N’Golo Kanté: The Humble Hero Beyond the Headlines

While all the headlines from France's Euros crashout will focus on the sensational performance of Spain's youngster Lamine Yamal and a maskless Kylian Mbappé, there is one player that has gone under the radar as a vital piece for France’s success. It’s N'Golo Kanté who has quietly been France's best player this tournament. Despite France's heartbreaking loss to Spain in the Semifinals, which saw them exit the Euros, Kanté's exceptional performances have been a cornerstone of the team's campaign. Yet, his humility and unassuming nature mean he often avoids the spotlight.

Kanté has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. Known for his relentless work ethic, impeccable positioning, and ability to cover every blade of grass on the pitch, Kanté's contributions have been crucial to France's success. Over the course of the tournament, he created 10 chances, had 10 touches in the opposition box, won 20 duels, and made 25 recoveries. He also secured three Man of the Match awards, including the award in the opening two games. Before the bow out to Spain, France's impressive run in the Euros was marked by a 20-game unbeaten streak at major tournaments with Kanté in the squad. They hadn't conceded a single goal in the 451 minutes Kanté played in the Euros, the most of any European player at a major tournament ever. This defensive solidity can largely be attributed to Kanté's presence, as his ability to break up play and protect the backline is unparalleled.

Kanté's journey to the top is nothing short of inspirational. From his humble beginnings, collecting metal cans and glass bottles with his father in France to get by, to nearly becoming an accountant because he never believed in himself, Kanté's rise to football stardom is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Rejected by several clubs for his size and perceived lack of skill, Kanté finally got his break at SM Caen, where his exceptional performances caught the eye of top clubs. At Caen, Kanté was a revelation, a dynamo in midfield whose tireless efforts helped the team secure promotion to Ligue 1. His performances were a symphony of stamina and skill, each matching a new composition showcasing his relentless drive and uncanny ability to be everywhere at once. It wasn't long before the world took notice, and soon, a fairytale beckoned.

Kanté's move to Leicester City in 2015 was a masterstroke. In the 2015-2016 Premier League season, he was the heartbeat of a team that defied the odds to achieve the greatest sporting miracle of all time. Leicester City, a club that had narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, soared to the top of English football. Kanté was the engine of this remarkable rise, covering more ground than any other player in the league, his presence a reassuring constant. He made 175 tackles and 156 interceptions, both league-highs, embodying the spirit of a team that never stopped believing.

Then came Chelsea, where Kanté's journey took on a new, even more glorious chapter. In his first season at Stamford Bridge, going from underdog to favorite only added to his success, winning the Premier League title again in 2016-2017, becoming the first outfield player to win back-to-back titles with two different clubs. At Chelsea, Kanté was more than a midfield general; he was the embodiment of consistency and excellence. His stats were staggering, 127 tackles, 82 interceptions, and countless moments of quiet brilliance that anchored Chelsea's midfield and provided the platform for their attacking prowess. To go along with the league titles, he played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s Champions League win in 2021. In the Champions League Final against Manchester City, Kanté was a colossus, earning the Man of the Match award for his imperious display. He made 10 ball recoveries and was a constant thorn in the side of City's star-studded midfield, demonstrating once again why he is considered the best at what he does. 

Despite his remarkable achievements, Kanté remains grounded and modest. Despite his remarkable performances and importance in just about every title he won, you would always see Kanté standing to the side while the others take pictures with the trophies and celebrate. His teammates and managers often speak of his humility and team-first mentality. Whether it's arriving at training on a scooter and being forced by his mother to be a car, or going to a birthday party of a teammate and apologizing for his gift of chocolates because “he had never been to a birthday party and didn’t know what to bring,” Kanté's unassuming nature endears him to fans and players alike. During the 2024 Euros, while others may have grabbed the headlines, it is N'Golo Kanté who has been the beating heart of the French team. His exceptional performances and quiet leadership on the pitch have once again shown why he is indispensable to any team he plays for. As France looks ahead to future tournaments, they will undoubtedly continue to rely on the unparalleled skills and humility of N'Golo Kanté, the silent maestro of midfield.