Nigerian · Owerri, Nigeria · Born 1 August 1976Nigerian striker who overcame heart surgery to win Champions League with Ajax, Olympic gold, and became Arsenal legend known for dramatic goals
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 Champions League 1995 (Ajax), Olympic Gold 1996, FA Cup 2x. The true measure of a great football athlete is the ability to perform consistently over an extended period, and Nwankwo's career record demonstrates precisely that quality of sustained excellence. Few athletes in football have combined consistency and peak performance as effectively, and across such an extended period, as Nwankwo 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 Nwankwo Kanu demonstrated consistently throughout. The dedication required to perform consistently in football at international level defined every aspect of Nwankwo Kanu's approach to the sport.
Scoring dramatic late goals and winning Olympic gold for Nigeria
How They Played
Tall, skillful striker with excellent ball control and ability to score crucial goals
Lasting Impact
Pioneer for African players in European football and philanthropist
Career Honours
- Champions League 1995 (Ajax)
- Olympic Gold 1996
- FA Cup 2x
- African Player of Year 2x
- 86 Nigeria caps
- Champions League 1995
- FA Cup 2002
- FA Cup 2003
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iwuanyanwu | 1993–1993 | — | 44 | #25 |
| Ajax | 1993–1996 | 54 | 25 | — |
| Inter Milan | 1996–1999 | 12 | 2 | — |
| Arsenal | 1999–2004 | 197 | 44 | — |
| Portsmouth | 2006–2012 | 175 | 22 | — |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2004–2005 | 22 | 4 | — |
 Nigeria | — | 87 | 12 | — |
Nigerian Athletes