N'Golo Kanté

Born in Paris to Malian parents,{{cite news |last=Edwards |first=Peter |title=N'Golo Kanté Uncovered: This is what drives the Chelsea star on |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/785544/N-Golo-Kante-Chelsea-Leicester-Premier-League-News-Gossip |newspaper=Daily Express |date=30 March 2017 |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=9 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709185545/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/785544/N-Golo-Kante-Chelsea-Leicester-Premier-League-News-Gossip |url-status=live}} Kanté began his career at the age of eight at JS Suresnes, in the western suburbs of the capital, remaining there for a decade. According to assistant manager Pierre Ville, Kanté remained outside the radar of big teams because of his small stature and selfless styles of play.{{cite news |last=Fletcher |first=Paul |title=N'Golo Kanté: How can Premier League clubs create next star? |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39248977 |access-date=1 April 2017 |website=BBC Sport |date=29 March 2017 |archive-date=24 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424101913/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39248977 |url-status=live}} He was rejected from the academy at Clairefontaine during this time.{{clarify|date=May 2021}} During his last season with Suresnes, in Promotion d'Honneur (PH, French 9th senior level), he scored 10 goals.{{cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-10-09 |title=Il y a six ans, ils jouaient avec N'Golo Kanté |trans-title=Six years ago, they were playing with N'Golo Kanté. |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/ile-de-france/il-y-a-six-ans-ils-jouaient-avec-n-golo-kante-09-10-2016-6187325.php |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR}}{{cite web |last= |first= |date=2010-06-05 |title=Suresnes à l'attaque |trans-title=Suresnes on the attack. |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/hauts-de-seine-92/suresnes-a-l-attaque-05-06-2010-951223.php |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR}} In 2010, after Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger passed on the offer of signing Kanté, Suresnes' president (one of Wenger's best friends) personally drove him around to visit different clubs.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LATo4EzTNM "Ian Wright Puts Fan Questions To Arsène Wenger | FAQs| SPORTbible"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209173925/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LATo4EzTNM |date=9 December 2021}} – LADbible TV, YouTube, 19 November 2021 He joined the reserve team of Boulogne, and made his professional debut in the last game of the Ligue 2 season on 18 May 2012, a 1–2 home defeat for his already relegated team to Monaco. He replaced Virgile Reset for the final 11 minutes.{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/05/18/france/ligue-2/union-sportive-de-boulogne-cote-dopale/association-sportive-monaco-fc/1115476/ |title=US Boulogne vs. Monaco – 18 May 2012 |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=4 June 2014 |archive-date=5 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705014631/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/05/18/france/ligue-2/union-sportive-de-boulogne-cote-dopale/association-sportive-monaco-fc/1115476/ |url-status=live}}

During the 2012–13 season, he played in the third-tier Championnat National, missing only one league game. On 10 August, he scored his first senior goal, the only one in a win over Luzenac at the Stade de la Libération,{{cite news |title=N'Golo Kanté fait souffler un vent de fraîcheur sur Boulogne |trans-title=N'Golo Kanté blows a wind of freshness on Boulogne |url=http://www.lavoixdunord.fr/region/ngolo-kante-fait-souffler-un-vent-de-fraicheur-sur-boulogne-jna31b0n627689 |access-date=21 March 2016 |newspaper=La Voix du Nord |date=12 August 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=9 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609110305/http://www.lavoixdunord.fr/region/ngolo-kante-fait-souffler-un-vent-de-fraicheur-sur-boulogne-jna31b0n627689 |url-status=live}} and he added two more over the campaign.

File:Kanté.png in 2013]]

In 2013, he joined Ligue 2 side Caen and played all 38 games in his first season as they came third in Ligue 2, earning them promotion to Ligue 1. In his second match on 9 August, he scored his first goal to equalise in a 2–1 win at Laval;{{cite news |title=Stade Lavallois : À Caen la victoire !|trans-title=Stade Lavallois: Victory to Caen! |url=http://lamayenneonadore.fr/main/2013/08/09/stade-lavallois-a-caen-la-victoire/ |access-date=21 March 2016 |publisher=La Mayenne, on adore ! |date=9 August 2013 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403155232/http://lamayenneonadore.fr/main/2013/08/09/stade-lavallois-a-caen-la-victoire/ |archive-date=3 April 2016}} he levelled again with his other goal of the campaign on 11 April 2014, in a 3–2 win at Istres.{{cite news |title=Le SM Caen remonte sur le podium de la Ligue 2 |trans-title=SM Caen get back on the podium in Ligue 2 |url=http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/basse-normandie/2014/04/12/le-sm-caen-remonte-sur-le-podium-de-la-ligue-2-458053.html |access-date=21 March 2016 |publisher=France 3 |date=12 April 2014 |language=fr |archive-date=13 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113151706/http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/basse-normandie/2014/04/12/le-sm-caen-remonte-sur-le-podium-de-la-ligue-2-458053.html |url-status=live}}

The following season, Kanté played 37 games as Caen remained in the top flight; his one absence was suspension through being sent off in a 0–1 home loss to Rennes on 30 August.{{cite news |title=Malherbe pas récompensé de ses efforts |trans-title=Malherbe not rewarded for their efforts |url=http://www.libertebonhomme.fr/2014/08/30/sm-caen-rennes-0-1-malherbe-pas-recompense-de-ses-efforts/ |access-date=21 March 2016 |newspaper=Liberté |date=30 August 2014 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113153831/http://www.libertebonhomme.fr/2014/08/30/sm-caen-rennes-0-1-malherbe-pas-recompense-de-ses-efforts/ |archive-date=13 January 2017 |url-status=dead}} Three weeks earlier, he scored their first goal of the season in a 3–0 win at Evian.{{cite news |title=Evian-Caen (0–3) |url=http://www.goal.com/fr/match/evian-tg-vs-caen/1686683/report |access-date=21 March 2016 |website=Goal.com |date=9 August 2014 |language=fr |archive-date=4 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504110252/http://www.goal.com/fr/match/evian-tg-vs-caen/1686683/report |url-status=live}} He recovered the ball more times over the season than any other player in Europe.

Kanté was scouted for Premier League club Leicester City by Steve Walsh, who had previously facilitated the transfers of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez to the team.{{cite news |last=Percy |first=John |title=Arsenal raid Leicester for highly-rated scout who helped sign Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/12104189/Arsenal-raid-Leicester-for-highly-rated-scout-who-helped-sign-Riyad-Mahrez-and-NGolo-Kante.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/12104189/Arsenal-raid-Leicester-for-highly-rated-scout-who-helped-sign-Riyad-Mahrez-and-NGolo-Kante.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=26 April 2016 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=17 January 2016}}{{cbignore}} He was identified as the successor to Esteban Cambiasso.{{cite news |url=https://theathletic.com/1355475/2019/11/30/the-2010s-the-best-premier-league-signings-of-the-decade/|title=The 2010s: The best Premier League signings of the decade|last=Crafton|first=Adam|work=The New York Times |access-date=22 December 2019|archive-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222231852/https://theathletic.com/1355475/2019/11/30/the-2010s-the-best-premier-league-signings-of-the-decade/|url-status=live}} On 3 August 2015, he joined Leicester on a four-year contract, for an undisclosed fee reported to be worth €8 million (£5.6 million).{{cite news |title=Leicester City: N'Golo Kante signs from Caen |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33762524 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=3 August 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924225416/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33762524 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Leicester sign N'Golo Kante from Caen but Charles Aranguiz not keen |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/2546487/leicester-sign-ngolo-kante-from-caen-but-aranguiz-not-keen |website=ESPN FC |access-date=3 August 2015 |date=3 August 2015 |archive-date=31 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731073714/http://www.espnfc.com/story/2546487/leicester-sign-ngolo-kante-from-caen-but-aranguiz-not-keen |url-status=live}} He made his debut five days later by replacing Vardy for the final eight minutes of a 4–2 home win over Sunderland. On 7 November, he scored his first Premier League goal, in a 2–1 home win against Watford.{{cite news |title=Leicester City: Leicester beat Watford |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34686912 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=7 November 2015 |archive-date=29 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129013507/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34686912 |url-status=live}}

He earned much praise and many plaudits for his consistently impressive displays for Leicester, and was widely considered to be a major factor in the club's excellent form as they went on to win the 2015–16 Premier League, consistently making a high number of tackles and interceptions.{{cite news |url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/630615/Jamie-Carragher-Leicester-N-Golo-Kante-impressed-more-Arsenal-Petr-Cech-News-Gossip |title=Jamie Carragher: Leicester's N'Golo Kante has impressed me more than Arsenal's Petr Cech |date=1 January 2016 |newspaper=Daily Express |access-date=1 January 2016 |archive-date=25 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161036/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/630615/Jamie-Carragher-Leicester-N-Golo-Kante-impressed-more-Arsenal-Petr-Cech-News-Gossip |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Hafez |first1=Shamoon |title=Leicester 3–0 Stoke |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35331047 |access-date=25 January 2016 |website=BBC Sport |date=23 January 2016 |archive-date=24 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124223441/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35331047 |url-status=live}} In April, he was one of four Leicester players named in the PFA Team of the Year.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36106596 |title=PFA awards: Leicester and Spurs dominate Premier League team |website=BBC Sport |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=6 May 2018 |archive-date=29 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629035855/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36106596 |url-status=live}} By the end of the season, Kanté had managed 175 tackles (31 more than any other player) and 157 interceptions (15 more than any other player), topping the defensive stats at the end of the 2015–16 Premier League season.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36255713 |title=Premier League 2015–16: The season that defied expectations |date=17 May 2016 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=15 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915013257/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36255713 |url-status=live}}

File:Ngolo Kante 2017.jpg in 2017]]

On 16 July 2016, Kanté signed a five-year deal with Chelsea who reportedly paid £32 million in transfer fees.{{cite news |title=Kante Signs |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2016/07/kante-signs.html |access-date=16 July 2016 |publisher=Chelsea F.C. |date=16 July 2016 |archive-date=16 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716141707/https://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2016/07/kante-signs.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=N'Golo Kante seals £32m transfer from Leicester to Chelsea |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/10503502/ngolo-kante-seals-16332m-transfer-from-leicester-to-chelsea-sky-sources |access-date=16 July 2016 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=16 July 2016 |archive-date=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728235008/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/10503502/ngolo-kante-seals-16332m-transfer-from-leicester-to-chelsea-sky-sources |url-status=live}} Arsenal allegedly backed out of the deal due to agent fees involved which totaled more than £10 million, instead opting to sign Granit Xhaka.{{cite news |title=Vardy, Mata, Tevez and more: The inside stories of Arsenal's failed signings |url=https://theathletic.com/1751137/2020/04/17/vardy-mata-tevez-and-more-the-inside-stories-of-arsenals-failed-signings/ |date=17 April 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210426081705/https://theathletic.com/1751137/2020/04/17/vardy-mata-tevez-and-more-the-inside-stories-of-arsenals-failed-signings/ |archive-date=26 April 2021 |last=McNicholas |first=James |work=The Athletic}} Due to disputes arising from the sharing of agent fees, Kanté was reported to have been subject to death threats,{{cite web |title=N'Golo Kanté files legal complaint against image agent following 'death threats' |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210605135948/https://www.90min.com/posts/6505858-n-golo-kante-files-legal-complaint-against-image-agent-following-death-threats |archive-date=5 June 2021 |url=https://www.90min.com/posts/6505858-n-golo-kante-files-legal-complaint-against-image-agent-following-death-threats |date=27 November 2019 |website=90min.com |last=Cooper |first=Max}} a claim which he later denied.{{cite news |title=N'Golo Kanté denies he was threatened by man carrying gun in row over agents |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210605140256/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/nov/27/ngolo-kante-denies-report-he-was-threatened-gun-row-agents |archive-date=5 June 2021 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/nov/27/ngolo-kante-denies-report-he-was-threatened-gun-row-agents |date=27 November 2019 |last=Ingle |first=Sean |work=The Guardian}} Kanté was given the number 7 shirt, left vacant since the exit of Ramires in January.{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ngolo-kante-wear-no-7-8490487 |title=Chelsea have revealed N'Golo Kante's squad number |last=Rathborn |first=Jack |website=Daily Mirror |date=25 July 2016 |access-date=28 July 2016 |archive-date=6 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406040943/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ngolo-kante-wear-no-7-8490487 |url-status=live}} According to Football Leaks, Chelsea offered to transfer a part of the salary into an offshore account to avoid taxes. Kanté refused; his lawyer stated in an email that "N'Golo is flexible, he simply wants a normal salary."{{cite news |title=N'golo Kante Refused to Be Paid Through Offshore Company Despite Alleged Pressure From Chelsea |url=https://www.90min.com/posts/6222732-n-golo-kante-refused-to-be-paid-through-offshore-company-despite-alleged-pressure-from-chelsea |access-date=14 November 2018 |website=90min.com |date=14 November 2018 |archive-date=8 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208001100/https://www.90min.com/posts/6222732-n-golo-kante-refused-to-be-paid-through-offshore-company-despite-alleged-pressure-from-chelsea |url-status=dead}}

On 15 August 2016, Kanté made his competitive debut in their season opener against West Ham United. Despite picking up a yellow card in the first three minutes of the game, he shone as the game went on, to help Chelsea to a 2–1 victory.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37006707 |title=Chelsea 2–1 West Ham: Costa's late strike earns Conte's first Premier League win |date=15 August 2016 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=24 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824041313/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37006707 |url-status=live}} Three months after his move to London, he faced his former side Leicester City for the first time, and was Man of the Match in a 3–0 victory.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37594219 |title=Chelsea 3–0 Leicester City |date=15 October 2016 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=1 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501203816/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37594219 |url-status=live}} On 23 October, he scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 4–0 home win against Manchester United.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37670362 |title=Chelsea 4–0 Manchester United |date=23 October 2016 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321132202/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37670362 |url-status=live}}

On 26 December 2016, Kanté was named by L'Équipe as the world's sixth best footballer of 2016.{{cite news |date=26 December 2016 |title=Les 100 meilleurs joueurs de l'année 2016 |trans-title=The 100 best players of the year 2016. |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Top/Football/top100-joueurs-2016/10/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094526/https://www.lequipe.fr/Top/Football/top100-joueurs-2016/10/ |archive-date=15 July 2018 |access-date=17 June 2017 |newspaper=L'Équipe |language=fr}} On 13 March 2017, Kanté was named man of the match and scored the only goal in the 51st minute, in an FA Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.{{cite news |url=http://www.beinsports.com/au/football/news/kante-fires-as-chelsea-sends-united-packing/481002 |title=Kante Fires as Chelsea Sends United Packing |date=14 March 2017 |website=Bein Sports |access-date=13 March 2017 |archive-date=2 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702130621/http://www.beinsports.com/au/football/news/kante-fires-as-chelsea-sends-united-packing/481002 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39176050 |title=Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0 |date=13 March 2017 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808225311/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39176050 |url-status=live}} On 20 April, Kanté was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the second consecutive season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39648483 |title=PFA teams of the year: Chelsea and Tottenham dominate Premier League XI |website=BBC Sport |date=20 April 2017 |access-date=6 May 2018 |archive-date=12 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112073506/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39648483 |url-status=live}} He was also later named the PFA Players' Player of the Year,{{cite web |url=https://www.thepfa.com/news/2017/4/13/pfa-mens-players-player-of-the-year |title=Men's PFA Players' Player of the Year 2017 |date=13 April 2017 |publisher=Professional Footballers' Association |access-date=23 April 2017 |archive-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608114031/https://www.thepfa.com/news/2017/4/13/pfa-mens-players-player-of-the-year |url-status=live}} the FWA Footballer of the Year,{{cite web |title=N'Golo Kante is Footballer of the Year |date=8 May 2017 |url=http://footballwriters.co.uk/news/ngolo-kante-is-footballer-of-the-year/ |publisher=Football Writers' Association |access-date=8 May 2017 |archive-date=8 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008203439/http://footballwriters.co.uk/news/ngolo-kante-is-footballer-of-the-year/ |url-status=live}} and the Premier League Player of the Season.{{cite web |title=Kante honoured to win EA SPORTS Player of the Season |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/397433 |publisher=Premier League |access-date=6 June 2017 |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705015950/https://www.premierleague.com/news/397433 |url-status=live}} Kanté become the first player since Eric Cantona in 1993 to win back‑to-back top-flight titles in England with two clubs.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/14/ngolo-kante-chelsea-back-to-back-titles-cantona-player-of-the-year |title=N'Golo Kanté's relentless drive takes him to historic title double |date=14 May 2017 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=15 May 2017 |archive-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414015132/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/14/ngolo-kante-chelsea-back-to-back-titles-cantona-player-of-the-year |url-status=live}} Kanté was nominated for the Ballon d'Or in October 2017.{{cite news |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/10/kante-in-the-running-for-ballon-d-or.html |title=Kanté in the running for Ballon D'or |date=9 October 2017 |publisher=Chelsea F.C. |access-date=10 October 2017 |archive-date=11 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011032017/http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/10/kante-in-the-running-for-ballon-d-or.html |url-status=live}} He would go on to gain an FA Cup winners medal, appearing for the whole 90 minutes in a 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the final on 19 May 2018. BBC Sport awarded him the man of the match award.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44091559 |title=Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United |date=19 May 2018 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=24 January 2019 |archive-date=25 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325152601/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44091559 |url-status=live}}

He signed a new five-year contract at Chelsea on 23 November 2018, making him Chelsea's highest-paid player.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/nov/23/chelsea-ngolo-kante-signs-new-contract-five-years |title=Sarri hopes Hazard will follow Kanté's lead and sign new Chelsea deal |newspaper=The Guardian |date=23 November 2018 |archive-date=31 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210531201924/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/nov/23/chelsea-ngolo-kante-signs-new-contract-five-years |last=Fifield |first=Dominic}} Kanté scored the first goal of Chelsea's 2–1 EFL Cup semi-final second leg win at home to Tottenham Hotspur. The score was tied 2–2 on aggregate at the end of 90 minutes, with Chelsea winning the shootout 4–2.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/chelsea-make-spurs-pay-the-penalty/157724 |title=Carabao Cup semi-final: Chelsea beat Tottenham 4–2 on penalties to book final clash with Manchester City at Wembley |date=25 January 2019 |website=Sporting Life |access-date=24 January 2019 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420085431/https://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/chelsea-make-spurs-pay-the-penalty/157724 |url-status=live}} Kanté scored on his 300th club appearance, a 2–2 home draw against Burnley on 22 April.{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en-au/match/chelsea-v-burnley/report/d73kk08szbl3x0buvisesghuy |title=Chelsea 2 Burnley 2: Kante injured as Sarri's men waste chance to go third |date=23 April 2019 |website=Goal.com |access-date=22 April 2019 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422211431/https://www.goal.com/en-au/match/chelsea-v-burnley/report/d73kk08szbl3x0buvisesghuy |url-status=live}} Despite not being fully fit, Kanté started the 2018–19 Europa League final and dominated Arsenal's midfield{{cite web |title=Kante's renaissance: How Tuchel restored him to role he starred in under Ranieri and Conte |url=https://theathletic.com/2614828/2021/05/29/kante-chelsea-renaissance-tuchel-restoring-him-role-starred-under-ranieri-conte/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210529151736/https://theathletic.com/2614828/2021/05/29/kante-chelsea-renaissance-tuchel-restoring-him-role-starred-under-ranieri-conte/ |date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=29 May 2021 |work=The Athletic |last1=Twomey |first1=Liam |first2=Mark |last2=Carey}} as Chelsea won 4–1.{{Cite web |title=Five interesting things about the 2021 Champions League final |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/05/25/five-interesting-things-about-the-2021-champions-league-final |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210531203053/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/05/25/five-interesting-things-about-the-2021-champions-league-final |date=25 May 2021 |archive-date=31 May 2021 |work=Chelsea FC}}

Kanté started the 2019 Premier League campaign from the bench as Chelsea suffered a 4–0 away defeat to Manchester United.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49223795|title=Manchester United 4–0 Chelsea|date=11 August 2019|website=BBC Sport|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107102536/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49223795|url-status=live}} He has been out for almost a month including missing the Champions League opener against Valencia because of ankle injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/kante-ruled-out-of-chelsea-clashes-with-wolves-valencia/17cr95mvzsf8z1azld4oqzhy1v|title=Kante ruled out of Chelsea clashes with Wolves & Valencia|date=13 September 2019|website=Goal.com|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=7 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007074245/https://www.goal.com/en/news/kante-ruled-out-of-chelsea-clashes-with-wolves-valencia/17cr95mvzsf8z1azld4oqzhy1v|url-status=live}} Kanté scored the only goal in a 1–2 loss against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on 22 September 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49705147|title=Chelsea 1–2 Liverpool|date=22 September 2019|website=BBC Sport|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121222502/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49705147|url-status=live}} His first goal of the season was nominated for the Premier League Goal of the Month award along with his Chelsea teammate Fikayo Tomori.{{cite web|url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2019/10/04/fikayo-tomori-and-n-golo-kante-nominated-for-goal-awards|title=Fikayo Tomori and N'Golo Kante nominated for goal awards|date=4 October 2019|website=Chelsea F.C.|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=7 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007074248/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2019/10/04/fikayo-tomori-and-n-golo-kante-nominated-for-goal-awards|url-status=live}} Kanté marked his 150th Chelsea appearance with a goal against Manchester City, in a 1–2 away defeat on 23 November.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50443048|title=Man City 2–1 Chelsea|date=23 November 2019 |website=BBC Sport|access-date=24 November 2019|archive-date=17 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217035846/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50443048|url-status=live}} Later that month Kanté revealed he decided against moving to PSG and said, "‘Sometimes we do not necessarily know where we want to go, but we know what we have." He said he felt good in London and had faith in the project at Chelsea.{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/11/25/ngolo-kante-explains-snubbed-psg-transfer-stay-chelsea-11214306/|title=N'Golo Kante explains why he snubbed PSG transfer to stay at Chelsea|date=25 November 2019|website=Metro |access-date=10 December 2019|archive-date=31 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231111313/https://metro.co.uk/2019/11/25/ngolo-kante-explains-snubbed-psg-transfer-stay-chelsea-11214306/|url-status=live}}

In May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kanté chose to train from home after Chelsea resumed training on site. The club supported his stance, even if he would miss the rest of the season.{{cite news |last=Magowan |first=Alistair |title=N'Golo Kante: Chelsea will allow midfielder to stay away from training amid coronavirus fears |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52767877 |access-date=22 May 2020 |website=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2020 |archive-date=14 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114195059/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52767877 |url-status=live}} Kanté impressed in the Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion, in a 3–1 away win on 14 September 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54052535|title=Brighton 1–3 Chelsea|date=14 September 2020|website=BBC Sport|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929185933/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54052535|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Debono|first=Matt|url=https://www.si.com/.amp-chelsea/soccer/chelsea/match-coverage/player-ratings-brighton-chelsea-pl-140920|title=Player Ratings: Brighton and Hove Albion 1-3 Chelsea - James, Jorginho, Kante and Zouma impress on Kai Havertz and Timo Werner's Blues debuts|date=14 September 2020|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517223137/https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/.amp/match-coverage/player-ratings-brighton-chelsea-pl-140920|url-status=live}}

He marked his 200th appearance in all competitions with the club 23 February 2021 as Chelsea beat Atlético Madrid 1–0 in the Champions League round of 16.{{cite twitter |url=https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1364528878295916545 |number=1364528878295916545 |title=2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Chelsea appearances! 💪 @nglkante |date=23 February 2021|user=chelseafc |author=Chelsea FC |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210603080252/https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1364528878295916545 |archive-date=3 June 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2021/2/24/22299512/ngolo-kante-reaches-200-chelsea-appearances-as-cesar-azpilicueta-closes-in-on-top-10-all-time|title=N'Golo Kanté reaches 200 Chelsea appearances as César Azpilicueta closes in on Top 10 all-time|date=24 February 2021|access-date=28 February 2021|website=weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430092009/https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2021/2/24/22299512/ngolo-kante-reaches-200-chelsea-appearances-as-cesar-azpilicueta-closes-in-on-top-10-all-time|url-status=live}} Kanté was widely lauded for his performances against the Spanish sides, Atlético Madrid{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56438397|title=Kante is like having 'half a man more'|date=18 March 2021|website=BBC Sport|access-date=19 March 2021|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507232021/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56438397|url-status=live}} and Real Madrid, en-route to the final of the Champions League.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2021/may/05/havertz-and-werner-deliver-comic-duo-for-chelsea-as-kante-steals-show|title=N'Golo Kanté steals show for Chelsea but strikers still lack cutting edge|website=The Guardian|date=5 May 2021|access-date=6 May 2021|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104143415/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2021/may/05/havertz-and-werner-deliver-comic-duo-for-chelsea-as-kante-steals-show|url-status=live}} He was named player of the match as he won his first UEFA Champions League after Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1–0 in the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final in Porto.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-12650cedca55-37515f69768e-1000--report-chelsea-claim-second-title/|title=Man. City 0-1 Chelsea: Havertz gives Blues second Champions League triumph|website=UEFA|date=29 May 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603073706/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-12650cedca55-37515f69768e-1000--report-chelsea-claim-second-title/|url-status=live}} Arsène Wenger described Kanté's performance as "unbelievable",{{r|rorymay21}} and commentators argued that Kanté's performance in the Champions League put him in contention for the 2021 Ballon d’Or.{{cite web|date=30 May 2021|title=Halfway through 2021, N'Golo Kante deserves the Ballon d'Or|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/champions-league/2021/05/30/60b3659fe2704eb0068b463f.html|access-date=30 May 2021|website=MARCA |archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531174054/https://www.marca.com/en/football/champions-league/2021/05/30/60b3659fe2704eb0068b463f.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Pasztor|first=David|date=30 May 2021|title=It's time to give N'Golo Kanté the Ballon d'Or|url=https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2021/5/30/22460798/its-time-to-give-ngolo-kante-the-ballon-dor|access-date=30 May 2021|website=We Ain't Got No History |archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214341/https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2021/5/30/22460798/its-time-to-give-ngolo-kante-the-ballon-dor|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Ballon d'Or 2021 Power Rankings: Kante powers ahead after Champions League masterclass |url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ballon-dor-2021-power-rankings/1l03egk461k3a1em4lb6gh8mhu |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |work=Goal |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210603075905/https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ballon-dor-2021-power-rankings/1l03egk461k3a1em4lb6gh8mhu |last=Maston |first=Tom}}{{cite web |title=Why N'Golo Kante deserves the Ballon d'Or over Lewandowski, Messi, Ronaldo & Co. in 2021 |url=https://www.espn.in/football/france-fra/story/4399544/why-ngolo-kante-deserves-the-ballon-dor-over-lewandowskimessironaldo-and-co-in-2021 |date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210604135821/https://www.espn.in/football/france-fra/story/4399544/why-ngolo-kante-deserves-the-ballon-dor-over-lewandowskimessironaldo-and-co-in-2021 |archive-date=4 June 2021 |work=ESPN |last=Laurens |first=Julien}}{{cite web |title=N'Golo Kante is the smiling clairvoyant with two hearts |url=https://www.football365.com/news/ngolo-kante-chelsea-john-nicholson |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210605134350/https://www.football365.com/news/ngolo-kante-chelsea-john-nicholson |date=4 June 2021 |archive-date=5 June 2021 |last=Nicholson |first=John |website=football365.com}} In anticipation of the award, Kante said that "it's a great individual award for players, but I see it as the result of a season. It's not necessarily an objective I'm working on."{{citation|title=Chelsea's Kante plays down Ballon d'Or chances |date=7 June 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGVOSeXRy9o |access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611231416/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGVOSeXRy9o|url-status=live}}

After Kanté's match-winning performances in Chelsea's run-up to the final of the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League season, several pundits proclaimed him as the apparent successor to former France and Chelsea player Claude Makélélé, who is considered to be one of the best defensive midfielders of all time.{{r|nic1}}{{cite news |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/champions-league/2021/04/26/6086c41322601df1218b456a.html |title=Kante's tough upbringing which led him to become the new Makelele |work=MARCA |date=26 April 2021 |access-date=7 May 2021 |archive-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507102624/https://www.marca.com/en/football/champions-league/2021/04/26/6086c41322601df1218b456a.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Champions League: Evolution of N'Golo Kante, how PSG lost the plot and other talking points from semis 2nd legs |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/champions-league-evolution-of-ngolo-kante-how-psg-lost-the-plot-and-other-talking-points-from-semis-2nd-legs-9596491.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210506113721/https://www.firstpost.com/sports/champions-league-evolution-of-ngolo-kante-how-psg-lost-the-plot-and-other-talking-points-from-semis-2nd-legs-9596491.html |date=6 May 2021 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |last=Das |first=Srijandeep |website=firstpost.com}}{{cite web |title=Searching for Claude: Can the next Makélélé please stand up? |url=https://thefootballfaithful.com/searching-for-claude-can-the-next-makelele-please-stand-up/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210506114005/https://thefootballfaithful.com/searching-for-claude-can-the-next-makelele-please-stand-up/ |date=11 April 2021 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |last=Mac Raghnaill |first=Eoin |website=thefootballfaithful.com}} For his performances throughout the season, Kanté was named the UEFA Men's Midfielder of the year on 26 August 2021, but lost out to Chelsea teammate Jorginho in the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58346919|title=Jorginho: Chelsea midfielder wins Uefa men's player of the year award |website=BBC Sport|date=26 August 2021|access-date=27 August 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830035558/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58346919|url-status=live}}

In later September 2021, Kanté tested positive for COVID-19 amid its pandemic, and was required to self-isolate for 10 days.{{cite web |url=https://www.tsn.ca/chelsea-midfielder-kante-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-1.1699456 |title=N'Golo Kante tests positive for COVID-19 Chelsea |publisher=TSN |date=28 September 2021 |access-date=10 October 2021 |archive-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010210423/https://www.tsn.ca/chelsea-midfielder-kante-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-1.1699456 |url-status=live}} On 8 October, Kanté was one of five Chelsea players included in the final 30-man shortlist for the 2021 Ballon d'Or.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/official-five-chelsea-players-among-30-man-ballon-dor-shortlist|title=Official: Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Mount & Lukaku Among Chelsea Players On 30-Man 2021 Ballon d'Or Shortlist|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=8 October 2021|accessdate=8 October 2021|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008164451/https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/official-five-chelsea-players-among-30-man-ballon-dor-shortlist|url-status=live}} On 13 February 2022, he helped Chelsea to their first FIFA Club World Cup triumph in a 2–1 win over Palmeiras.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0271-143308c604e5-48d7851a3e61-1000--chelsea-win-club-world-cup/|title=Club World Cup: Champions League holders Chelsea become eighth European winners|website=UEFA|date=12 February 2022|access-date=12 February 2022|archive-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212200943/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0271-143308c604e5-48d7851a3e61-1000--chelsea-win-club-world-cup/|url-status=live}} On 14 August 2022, he suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Tottenham Hotspur,{{cite web |url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/ngolo-kante-suffers-yet-another-hamstring-injury-35639463 |title=N'Golo Kante suffers yet another hamstring injury |publisher=OneFootball |date=14 August 2022 |access-date=15 June 2023 |archive-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615200108/https://onefootball.com/en/news/ngolo-kante-suffers-yet-another-hamstring-injury-35639463 |url-status=live}} which kept him sidelined until April 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/report-chelsea-0-aston-villa-2 |title=Report: Chelsea 0 Aston Villa 2 |publisher=Chelsea F.C. |date=1 April 2023 |access-date=15 June 2023 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404042045/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/report-chelsea-0-aston-villa-2 |url-status=live}}

On 21 June 2023, Kante agreed to sign for Saudi Professional League club Al-Ittihad on 1 July upon the expiration of his Chelsea contract.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jun/21/chelsea-confirm-ngolo-kante-will-join-saudi-arabian-club-al-ittihad |title=Chelsea confirm N'Golo Kanté will join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |agency=PA Media |date=21 June 2023 |access-date=21 June 2023 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621151840/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jun/21/chelsea-confirm-ngolo-kante-will-join-saudi-arabian-club-al-ittihad |url-status=live}}

File:N'Golo Kanté Russia 2018.jpg at the 2018 FIFA World Cup]]

Born to Malian parents, Kanté was approached by Mali ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations having not played for France in any of their age group teams. Kanté declined on the basis that he was still trying to establish himself in Ligue 1.{{cite news |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/N-golo-kante-caen-pourrait-choisir-de-representer-le-mali/558678 |title=N'Golo Kanté (Caen) pourrait choisir de représenter le Mali |trans-title=N'Golo Kanté (Caen) could choose to represent Mali |newspaper=L'Équipe |access-date=10 June 2016 |language=fr |archive-date=8 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608050604/http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/N-golo-kante-caen-pourrait-choisir-de-representer-le-mali/558678 |url-status=live}} Mali issued a further invitation to Kanté in January 2016,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35343401 |title=N'Golo Kante: Mali make second approach to midfielder |website=BBC Sport |access-date=10 June 2016 |archive-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407220443/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35343401 |url-status=live}} although he stated that he was still undecided about which national team to represent should he get an invite from France.{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/barclays-premier-league/story/2807981/kante-to-decided-over-possible-france-mali-call-ups |title=Leicester's N'Golo Kante undecided over possible France, Mali call-ups |website=ESPN FC |access-date=10 June 2016 |archive-date=18 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818152902/http://www.espnfc.co.uk/barclays-premier-league/story/2807981/kante-to-decided-over-possible-france-mali-call-ups |url-status=live}} On 17 March 2016, Kanté was selected for the France senior squad for the first time to face the Netherlands and Russia in friendlies.{{cite news |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Equipe-de-france-ngolo-kante-et-dimitri-payet-appeles-par-didier-deschamps/644065 |title=Equipe de France : N'Golo Kanté et Dimitri Payet appelés par Didier Deschamps |trans-title=French Squad: N'Golo [sic] Kanté and Dimitri Payet called up by Didier Deschamps |newspaper=L'Équipe |language=fr |date=17 March 2016 |access-date=17 March 2016 |archive-date=19 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319125102/http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Equipe-de-france-ngolo-kante-et-dimitri-payet-appeles-par-didier-deschamps/644065 |url-status=live}} He made his debut against the former eight days later, replacing Lassana Diarra at half-time in a 3–2 win at the Amsterdam Arena.{{cite news |last=Sharpe |first=James |title=Leicester City NEWS: N'Golo Kante makes France debut in win over Holland as Johan Cruyff remembered |url=http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicester-City-NEWS-N-Golo-Kante-makes-France/story-28996050-detail/story.html |access-date=26 March 2016 |newspaper=Leicester Mercury |date=25 March 2016}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} On his 25th birthday, 29 March, he made his first start and scored to open a 4–2 win over Russia at the Stade de France; fellow birthday celebrant Dimitri Payet also scored.{{cite news |title=Birthday boys N'Golo Kante and Dimitri Payet help France to victory |url=http://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/birthday-boys-n-golo-kante-and-dimitri-payet-help-france-to-victory_sto5415101/story.shtml |access-date=29 March 2016 |publisher=Eurosport |date=29 March 2016 |archive-date=17 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717100021/https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/birthday-boys-n-golo-kante-and-dimitri-payet-help-france-to-victory_sto5415101/story.shtml |url-status=live}} On 10 June 2016, Kanté appeared in his first competitive match for France by starting the opening match of Euro 2016 against Romania; he played the entire match, made the most passes, the most tackles, the most interceptions, covered the most distance on the pitch and assisted Dimitri Payet's winning goal in a 2–1 victory.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d81749e107a-b8910b3cfc0d-1000--payet-stunner-gives-euro-2016-hosts-france-opening-group-/ |title=Payet stunner gives hosts France opening win |publisher=UEFA |date=10 June 2016 |access-date=12 June 2016 |archive-date=17 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917121723/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2016/matches/round=2000448/match=2017877/postmatch/report/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.euronews.com/sport/3205635-payet-stunner-gives-france-2-1-win-over-romania-in-opener/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615084434/http://www.±euronews.com/sport/3205635-payet-stunner-gives-france-2-1-win-over-romania-in-opener/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2016 |title=Payet's late stunner helps France floor Romania. |date=11 June 2016}}{{cite news |last=Abbasi |first=Imran |date=10 Aug 2023 |title=ww88 |url=https://okw88.net/ |url-status=dead |access-date=4 November 2023 |newspaper=The Worth}} In the round of 16 match against the Republic of Ireland at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Kanté picked up a yellow card in the 27th minute (his second of Euro 2016 which would cause him to be suspended from the quarter-final) and was replaced with Kingsley Coman in the 46th minute with the French trailing 0–1 at half time.{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Tom |title=The Kante dilemma: Can Didier Deschamps solve his biggest problem? |url=http://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/euro-2016/2016/the-kante-dilemma-can-didier-deschamps-solve-his-biggest-problem_sto5674392/story.shtml |access-date=17 July 2016 |publisher=Eurosport |date=6 July 2016 |archive-date=30 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630213927/https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/euro-2016/2016/the-kante-dilemma-can-didier-deschamps-solve-his-biggest-problem_sto5674392/story.shtml |url-status=live}} Kanté was unused in the final, which France lost 1–0 to Portugal after extra time.{{cite news |title=Euro 2016 Final Defeat For Kante's France |url=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/2016-17/euro-2016-defeat-for-kantes-france-3178005.aspx |access-date=17 July 2016 |publisher=Leicester City F.C. |date=10 July 2016 |archive-date=18 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818001759/http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/2016-17/euro-2016-defeat-for-kantes-france-3178005.aspx |url-status=live}} On 17 May 2018, he was called up to the 23-man French squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia by manager Didier Deschamps.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12025/11376691/alexandre-lacazette-and-anthony-martial-on-standby-for-france-world-cup-squad-and-dimitri-payet-out |title=Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Martial on standby for France World Cup squad and Dimitri Payet out |publisher=Sky Sports |last=Charles |first=Andy |date=21 May 2018 |access-date=15 July 2018 |archive-date=4 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704123904/http://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/12025/11376691/alexandre-lacazette-and-anthony-martial-on-standby-for-france-world-cup-squad-and-dimitri-payet-out |url-status=live}} He featured in all seven matches for France in the tournament.{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player/398681/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622221855/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player/398681/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 June 2018 |title=N Golo Kante |work=FIFA |access-date=26 February 2019}} He was awarded Man of the Match in a 0–0 draw against Denmark in the final match of the group stage on 26 June,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/jun/26/world-cup-2018-denmark-v-france-live |title=Denmark 0-0 France: World Cup 2018 – as it happened |work=The Guardian |last=Glendenning |first=Barry |date=26 June 2018 |access-date=7 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513064423/https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/jun/26/world-cup-2018-denmark-v-france-live |url-status=live}} and on 15 July, Kanté started in France's 4–2 win over Croatia in the final of the tournament. In May 2021, Kanté was called up for the France squad for UEFA Euro 2020.{{cite news|url=https://theathletic.com/news/benzema-france-euro-2020-squad/ILy40oON8OQr|title=Karim Benzema named in France squad for first time in six years|work=The Athletic|date=18 May 2021|access-date=20 May 2021|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520061200/https://theathletic.com/news/benzema-france-euro-2020-squad/ILy40oON8OQr|url-status=live}}

He helped France win the 2021 Nations League, playing in the group stages but missing the semifinal and final due to contracting COVID-19. Kanté missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup as he recovered from a serious hamstring injury.{{cite web |date=14 October 2022 |title=Sources: France star Kante to miss World Cup |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/france-fra/story/4770399/france-ngolo-kante-ruled-out-of-world-cup-with-hamstring-injury-sources |access-date=15 October 2022 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015051536/https://www.espn.com/soccer/france-fra/story/4770399/france-ngolo-kante-ruled-out-of-world-cup-with-hamstring-injury-sources |url-status=live}}

On 16 May 2024, Kanté made his return to the France squad after he was selected by Deschamps for UEFA Euro 2024.{{cite web |title=Euro 2024 : Deschamps convoque Bradley Barcola, Ferland Mendy et N'Golo Kanté dans la liste de l'équipe de France |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Euro-2024-deschamps-convoque-bradley-barcola-ferland-mendy-et-n-golo-kante-dans-la-liste-de-l-equipe-de-france/1468115 |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}} On 17 June, he was awarded player of the match in the opening encounter against Austria, which ended in a 1–0 victory; in addition he was handed the captain armband for the first time by the end of the game.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/match/2036168--austria-vs-france/ |title=Austria 0–1 France |publisher=UEFA |date=17 June 2024 }} Four days later, he achieved back-to-back player of the match honors in a goalless draw against the Netherlands.{{cite web |url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/netherlands-0-0-france-player-ratings-perfect-ngolo-kante-shines-again-despite-stalemate-in-leipzig-39659701 |title=Netherlands 0-0 France player ratings: 'Perfect' N'Golo Kante shines again despite stalemate in Leipzig |publisher=OneFootball |date=21 June 2024 }} Following the round of 16 victory over Belgium, he became the player with most matches without defeat in the European competition in 12 games, breaking previous record of Xavi.{{cite web |url=https://getfootballnewsspain.com/ngolo-kante-breaks-barcelona-legend-xavis-all-time-record-in-frances-win-over-belgium/ |title=N'Golo Kanté breaks Barcelona legend Xavi's all-time record in France's win over Belgium |publisher=Get Spanish Football News |date=1 July 2024 }} After the quarter-final win over Portugal on penalties, he became the first player to reach 20 consecutive undefeated matches in major tournaments, breaking the previous record held by Xavi.{{cite web |url=https://saudiworldfootball.com/2024/07/06/kante-increases-the-gap-with-barca-legend-xavi-after-beating-cristiano-ronaldo-led-portugal-in-the-euro/ |title=Kanté increases the gap with Barça legend Xavi after beating Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal in the Euro |publisher=Saudi World Football |date=6 July 2024 }}

A dynamic, diminutive, and disciplined player,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/07/chelsea-unstoppable-force-ngolo-kante-west-ham|title=Chelsea have the look of an unstoppable force thanks to N'Golo Kanté|last1=Fifield|first1=Dominic|date=7 March 2017|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=27 September 2017|archive-date=28 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928005612/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/07/chelsea-unstoppable-force-ngolo-kante-west-ham|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/04/08/why-ngolo-kante-is-the-best-midfielder-in-the-premier-league/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/04/08/why-ngolo-kante-is-the-best-midfielder-in-the-premier-league/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Why N'Golo Kante is the best midfielder in the Premier League|last1=Bull|first1=JJ|date=8 April 2016|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/chelsea-manager-antonio-conte-ngolo-kante-manchester-united-preview-a7624636.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220618/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/chelsea-manager-antonio-conte-ngolo-kante-manchester-united-preview-a7624636.html |archive-date=18 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Antonio Conte sees himself in N'Golo Kante, Chelsea's midfield revelation, ahead of Manchester United clash|newspaper=The Independent |last1=Delaney|first1=Miguel|date=12 March 2017|access-date=4 January 2018}} Kanté is known for his relentless energy and excellent ball-winning abilities as a defensive midfielder in the centre of the pitch.{{Cite web|last1=House|first1=Future Publishing Limited Quay|last2=Ambury|first2=The|last3=Engl|first3=Bath BA1 1UA All rights reserved|last4=number 2008885|first4=Wales company registration|date=21 March 2019|title=Ranked! The 10 best central midfielders in the world|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/best-central-midfielders-the-world|access-date=6 September 2019|website=FourFourTwo |archive-date=23 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323001708/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/best-central-midfielders-the-world|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/barclays-premier-league/23/blog/post/2935772/premier-league-disappointing-lack-of-deep-lying-playmakers|title=Disappointing lack of deep-lying playmakers in the Premier League|publisher=ESPN|last1=Cox|first1=Michael|date=23 August 2016|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301094104/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/barclays-premier-league/23/blog/post/2935772/premier-league-disappointing-lack-of-deep-lying-playmakers|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2016-2017/man-of-the-year-ngolo-kante-an-unbroken-story-of-excellence_sto5995175/story.shtml|title=Man of the year N'Golo Kante: an unbroken story of excellence|publisher=Eurosport|last1=Adams|first1=Tom|date=29 December 2016|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-date=23 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023192949/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/oct/29/chelsea-ngolo-kante-antonio-conte|title=Antonio Conte hails in-form N'Golo Kanté as 'the complete midfielder'|newspaper=The Guardian|last1=Ames|first1=Nick|date=29 October 2016|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=5 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180359/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/oct/29/chelsea-ngolo-kante-antonio-conte|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=N'Golo Kante's Top 10 Chelsea Moments|website=YouTube|date=9 January 2020 |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzYbCe-dpE|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728112309/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnzYbCe-dpE|url-status=live}} This is attributed to his strong positional sense, off the ball movement, and ability to read the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39248977|title=N'Golo Kante: How can Premier League clubs create next star?|website=BBC Sport|last1=Fletcher|first1=Paul|date=29 March 2017|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424101913/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39248977|url-status=live}} Predominantly known for his tactical awareness, intelligence, anticipation, and the defensive aspect of his game—his ability to tackle and regain possession, intercept passes, and block shots—Kanté is also capable of playmaking from inside his own half and is an efficient passer on the counter-attack, helping kick start attacking plays immediately after winning back the ball. He is also quick up and down the pitch and often makes late attacking runs in to the box.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/11/ngolo-kante-antonio-conte-chelsea|title=N'Golo Kanté was a champion already but Antonio Conte has made him better|newspaper=The Guardian|last1=Fifield|first1=Dominic|date=11 March 2017|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=5 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180428/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/11/ngolo-kante-antonio-conte-chelsea|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-vs-chelsea-paul-pogba-praises-ngolo-kante-a7685291.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220618/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-vs-chelsea-paul-pogba-praises-ngolo-kante-a7685291.html |archive-date=18 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Paul Pogba praises France team-mate N'Golo Kante's tenacity as Manchester United prepare to host Chelsea|newspaper=The Independent|last1=Brown|first1=Luke|date=15 April 2017|access-date=4 January 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2017/m=9/news=kante-in-the-spotlight-whether-he-likes-it-or-not-2908449.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920122937/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2017/m=9/news=kante-in-the-spotlight-whether-he-likes-it-or-not-2908449.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 September 2017|title=Kante in the spotlight, whether he likes it or not|publisher=FIFA|date=20 September 2017|access-date=4 January 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/english-premier-league/23/blog/post/3008538/kante-fernandinho-channeling-conte-and-pep-to-drive-chelsea-and-man-city|title=Kante, Fernandinho channeling Conte and Pep to drive Chelsea and Man City|publisher=ESPN|last1=Jolly|first1=Richard|date=1 December 2016|access-date=1 July 2019|archive-date=1 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701120455/https://www.espn.com/soccer/english-premier-league/23/blog/post/3008538/kante-fernandinho-channeling-conte-and-pep-to-drive-chelsea-and-man-city|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39262399 |title=Kante world's best midfielder - Lampard |website=BBC Sport |date=13 March 2017 |access-date=7 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509063540/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39262399 |url-status=live}} A late bloomer, by the age of 21, Kanté had only made one senior appearance in the second tier of French football. He credits his calm and composed demeanor on the pitch to his gradual rise through three levels in the football league pyramid.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/21/sports/chelsea-manchester-city-ngolo-kante.html|title=At Chelsea, Hard Work as High Art|work=The New York Times|last=Smith|first=Rory|date=21 November 2019|access-date=10 December 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200515083207/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/21/sports/chelsea-manchester-city-ngolo-kante.html |archive-date=15 May 2020}}

Kanté cites Lassana Diarra{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/22/football/kante-chelsea-roi-football-stats-win-percentage/index.html |title=N'Golo Kante: English football's most effective player? |publisher=CNN |last=Young |first=Henry |date=3 January 2017 |access-date=4 January 2018 |archive-date=5 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105070133/http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/22/football/kante-chelsea-roi-football-stats-win-percentage/index.html |url-status=live}} and Claude Makélélé, with whom he is often compared, as inspirations but insists he has his own style and approach towards the game,{{cite news |title=Kante reveals the secret to his fitness and the two former Blues who inspired him |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/05/27/kante-reveals-the-secret-to-his-fitness-and-the-two-former-blues |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210529094935/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/05/27/kante-reveals-the-secret-to-his-fitness-and-the-two-former-blues |date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=29 May 2021 |website=chelseafc.com}}{{cite news |title=N'Golo Kanté on his long rise to stardom, and Chelsea's UEFA Champions League final meeting with Manchester City |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-125dd99769cb-a9b4971d3a43-1000--the-rise-and-rise-of-kante/ |archive-date=29 May 2021 |date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210529094812/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-125dd99769cb-a9b4971d3a43-1000--the-rise-and-rise-of-kante/ |publisher=UEFA}} one which is unconventional{{r|nic1}}{{r|twomey2}} and described as "false four",{{cite web |title=N'Golo Kanté: the one-man midfield who conquered Europe for Chelsea |date=30 May 2021 |archive-date=1 June 2021 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/may/30/ngolo-kante-the-one-man-midfield-who-conquered-europe-for-chelsea |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210601202853/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/may/30/ngolo-kante-the-one-man-midfield-who-conquered-europe-for-chelsea |work=The Guardian |last=Ronay |first=Barney}} "relayeur",{{cite web |title=N'Golo Kante's versatility and raw talent make defining his role difficult |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210605140107/https://www.espn.in/football/club/chelsea/363/blog/post/2971894/chelsea-ngolo-kantes-versatility-and-raw-talent-make-defining-his-role-difficult |archive-date=5 June 2021 |date=14 October 2016 |url=https://www.espn.in/football/club/chelsea/363/blog/post/2971894/chelsea-ngolo-kantes-versatility-and-raw-talent-make-defining-his-role-difficult |last=Twomey |first=Liam |work=ESPN}} "carrilero",{{r|tinashe1}}{{cite web |title=Why N'Golo Kante is the best midfielder in the world right now |url=https://www.footballcoin.io/blog/why-ngolo-kante-is-the-best-midfielder-in-the-world-right-now/ |date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210604230215/https://www.footballcoin.io/blog/why-ngolo-kante-is-the-best-midfielder-in-the-world-right-now/ |archive-date=4 June 2021 |website=footballcoin.io |last=Dimiean |first=Eduard}} and "mezzala".{{cite web |title=The Difference Between The Carrilero, Mezzala And Regista Roles In Football |url=https://footballiconic.com/carrilero-vs-mezzala-vs-regista-what-is-the-difference/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210604224407/https://footballiconic.com/carrilero-vs-mezzala-vs-regista-what-is-the-difference/ |archive-date=4 June 2021 |date=28 September 2020 |website=footballiconic.com |author=Tinashe}}{{Cite web |title=Why Chelsea need N'Golo Kanté now more than ever |url=https://breakingthelines.com/data-analysis/why-chelsea-need-ngolo-kante-now-more-than-ever/ |date=17 September 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210604225315/https://breakingthelines.com/data-analysis/why-chelsea-need-ngolo-kante-now-more-than-ever/ |archive-date=4 June 2021 |website=breakingthelines.com |last=Wolf |first=Nate}} His game is considered as, or tasked with, doing the "dirty work", which includes running, fetching, and retrieving possession. Though Kanté does not necessarily enjoy his role, he once said, "[the] satisfaction in recovering a ball, in protecting my team from an opponent's attack" is what keeps him going. Kanté made the most tackles in Europe's top leagues in back-to-back seasons (14–15 and 15–16).{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/five-aside/77/post/2476427/top-european-league-player-stats-of-the-2014-15-season|title=Top European league player stats of the 2014–15 season|website=ESPN FC|last=Johnson|first=Dale|date=2 June 2015|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413153945/http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/five-aside/77/post/2476427/top-european-league-player-stats-of-the-2014-15-season|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/row-zed/incredible-stat-reveals-how-vital-7727952|title=Incredible stat reveals how vital N'Golo Kante has been to Leicester City this season|newspaper=Daily Mirror|last=Moody|first=Jon|date=10 April 2016|access-date=4 January 2017|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205195413/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/row-zed/incredible-stat-reveals-how-vital-7727952|url-status=live}} In his first 150 Premier League appearances he totaled 92 wins, 28 losses and 10 goals. During his time in the Premier League, he never received a red card.{{Cite web |title=N'Golo Kanté Statistics {{!}} Premier League |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/13492/N'Golo-Kant%C3%A9/stats |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=www.premierleague.com |language=en}}{{r|liam1}}

Under Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, Kanté was deployed in a more advanced midfield role{{mdash}}one that he previously played in at Leicester{{mdash}}showcasing his effectiveness in possession and ball-carrying duties.{{cite web |last=Pandey |first=Kaustubh |title=Sarri key to Kanté's evolution |url=https://www.football-italia.net/170176/sarri-key-kant%C3%A9%E2%80%99s-evolution |publisher=www.football-italia.net |access-date=7 May 2021 |date=5 May 2021 |archive-date=5 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505134146/https://www.football-italia.net/170176/sarri-key-kant%C3%A9%E2%80%99s-evolution |url-status=live}} In 2021, Tuchel restored Kanté in a "double six" holding midfield role to great effect, predominantly on the right-hand side,{{r|liam1}} and usually partnered either by Jorginho or Mateo Kovačić.{{cite web |title='Great ability': Ramires praises three Chelsea players who are vital to current side |url=https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/club-news/great-ability-ramires-praises-three-chelsea-players-who-are-vital-to-current-side/ |date=11 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220226091657/https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/club-news/great-ability-ramires-praises-three-chelsea-players-who-are-vital-to-current-side/ |archive-date=26 February 2022 |last=Toner |first=Dom |work=The Chelsea Chronicle}} Kanté was effective in both disrupting an opponent's possession play in the final-third as well as springing swift counter-attacks from the midfield.{{r|liam1}}{{cite web |title=The power, poise and pass of N'Golo Kante, the architect of a perfect Chelsea counter-attack |url=https://theathletic.com/3145383/2022/02/23/the-power-poise-and-pass-of-ngolo-kante-architect-of-perfect-chelsea-counter-attack/ |date=23 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220223160755/https://theathletic.com/3145383/2022/02/23/the-power-poise-and-pass-of-ngolo-kante-architect-of-perfect-chelsea-counter-attack/ |archive-date=23 February 2022 |work=The Athletic |first=Stuart |last=James}}

In April 2016, Alex Ferguson hailed Kanté as the best player in the Premier League, while the following year, former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard labelled him the best central midfielder in the world. His World Cup winning midfield partner, Paul Pogba, said he could outrun an entire team of 11 players. His league-title winning manager, Claudio Ranieri, often joked about him having "batteries" and said: "One day, I'm going to see you cross the ball and then finish the cross with a header yourself."

Thomas Tuchel, with whom Kanté won the 2020–21 Champions League,{{Cite web |title=The Debrief: Dominance on the flanks and unbeatable defence provide foundations for Champions League glory |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/05/30/the-debrief--dominance-on-the-flanks-and-unbeatable-defence-prov |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210531205531/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/05/30/the-debrief--dominance-on-the-flanks-and-unbeatable-defence-prov |archive-date=31 May 2021 |date=30 May 2021 |work=Chelsea FC}} said, "If you play with N'Golo you have half a man more; this is unique. It is a pleasure to be his coach, he is a big gift for me, a guy so, so humble and who is such a big helper on the pitch."{{r|liam1}} Off the pitch, Kanté's former Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, praised his work ethic and constant willingness to improve. A popular Internet meme that 70% of the planet is covered by water and the rest by the Kanté twins exemplifies his standing among the fans and their recognition of his work ethic and reading of the game.{{r|:0}}{{Cite news |title=The rise of Mahrez and Kante |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/story-telling/11095/12318848/parallel-lives-the-rise-of-mahrez-and-kante |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210529094242/https://www.skysports.com/football/story-telling/11095/12318848/parallel-lives-the-rise-of-mahrez-and-kante |archive-date=29 May 2021 |work=Sky Sports |access-date=28 May 2021 |last=Bate |first=Adam}}

Kanté is a practicing Muslim.{{cite news|date=18 September 2018|title='Typical N'Golo Kante': Chelsea star plays FIFA and eats curry with Arsenal fans he met at London mosque after missing Eurostar train|work=Evening Standard|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-star-n-golo-kante-shares-a-curry-and-plays-fifa-with-arsenal-fans-a3938401.html|access-date=22 December 2020|archive-date=30 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530174002/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-star-n-golo-kante-shares-a-curry-and-plays-fifa-with-arsenal-fans-a3938401.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Tuchel reveals Kante is fasting & suggests lack of food may explain dip in form at Chelsea {{!}} Goal.com |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/tuchel-reveals-kante-is-fasting-and-suggests-lack-of-food-may-explain-dip-in-form-at-chelsea/blt5eb28f905086e535 |access-date=4 October 2022 |website=www.goal.com |archive-date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004142642/https://www.goal.com/en/news/tuchel-reveals-kante-is-fasting-and-suggests-lack-of-food-may-explain-dip-in-form-at-chelsea/blt5eb28f905086e535 |url-status=live}} He was born in Paris to Malian parents who migrated to France from Mali in 1980. He grew up in a small apartment in Rueil-Malmaison, Hauts-de-Seine. His father died shortly after N'Golo turned 11 and his older sibling Niama died of a heart attack before the 2018 World Cup.{{cite news|last=Law|first=Matt|date=20 May 2020|title=Exclusive: N'Golo Kante allowed to miss Chelsea training because of Premier League restart fears|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/05/20/exclusive-ngolo-kante-allowed-miss-chelsea-training-premier/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/05/20/exclusive-ngolo-kante-allowed-miss-chelsea-training-premier/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2020|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}

He is named after King Ngolo Diarra of the Bamana Empire.{{cite news |last=Dormé |first=Elodie |date=21 August 2017 |title=Kanté dévoile pourquoi ses parents l'ont appelé N'Golo |trans-title=Kanté reveals why his parents named him N'Golo. |url=https://fr.sports.yahoo.com/news/kant%C3%A9-d%C3%A9voile-pourquoi-parents-l-111429003.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329231220/https://fr.sports.yahoo.com/news/kant%C3%A9-d%C3%A9voile-pourquoi-parents-l-111429003.html |archive-date=29 March 2021 |access-date=9 July 2018 |publisher=Yahoo Sport |language=fr}} His younger sister was also in the youth system at Suresnes. Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona were his favourite players growing up. At the age of 21, while playing for Boulogne, he earned a diploma in vocational accounting.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/3561079/frances-ngolo-kante-the-accountant-who-turned-omnipresent-midfielder|title=The accountant who turned omnipresent midfielder|publisher=ESPN|last1=Gupta|first1=Jayaditya|date=9 July 2018|access-date=10 December 2019|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713210508/https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/3561079/frances-ngolo-kante-the-accountant-who-turned-omnipresent-midfielder|url-status=live}}

At the start of his professional career at Boulogne, he commuted to training on a kick scooter and as of 2018 drove a Mini Hatch—his first purchase in England because he found it easy to learn to drive in. Kanté is aware of his public perception as a shy and private individual, but also said that stories about him by current and former teammates, like Jamie Vardy, were often exaggerated.{{cite news |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2704137-finding-ngolo-kante-the-men-who-discovered-the-pfa-player-of-the-year |title=Finding N'Golo Kante: The Men Who Discovered the PFA Player of the Year |last=Williams |first=Tom |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=13 July 2018 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506103059/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2704137-finding-ngolo-kante-the-men-who-discovered-the-pfa-player-of-the-year |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Savas |first1=Laura |title=N'Golo Kante: Chelsea star eats curry and watches Match of the Day at fan's house after mosque meeting |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45551585 |access-date=18 September 2018 |website=BBC Sport |date=17 September 2018 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303125248/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45551585 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/we-had-to-stop-kante-from-running-to-training-vardy-reveals/1ip1255grajow1jqjxz3w7dgor|title=Chelsea news: 'Leicester players had to stop N'Golo Kante from running to training!' – Jamie Vardy reveals all on 'fantastic' midfielder {{!}} Goal.com|website=www.goal.com|access-date=10 December 2019|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210045134/https://www.goal.com/en/news/we-had-to-stop-kante-from-running-to-training-vardy-reveals/1ip1255grajow1jqjxz3w7dgor|url-status=live}}

Kanté's nickname is "NG," and outside of football, he enjoys playing tennis. His go-to karaoke song is Vegedream's "Ramenez la coupe à la maison". During his initiation at Chelsea, which he described as a "stressful moment," his teammates said he was not loud enough. His favourite dish is thieboudienne because of his mother's cooking.{{cite video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR8iJONGiYE |title=N'Golo Kanté on Best World Cup Memories, Karaoke Song & What Annoys Him! {{!}} Out Of The Blue: Ep.13 |via=YouTube |time=9m 30s |publisher=Chelsea F.C. |date=30 January 2020 |access-date=1 February 2020}} [https://archive.org/details/n-golo-kante-on-best-world-cup-memories-karaoke-song Alt URL]

On 28 June 2023, it was published that Kanté stepped into the world of club ownership in Belgium. He acquired Royal Excelsior Virton, a third-division team, from Flavio Becca, with the official transfer of ownership scheduled for 1 July.{{Cite web |date=29 June 2023 |title='Small town, big dreams!' – Former Chelsea star N'Golo Kante buys Belgian side Royal Excelsior Virton {{!}} Goal.com UK |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/former-chelsea-star-n-golo-kante-owner-belgian-side-royal-excelsior-virton/blt7f91f1d7ac5838c7 |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=www.goal.com |language=en-GB}}

{{updated|match played 30 May 2025}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 14 November 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ngolo-kante/4/ |title=N'Golo Kanté: Internationals |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |date= |access-date=2 February 2025}}

{{updated|match played 14 November 2024}}

:France score listed first, score column indicates score after each Kanté goal

{{updated|match played 22 March 2025}}

Leicester City

• Premier League: 2015–16

Chelsea

• Premier League: 2016–17{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/13492/N%27Golo-Kant%C3%A9/overview |title=N'Golo Kanté: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420154151/https://www.premierleague.com/players/13492/N%27Golo-Kant%C3%A9/overview |archive-date=20 April 2018 |url-status=live}}
• FA Cup: 2017–18{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44091559 |title=Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=19 May 2018 |access-date=19 May 2018 |archive-date=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718123013/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44091559 |url-status=live}}
• UEFA Champions League: 2020–21{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57268064 |title=Manchester City 0–1 Chelsea |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=29 May 2021 |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603234908/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57268064 |url-status=live}}
• UEFA Europa League: 2018–19{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48368406 |title=Chelsea 4–1 Arsenal |first=Chris |last=Bevan |website=BBC Sport |date=29 May 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |archive-date=30 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630081115/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48368406 |url-status=live}}
• UEFA Super Cup: 2021{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58157867 |title=Chelsea 1–1 Villarreal |first=Mark |last=Sterling |website=BBC Sport |date=11 August 2021 |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=24 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824053709/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58157867 |url-status=live}}
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2021{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60352740 |title=Chelsea 2–1 Palmeiras |website=BBC Sport |date=12 February 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212212756/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60352740 |url-status=live}}

Al-Ittihad

• Saudi Pro League: 2024–25{{cite news|url=https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/651853/Sports/Ittihad-seals-league-title-away-from-Jeddah-once-again|title=Ittihad seals league title away from Jeddah once again|newspaper=Saudi Gazette|date=15 May 2025|access-date=16 May 2025}}
• King's Cup: 2024–25{{cite news|url=https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/652319/Sports/Al-Ittihad-win-2025-Kings-Cup-ending-six-year-title-drought|title=Al Ittihad end six-year wait to reclaim King’s Cup crown|newspaper=Saudi Gazette|date=31 May 2025|access-date=31 May 2025}}

France

• FIFA World Cup: 2018{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44754965 |title=France 4–2 Croatia |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=15 July 2018 |access-date=28 September 2018 |archive-date=25 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325011256/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44754965 |url-status=live}}
• UEFA Nations League: 2020–21{{cite web |last=Odetokun |first=Elijah |date=October 11, 2021 |title=N'golo Kanté: see why he will get a medal for a match he did not play |url=https://www.elfutbolero.us/internationalplayers/Ngolo-Kante-see-why-he-will-get-a-medal-for-a-match-he-did-not-play-20211011-0005.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013152931/https://www.elfutbolero.us/internationalplayers/Ngolo-Kante-see-why-he-will-get-a-medal-for-a-match-he-did-not-play-20211011-0005.html |archive-date=13 October 2021 |access-date=13 October 2021 |website=ElFutbolero}}
• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2016{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36696772 |title=Portugal 1–0 France |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=11 July 2016 |access-date=28 September 2016 |archive-date=21 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021051944/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36696772 |url-status=live}}

Individual

• PFA Team of the Year: 2015–16 Premier League, 2016–17 Premier League
• ESM Team of the Year: 2015–16,{{cite news |title=Das Ist das ESM-Team der Saison: Die Top-11 des Europäischen Fußballs |trans-title=This is the ESM Team of the Season: The Top 11 of European football. |url=https://www.kicker.de/das-ist-das-esm-team-der-saison-653373/slideshow |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175540/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/intligen/spanien/653373/2/slideshow_das-ist-das-esm-team-der-saison.html |archive-date=18 June 2018 |access-date=9 May 2017 |website=kicker |language=de}} 2016–17{{cite news |title=ESM Top-Elf: Ein Bayern-Star in Europas Elite |url=http://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.team-der-saison-esm-top-elf-ein-bayern-star-in-europas-elite.8ee28a4c-2d49-4f49-93a4-d4dc9575ded2.html |newspaper=Abendzeitung |language=de |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=12 June 2017 |archive-date=22 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622071523/https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.team-der-saison-esm-top-elf-ein-bayern-star-in-europas-elite.8ee28a4c-2d49-4f49-93a4-d4dc9575ded2.html |url-status=live}}
• Leicester City Players' Player of the Year: 2015–16{{cite web|title=Leicester City awards: Leicester City team|website=Daily Mirror|date=11 May 2016|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/riyad-mahrez-wins-leicester-citys-7943022|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-date=2 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602143641/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/riyad-mahrez-wins-leicester-citys-7943022|url-status=live}}
• L'Équipe Team of the Year: 2016,{{cite web |first1=Euan |last1=McTear |title=Four Real Madrid players in L'Equipe's team of 2016 |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2017/01/02/586a4cd3e5fdea61298b45bf.html |website=Marca |access-date=17 August 2019 |date=2 January 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924095226/https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2017/01/02/586a4cd3e5fdea61298b45bf.html |url-status=live}} 2017,{{cite news |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Equipe-type-monde-2017-le-psg-dans-le-sillage-du-real/863275 |title=Equipe type monde 2017 : Le PSG dans le sillage du Real |newspaper=L'Équipe |date=2 January 2018 |access-date=3 January 2018 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602143640/https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Equipe-type-monde-2017-le-psg-dans-le-sillage-du-real/863275 |url-status=live}} 2018{{cite news |date=3 January 2018 |title=L'équipe type Monde 2018 de " L'Équipe " |trans-title=The 2018 World Team of the Year by *L'Équipe*. |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/L-equipe-type-monde-2018-de-l-equipe/973562 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602143640/https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/L-equipe-type-monde-2018-de-l-equipe/973562 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |access-date=4 January 2018 |newspaper=L'Équipe}}
• PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2016–17
• Premier League Player of the Season: 2016–17
• FWA Footballer of the Year: 2016–17
• Chelsea Players' Player of the Year: 2016–17{{cite web |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/05/player-of-the-year-awards.html |title=Hazard named Chelsea Player of the Year |access-date=29 May 2017 |archive-date=31 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531160807/http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/05/player-of-the-year-awards.html |url-status=live}}
• Chelsea Player of the Year: 2017–18{{cite web |url=https://beta.chelseafc.com/en/news/2018/5/90/annual-awards-2018 |title=ANNUAL AWARDS 2018 – KANTE IS NO.1 |access-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724230646/https://beta.chelseafc.com/en/news/2018/5/90/annual-awards-2018 |archive-date=24 July 2018 |url-status=dead}}
• UNFP Best French Player Playing Abroad: 2017,{{cite news |date=15 May 2017 |title=N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea) élu meilleur Français de l'étranger |trans-title=N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea) voted best French player abroad. |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/N-golo-kante-chelsea-elu-meilleur-francais-de-l-etranger/801613 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619140200/https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/N-golo-kante-chelsea-elu-meilleur-francais-de-l-etranger/801613 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |access-date=15 May 2017 |newspaper=L’Équipe}} 2018{{cite journal |date=13 May 2018 |title=Trophées UNFP : N'Golo Kanté récompensé du titre de meilleur joueur français évoluant à l'étranger |trans-title=UNFP Trophies: N'Golo Kanté awarded the title of best French player playing abroad. |url=https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Trophees-unfp-n-golo-kante-recompense-du-titre-de-meilleur-joueur-francais-evoluant-a-l-etranger/900949 |url-status=live |journal= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619113205/https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Trophees-unfp-n-golo-kante-recompense-du-titre-de-meilleur-joueur-francais-evoluant-a-l-etranger/900949 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |access-date=13 May 2018 |website=France Football}}
• French Player of the Year: 2017{{cite news |url=http://www.francefootball.fr/news/Le-sommaire-du-nouveau-numero-de-france-football-avec-n-golo-kante-elu-joueur-francais-de-l-annee/862115 |title=Le sommaire du nouveau numéro de France Football avec N'Golo Kanté élu joueur français de l'année |website=France Football |date=26 December 2017 |access-date=26 December 2017 |language=fr |archive-date=26 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226235121/http://www.francefootball.fr/news/Le-sommaire-du-nouveau-numero-de-france-football-avec-n-golo-kante-elu-joueur-francais-de-l-annee/862115 |url-status=live}}
• FIFA FIFPro World11: 2018,{{cite web |url=https://www.fifpro.org/news/de-gea-kante-mbappe-in-world-11/en/ |title=De Gea, Kante and Mbappe in World 11 |date=24 September 2018 |publisher=FIFPro |access-date=25 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925025843/https://www.fifpro.org/news/de-gea-kante-mbappe-in-world-11/en/ |archive-date=25 September 2018 |url-status=dead}} 2021{{cite web |url=https://fifpro.org/en/industry/world-11/2020-2021-men-s-fifa-fifpro-world-11-revealed |title=2020-2021 Men's FIFA FIFPRO World 11 revealed |website=fifpro.org |date=17 January 2022 |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118005811/https://www.fifpro.org/en/industry/world-11/2020-2021-men-s-fifa-fifpro-world-11-revealed |url-status=live}}
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2018{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d8202451389-96824880e336-1000--uefa-com-fans-team-of-the-year-2018-revealed/ |title=UEFA.com fans' Team of the Year 2018 revealed |publisher=UEFA |date=11 January 2019 |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111182548/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2589223.html |url-status=live}}
• UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2018–19{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0251-0e99bdeec794-2e32643cecd5-1000--uefa-europa-league-squad-of-2018-19/ |title=UEFA Europa League Squad of the 2018/19 Season |publisher=UEFA |date=30 May 2019 |access-date=30 May 2019 |archive-date=21 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421054228/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0251-0e99bdeec794-2e32643cecd5-1000--uefa-europa-league-squad-of-2018-19/ |url-status=live}}
• Sports Illustrated Premier League Team of the Decade: 2010–2019{{Cite web |date=30 December 2019 |title=Premier League Team of the 2010s: The Decade's Best |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/12/30/premier-league-best-team-decade-2010s |website=si.com |language=}}
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2020–21{{cite news |title=UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-12688c451cdd-b6efcb4ce948-1000--champions-league-all-star-squad/ |publisher=UEFA |date=31 May 2021 |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=31 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531182653/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-12688c451cdd-b6efcb4ce948-1000--champions-league-all-star-squad/ |url-status=live}}
• UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season: 2020–21{{cite news |title=Champions League Midfielder of the Season: N'Golo Kanté |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/026c-1317baf0a7ae-4e35592f18ad-1000--midfielder-of-the-season-kante/?iv=true |publisher=UEFA |date=26 August 2021 |access-date=26 August 2021 |archive-date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826221459/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/026c-1317baf0a7ae-4e35592f18ad-1000--midfielder-of-the-season-kante/?iv=true |url-status=live}}

Orders

• Knight of the Legion of Honour: 2018

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{FFF player}}
• {{UEFA player}}
• {{FIFA player}}

{{Al-Ittihad Squad}}

{{Navboxes

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{{France squad UEFA Euro 2016}}

{{France squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}

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{{France squad UEFA Euro 2024}}

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{{Navboxes

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{{2013–14 Ligue 2 UNFP Team of the Year}}

{{2015–16 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}}

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{{2018 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2021 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{Chelsea F.C. Player of the Year}}

{{Premier League Player of the Season}}

{{PFA Players' Player of the Year}}

{{FWA Footballer of the Year}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kante, NGolo}}

Category:1991 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Paris

Category:French men's footballers

Category:France men's international footballers

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:US Boulogne players

Category:Stade Malherbe Caen players

Category:Leicester City F.C. players

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Category:Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah) players

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Category:Black French sportspeople

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Category:French sportspeople of Malian descent

Category:Association football people awarded knighthoods

Category:21st-century French sportsmen