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
Nwankwo Kanu won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996, before a heart condition discovered during a medical at Inter Milan threatened to end his career entirely. He recovered to win two FA Cups with Arsenal and was twice named African Footballer of the Year, and after retiring established the Kanu Heart Foundation to help children with heart conditions similar to his own.
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