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
Michael Essien won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, and was named African Footballer of the Year in 2006 after establishing himself as one of the most powerful and dynamic midfielders in the world game. He earned 58 caps for Ghana and was renowned for his box-to-box energy and versatility, capable of playing across midfield and even at full-back for club and country.
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