N'Golo Kanté

N'Golo Kanté is considered one of the greatest defensive midfielders in recent world football history. Born in Paris, son of parents originally from Mali, he followed an uncommon path: he turned professional late, at the age of 19, playing in amateur football before arriving at Boulogne. His rising trajectory took him to Leicester City, where he was instrumental in the unlikely Premier League title in 2016, which shocked the football world. He transferred to Chelsea, where he won another Premier League and, in 2021, was decisive in winning the UEFA Champions League. In the French national team, he was world champion in 2018, being selected for the World Cup Team-of-the-Tournament for his exceptional midfield performance. His style — relentless ball recovery, tactical intelligence and simplicity — made him a world reference in the position. In 2023 he transferred to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Unanimously recognized as one of the best of his era, Kanté represents proof that talent and hard work overcome any adversity.