Chelsea's Ghanaian powerhouse — African Player of the Year and one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.
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.
Premier League 2x
José Mourinho described him as "the most complete midfielder I have ever managed."
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Premier League 2x
- Champions League 2012
- African Player of Year 2006
- 58 Ghana caps