10 fun facts about N’Golo Kanté

N’Golo Kanté, a French professional footballer, currently plays as a defensive midfielder for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and represents the France national team.

Kanté began his senior professional career with Boulogne in 2012, making a substitute appearance in a Ligue 2 match. The following year, he played a full season in the third division.

Kanté then moved to Caen, a Ligue 2 club, on a free transfer and helped them secure promotion to Ligue 1 by finishing third. He remained with Caen for another season, contributing to a respectable mid-table finish.

In 2015, Kanté joined Leicester City for a transfer fee of £5.6 million. He played a crucial role in Leicester City’s unexpected triumph as Premier League champions in 2016. The subsequent year, Kanté transferred to Chelsea for a fee of £32 million.

He made his senior international debut for France in 2016 and was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in the 2016 European Championship. In 2017, he became the first player from the Premier League in seven years to be named the French Player of the Year.

Twelve months later, Kanté played a vital role in France’s victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, solidifying his status as a key member of the squad. Here are some interesting things to know about him.

1. African ancestry

N’Golo Kante’s parents relocated from Mali to France in pursuit of improved prospects. Kante, born in Paris in 1991, witnessed his father’s occupation as a stonemason and his mother’s role as a cleaner. His parents ingrained in him a resilient work ethic and an unwavering drive to achieve success.

2. Named after a Royal

N’Golo Kante was given his name by his parents in honor of the esteemed Mali emperor Ngolo Diarra from the Bambara empire. Diarra, who had previously been enslaved, successfully liberated himself and subsequently toppled the existing regime to establish his own rule over Mali.

This marked the beginning of a dynasty that lasted from 1766 to 1861. Kante has truly embodied the essence of his namesake, as he has risen from the humble streets of Paris to become one of the most exceptional football players in the world.

3. Rags to riches

Growing up in a compact apartment in Rueil-Malmaison, a bustling suburb of Paris, Kante was familiar with the struggles faced by the hardworking individuals who migrated to the city in search of low-paying jobs.

Coming from a Muslim family, Kante himself started working at a young age as a trash picker. With his trusty grabber in hand, he would tirelessly roam the eastern suburbs of Paris, covering long distances in search of discarded items of value.

These treasures would then be sold to local recycling companies, providing Kante with a means to earn some fast cash.

4. Studied accounting as backup

Prior to achieving success in football, N’Golo Kante came close to pursuing a career in accounting. In interviews, Kante revealed that during his time playing for Boulogne in the ninth division, he had doubts about his prospects in football.

To ensure he had a backup plan, he decided to study accounting in college. Kante’s interest and natural talent in the subject motivated him to pursue it as a potential alternative career path.

5. Kante was a late bloomer

Kanté, a dynamic midfielder who covers ground all over the pitch, is recognized for his tireless work rate and exceptional skill in winning the ball.

Despite starting his senior career late with just one appearance in the French second division at 21, he credits his steady progression through the football league pyramid for shaping his composed and collected attitude on the field.

6. Decided to be a footballer at the age of 8

Following the France 98 World Cup, Kante witnessed a transformed France, brimming with possibilities. He observed a nation whose football success owed much to the contributions of migrants.

At the tender age of 7, Kante, accustomed to humble tasks in the outskirts of Paris, was already familiar with the prominent figures of the FIFA 1998 World Cup.

By the time he turned 8, he harbored aspirations of pursuing a football career, having recognized the potential opportunities within his vicinity.

7. Draws inspiration from former Chelsea players

N’Golo Kante has drawn inspiration from two fellow French players who have represented Chelsea and the national team. Claude Makelele, the first influence, is frequently likened to the midfielder by experts and supporters.

Surprisingly, Lassana Diarra serves as his second role model, with Kante acknowledging the veteran midfielder’s significant impact on his growth.

8. A song for him

After France’s triumph in the World Cup final against Croatia, the team paid tribute to the Chelsea midfielder by serenading him, acknowledging his significant contribution in replicating the success of the 1998 squad.

The chant performed by the French players gained immense popularity during the summer, primarily because of its lyrics that emphasized his pivotal role in thwarting Lionel Messi during the round of 16 clash against Argentina.

9. Never had a red card

It may surprise some to learn that N’Golo Kante has never received a red card throughout his time in the Premier League. Despite his role as a defensive midfielder and his aggressive style of play in winning the ball back, Kante has managed to avoid being sent off for any serious offenses. In his 222 appearances for Chelsea and Leicester City, the 2018 World Cup winner has only received 31 yellow cards, showcasing his excellent disciplinary record.

10. Pays his own taxes

Chelsea had proposed the idea of covering his taxes. They suggested using an offshore account to minimize charges and gain some tax benefits. However, Kante declined their offer multiple times. All he desires is a fair salary and to fulfill his tax obligations just like any ordinary individual.