Nwankwo Kanu

Date of Birth: August 1, 1976

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Nwankwo Kanu, popularly known as Kanu, is a retired Nigerian professional footballer who enjoyed a successful career playing for several top European clubs and the Nigerian national team. Born on August 1, 1976, in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Kanu began his career at Nigerian club Federation Works before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale. Kanu’s talent became widely recognized when he led Nigeria’s U-17 team to victory in the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Championships. His performances earned him a move to Ajax Amsterdam, where he won three Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1995. In 1996, Kanu gained global fame by captaining Nigeria’s national team to a historic gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, famously scoring two late goals to defeat Brazil in the semi-finals. Kanu’s club career also includes stints at Inter Milan, where he underwent life-saving heart surgery, and Arsenal, where he became a fan favorite and won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups. He later played for West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth, winning another FA Cup with the latter. Kanu retired from professional football in 2012 and has since been involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly focusing on heart health through the Kanu Heart Foundation, which helps African children with heart defects.

5 Interesting Facts about Nwankwo Kanu

1. Kanu was part of the Ajax Amsterdam team that won the UEFA Champions League in 1995.

2. He captained Nigeria to a gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

3. Kanu underwent successful heart surgery in 1996 after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

4. He founded the Kanu Heart Foundation, which has helped over 500 children receive life-saving heart surgeries.

5. Kanu is one of the few players to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, and an Olympic Gold Medal.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nwankwo Kanu

1. “Football is my life, and I thank God for giving me the talent and the opportunity to inspire others.”

2. “Winning the Olympic gold medal was a special moment not just for me, but for all Nigerians.”

3. “Every child deserves a chance to live a healthy life, and I am committed to helping those in need through my foundation.”

4. “Playing for Arsenal was a dream come true, and the fans always made me feel at home.”

5. “Life is precious, and my heart condition taught me to appreciate every single moment.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Nwankwo Kanu is estimated to be around $9 million.

Children

Nwankwo Kanu is married to Amarachi Kanu, and together they have three children: two sons, Iyang Onyekachi Kanu and Sean Chukwudi Kanu, and a daughter, Pinky Amarachi Kanu.