Biography
Who is Nwankwo Kanu?
Early life and background
Nwankwo Christian Kanu was born on August 1, 1976, in Owerri, Nigeria. He grew up developing his football skills and began his organized club career playing for local sides in his native country.
His early talent soon caught the attention of larger clubs. Following a well-known performance in an international youth tournament, he secured a move to Europe to play for Dutch giants Ajax in 1993.
Club career highlights
During his time with Ajax, Nwankwo Kanu scored many goals and came on as a substitute in the 1995 UEFA Champions League final win against AC Milan. He subsequently transferred to Italian side Inter Milan in 1996.
After overcoming a serious heart condition discovered during a medical examination, he moved to Arsenal in 1999. He became a fan favorite for his goal-scoring prowess from the bench and won multiple titles, including remaining part of the undefeated Invincibles squad during the 2003 to 2004 Premier League season.
Later in his career, he played for West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth. With Portsmouth, he scored the winning goal in the final to secure the 2008 FA Cup.
International success and charity
On the international stage, Nwankwo Kanu represented the Nigeria national team. In 1996, he captained the squad that won a gold medal at the Olympic Games, scoring crucial goals in the semi-finals against Brazil.
His personal experience with a heart defect led him to establish the Kanu Heart Foundation. The organization assists young children suffering from heart defects and later expanded to provide aid for homeless children.
Real name and physical details
His full given name is Nwankwo Christian Kanu. Standing at a height of 197 centimeters, he possessed a distinct physical presence on the pitch as a forward.
Throughout his professional career, he earned widespread recognition, including being named African Footballer of the Year multiple times.
Birthday and age
Nwankwo Kanu was born on August 1, 1976, which makes Nwankwo 50 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Nwankwo shares the date with 31 other famous people.
Explore more
