Nwankwo Christian Kanu OON (born 1976) is a Nigerian football legend who overcame a heart condition to achieve remarkable success. Born in Owerri, Imo State, Kanu was discovered as a teenager and signed by Ajax Amsterdam. He won the Champions League (1995), Olympic gold medal (1996), and numerous league titles. His career includes Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, West Brom, and Portsmouth. At Arsenal, he scored crucial goals including a hat-trick in 15 minutes against Chelsea. His overhead kick against Middlesbrough is iconic. After open-heart surgery in 1996, doctors doubted he'd play again, but Kanu returned to win more titles. His Kanu Heart Foundation provides life-saving cardiac surgery for African children. Kanu's resilience, skill, and humanitarian work make him a true role model beyond football.


ELEGANT PLAYMAKER:
Nwankwo Kanu’s gangly frame masked astonishing footwork and vision. From Enyimba feeder teams to Ajax’s golden generation, he mastered deft touches, backheel assists, and clutch goals.

TROPHIES AGAINST THE ODDS:
He won the UEFA Champions League (1995), Olympic gold (1996), UEFA Cup (1998), English Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal, and FA Cup with Portsmouth. His legendary 1999 hat-trick against Chelsea remains a Premier League classic.

HEART SURVIVOR AND HUMANITARIAN:
Diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in 1996, Kanu underwent life-saving surgery and returned to elite football. The Kanu Heart Foundation has since funded over 560 heart surgeries for African children and established cardiac hospitals in Abuja and Owerri.

LEGACY BUILDER:
Kanu mentors young footballers, runs fitness centres, and advocates for athlete healthcare. As CAF ambassador, he promotes grassroots development and philanthropy across the continent.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 1 August 1976 in Owerri, Imo State.
- Clubs: Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth.
- Individual honours: African Footballer of the Year (1996, 1999), BBC African Footballer of the Year (1996).
- Trademark celebration: arms stretched, joyful smile—symbolising victory over adversity.