Table of Contents
- He is a former Nigerian professional footballer
- He played as a forward
- He is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Nwankwo Kanu began his career at Nigerian League Club Federation works, before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale. His net worth in 2023 is an impressive figure of $9 million, having earned it from his career and also endorsements.
His source of earnings is from his football profession and partly from endorsements that he signed. After a notable performance at the U-17 World Championships, he was signed by Dutch Eredivisie AFC Ajax for an undisclosed fee.
Nwankwo Kanu. Photo/ Facts.net.
Nwankwo Kanu Biography
| Full name | Nwankwo Kanu |
| Age | 48 years |
| Height | 1.97m |
| Place of birth | Owerri, Nigeria |
| Date of birth | August 1 1976 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Footballer |
| Source of wealth | Football |
| Marital status | Married. |
Nwankwo Kanu Net Worth
Nwankwo Kanu has earned an impressive net worth throughout his football career. At 48 years, he boasts an estimated net worth of $9 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth, which he garnered through his profession and also from endorsements.
Nwankwo has invested heavily in real estate and in the hospitality industry in Dubai and Nigeria, which also spices his net worth.
Personal Life
Nwankwo was born in Owerri, Nigeria on August 1 1976 to his parents Iheme Kanu and Susan Kanu. He has two brothers namely, Christopher and Ogbonna, with the latter also being a professional footballer. Kanu happens to be the eldest among his siblings.
His love for football was realized at an early age and his parents made sure that he balanced school work and football activities.
Amidst football training, he also helped with house chores. Kanu suffered a heart disorder that almost ruined his career. However, he underwent a successful surgery and after that, he founded a foundation known as Kanu Heart which helps young children with heart defects.
Nwankwo has been married to a lady known as Amara for thirteen years now and they have been blessed with three children.
Nwankwo Kanu.Photo/The Mirror
Career
Kanu began his football career at Nigerian League club federation Works and continued in Iwuanyanwu Nationale. He performed exceedingly well at the U-17 World Championships leading to Eredivisie AFC Ajax signing him.
At the club, he made his debut scoring 25 goals in 54 appearances. He also came in as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League final win over AC Milan.
Ajax sold Kanu to Inter Milan at a fee of about $4.7 million and he became the captain of the Nigeria national team winning gold at the Olympics. He won the title of African Footballer of the Year when he scored two late goals in the semi-finals against Brazil.
While he was still at Inter Milan, Kanu suffered a heart defect that threatened to kill his career. Fortunately, he underwent a successful surgery and from that, Kanu Heart Foundation was founded.
While still at Inter, Arsenal signed Kanu for about $5.1 million making his debut against Sheffield United in the FA Cup. Kanu’s carrier was quickly revived at Arsenal and he became famous for his goal-scoring prowess.
Nwankwo then moved to Bromwich Albion as a regular for the club making his debut in a draw away at Blackburn Rovers, and his first goal was against Fulham.
Kanu departed from Albion and became a free agent. Shortly after, Portsmouth signed him on a one-year contract at an undisclosed fee. His debut came as a substitute in a match against Blackburn Rovers when he scored twice and missed a penalty.
Being a Nigerian national, Kanu played for the national team and was very instrumental in the success of the team at the Under-17 FIFA World Championship held in Japan in 1993. He also happened to be a member of the Nigeria national team for a period of fourteen years making memorable scores.
Kanu has played for Nigeria in major matches like the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, where he won the Olympic gold as well as at 1998, 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.
Nwankwo Kanu. Photo/ Medium.
Nwankwo has earned a lot throughout his career and adding to his net worth, he has various endorsements and running businesses.
Luxury Collection
Having earned an impressive net worth in his career, Kanu has invested in real estate and the hospitality industry and is said to have a chain of hotels in Dubai and Nigeria. He also has a love for cars and not just any kind.
In his fleet, there is a Ferrari, Audi and a Mercedes Benz.
FAQs
1.How old is he?
48 years.
2.What is his nationality?
Nigerian.
3.Is he married?
Yes.
4.Does he have children?
Yes.
5.What is his religious belief?
Christian.
