Arsenal's Nigerian magician who underwent open-heart surgery at 17 and went on to win the Champions League, Olympic gold and the FA Cup twice.
Nwankwo Kanu's story is one of sport's most remarkable. At 17, while at Ajax, he was diagnosed with a serious heart defect and underwent emergency open-heart surgery. He returned to win the Champions League with Ajax in 1995. At Arsenal he was a fans' favourite known for his extraordinarily skilful touches in tight spaces. He won Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996 and was African Player of the Year twice.
He underwent emergency open-heart surgery at 17 and went on to win the Champions League — one of sport's most extraordinary comeback stories.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Champions League 1995 (Ajax)
- Olympic Gold 1996
- FA Cup 2x
- African Player of Year 2x
- 86 Nigeria caps