical conditioning and the mental fortitude to perform consistently across a long and unrelenting career. Career highlights included Premier League 2x, Champions League 2012, African Player of Year 2006. What consistently distinguished Michael was the ability to perform at the highest level over many seasons — competing with the very best while maintaining exceptional standards throughout a long career in football. Few athletes in football have combined consistency and peak performance as effectively, and across such an extended period, as Michael managed throughout his career. Competing at the highest level in football over an extended period demands outstanding physical gifts and the mental resilience to overcome setbacks — something Michael Essien demonstrated consistently and impressively.
Spectacular long-range goals and dominant midfield performances at Chelsea
José Mourinho described him as "the most complete midfielder I have ever managed."
Did You Know?How They Played
Box-to-box midfielder with exceptional physicality, shooting power and work rate
Lasting Impact
One of Ghana's greatest players and a Premier League legend
Career Honours
- Premier League 2x
- Champions League 2012
- African Player of Year 2006
- 58 Ghana caps
- Premier League 2005
- Premier League 2006
- FA Cup 2007
- FA Cup 2009
- FA Cup 2010
- FA Cup 2012
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 2012–2014 | loan | 35 | 1 | — |
| Panathinaikos | 2015–2016 | — | 16 | 1 | — |
| Persib Bandung | 2017–2018 | — | 11 | 1 | — |
| Sabail FK | 2019–2020 | — | 12 | 0 | — |
| Liberty Professionals | 1999–2000 | — | 0 | 20 | #5 |
| Bastia | 2000–2003 | — | 73 | 6 | #5 |
| Lyon | 2003–2005 | — | 71 | 7 | #5 |
| Chelsea | 2005–2012 | — | 256 | 25 | #5 |
| AC Milan | 2014–2015 | — | 20 | 2 | #5 |
| FC Nordsjaelland | 2019–2019 | — | 1 | 0 | — |
 Ghana | — | — | 58 | 9 | — |
Ghanaian Athletes