Kanu Nwankwo's net worth, wife, age, house, achievements, trophies

Kanu Nwankwo's net worth, wife, age, house, achievements, trophies

Ciku Njuguna
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:00 PM

Meet Kanu Nwankwo, the most decorated Nigerian football player. The legendary soccer player continues to influence the national football scene and the international football scene, years after retirement. So, what do we know about his financial success? Dig in and learn more about Kanu Nwankwo’s net worth, house, cars, family, and achievements.

Kanu Nwankwo's achievements
The Super Eagles captain is carried by teammates after their Olympic gold medal win against Argentina at the Olympic Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Photo by: David Cannon /Allsport.
Source: Getty Images

Kanu Nwankwo’s net worth makes him one of the richest individuals in Africa and one of the wealthiest soccer players. How wealthy is the legendary Arsenal player? This article will look at his net worth, houses, cars, and more.

Kanu's influence on his country, Nigeria, and the African continent, extends from the sporting world to heart health and medicine. Speaking to the Guardian, he acknowledged his passion for philanthropy, saying,

“I am called a legend and people see me as one, but because of that, I don’t think I should have to hide at home and only go on holidays, drink champagne and watch TV. I am somebody that wants to impact people’s lives.”
Kanu Nwankwo's trophies
Top Arsenal goalscorer Nwankwo Kanu (R) and teammate Ray Parlour (L) parade the 1999 FA Charity Shield trophy after winning against Manchester United. Photo by Popperfoto.
Source: Getty Images

Kanu Nwankwo’s profile summary

  • Full name: Nwankwo Christian Nwosu Kanu
  • Nickname: Papilo
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of birth: 1 August 1976
  • Age: 45 years old (as of April 2022)
  • Zodiac sign: Leo
  • Place of birth: Owerri, Nigeria
  • Current residence: Hertfordshire, England
  • Kanu Nwankwo’s nationality: Nigerian
  • Ethnicity: Black
  • Religion: Christian
  • Height in feet: 6'6"
  • Height in centimetres: 193
  • Hair colour: Black
  • Eye colour: Brown
  • Mother: Susan Kanu Iheme
  • Father: Iheme Kanu
  • Siblings: 3
  • Relationship status: Married
  • Spouse: Amarachi Kanu
  • Children: 3
  • Profession: Professional football player
  • Position(s): Centre-forward, attacking midfield
  • Team(s): FC Heartland Jugend, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Ajax Amsterdam, Inter Milan, Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth, and the Nigerian National Football team
  • Net worth: $9 million
  • Highest market value: $7.6 million
  • Instagram: @kingkanu4
  • Twitter: @papilokanu
  • Youtube: Nwankwo Kanu

Kanu Nwankwo’s biography

So, who is Kanu Nwankwo? The veteran footballer was born and raised in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, to Susan and Mr. Kanu Iheme. Unfortunately, he lost his father in 2007 and his mother in 2016.

Kanu Nwankwo’s age

How old is Nwankwo? Born on the 1st of August 1976, the Owerri native will be 45 years old as of April 2022. His Zodiac sign is Leo.

Kanu Nwankwo’s height

He stands at 6 feet and 6 inches (193cm) and weighs 80 kg.

Kanu Nwankwo’s career

According to a report on his career by the Guardian, Nwankwo had a passion for the game from an early age. However, although he played throughout his childhood, he only received formal football training at 11 years.

Kanu Nwankwo's goal celebration
Nwankwo celebrates a goal with fellow EPL legend Thiery Henry during the 2002 FA Barclaycard Premiership match against Bolton Wanderers in London. Photo By Ben Radford.
Source: Getty Images

The two-time African footballer of the year's professional football journey began in the 1990s at the Iwuanyanwu Nationale, also known as Heartland Football club. Let us look at the role he played in the clubs he has played in.

National team call up

Since 1993, he played in the U17, U23, and senior national men's teams until 2011. In 1996, he led the Nigerian Olympic football team to a historic victory in a match against Brazil. His role in team Nigeria led them to become the first African country to win Olympic gold in football.

Ajax

He made 74 appearances with 27 goals and 11 assists at Ajax. He quickly rose to become one of Ajax's legends during his stay at the club. In 1996, he led the club to an iconic UEFA Champion's League victory alongside fellow legendary Nigerian player, Finidi.

FC Internazionale

What happened to Kanu Nwankwo? During his time at Inter, a routine medical check-up revealed that he had a heart defect. Despite several reports writing off his football career because of the defect, he braved all odds to continue playing and become a better footballer.

Arsenal FC

Kanu Nwankwo's age, wife, goals, net worth
Nwankwo of Arsenal during the 2003 UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy. Photo by Etsuo Hara.
Source: Getty Images

The top African goalscorer in the EPL made 44 goals and 29 assists in 196 appearances with the Gunners. His glorious career in the Premier League has earned him a spot on lists of the greatest Gunners of all time.

West Bromwich Albion

During his time at West Brom, the top goalscorer recorded one of the worst open goal misses in Premier League history against Middlesbrough FC. However, his spectacular goal-scoring skills led the Baggies to their 2005 historic win against Arsenal.

Portsmouth FC

Kanu Nwankwo's net worth, trophies, and achievements
Portsmouth's king of the match celebrates after winning the 2008 F.A Cup Final against Cardiff City at Wembley Stadium in London. Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

His most iconic performance at Portsmouth was the crowning glory for the 'King of Portsmouth'. During the 2008 FA Cup tournaments he led Pompey to its first FA victory in 69 years. Speaking to the Independent, the striker acknowledged the incredible performance he had put on at the match, saying,

"This is talent, I have to work hard, but the talent is there. I didn't disappoint myself. I didn't disappoint anybody.

So, when did Kanu retire? After a successful 19-year career, he retired and hung up his boots on the 1st of July, 2012.

Kanu Nwankwo’s achievements

Have a look at all of Kanu Nwankwo’s trophies and titles throughout his career.

Kanu Nwankwo's achievements
Here are the honors of the most successful African footballer of all time. Photo modified by the author.
Source: Original

Where is Kanu Nwankwo now?

Although Kanu retired several years ago, he is still actively shaping the Nigerian and African football scene through the football academy and football team. In addition, the Nigerian philanthropist is also quite active in saving the lives of children with congenital heart defects through the Kanu Heart Foundation.

Kanu Nwankwo’s net worth

The Nigerian forward, one of the 2021 EPL black history heroes, is valued at $9 million. Before retiring, he was one of the highest-paid football players at Arsenal and Portsmouth FC.

Kanu Nwankwo's net worth
Kanu celebrates a goal with his signature Gunners' salute in the 1999 FA Carling Premiership match against Middlesbrough. Photo: Clive Brunskill /Allsport.
Source: Getty Images

Kanu Nwankwo’s houses and cars

Kanu is one of the wealthiest footballers in Africa. He reportedly owns several properties in his hometown, Owerri, in Lagos and Abuja as well as a mansion in Hadley Wood, Enfield, London. In addition to that, he owns three pricey luxury vehicles, an Audi, a Mercedes Benz, and a Ferrari.

Kanu Nwankwo’s wife

Who is Kanu's wife? He is married to the beautiful Amarachi Nwankwo, and the couple has three children together. The two will be celebrating their 18th anniversary in 2022.

Kanu Nwankwo's wife
Kanu and his wife Amarachi at the 2018 Best FIFA Football Awards at Royal Festival Hall England. Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA.
Source: Getty Images

Kanu Nwankwo’s net worth reflects the football star's skill, talent, and hard work throughout his active playing career and even after. In addition, his efforts to impact the lives of sick children and young footballers are a testament to his success.

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Authors
Ciku Njuguna photo
Ciku Njuguna
Ciku Njuguna is a journalist with 3 year’s experience in content creation based in Kenya. She currently covers sports personnel as well as team biographies.