Nwankwo Kanu, one of Africa’s most iconic footballers, faced a life-threatening heart condition at the height of his early career in Europe—a diagnosis that came just after his high-profile move to Inter Milan.
The discovery would change not only the course of his career but potentially save his life.
After helping Ajax Amsterdam secure the UEFA Champions League title in 1995 and earning Olympic gold with Nigeria in Atlanta the following year, Kanu’s star was on a meteoric rise.
The young striker from Nigeria was transferred to Inter Milan in 1996 for a reported fee of €4 million.
However, just as he was preparing to begin the next chapter of his career in Italy, routine medical examinations uncovered a serious congenital heart defect.
The news was devastating. According to cardiologist Bruno Caru, the issue had gone undetected for years. “He had been sick for years,” Caru said, and without prompt intervention, the consequences could have been fatal.
It was a pivotal moment that threatened to bring an abrupt and tragic end to a blossoming career.
The intervention of Inter president Massimo Moratti proved critical. Speaking to L’Équipe, former Inter goalkeeper Sébastien Frey recalled the dramatic turn of events during those years.
“I remember President Moratti literally saving Kanu’s life by funding his heart surgery in the United States after a problem was found during the medical exam.
His commitment went beyond football—his club was like a family,” Frey said.
Frey, who joined Inter Milan in 1998 at just 18 years old, witnessed firsthand a period of transition at the club, sharing the dressing room with legends such as Ronaldo, Roberto Baggio, Youri Djorkaeff, Diego Simeone, Javier Zanetti, and a young Andrea Pirlo. Yet it was Kanu’s story that left the most lasting impression.
Kanu underwent successful heart surgery and eventually made his debut for Inter in April 1997. However, the lingering effects of his medical ordeal and stiff competition in the squad meant he never truly found his footing in the team.
Over two seasons, he managed only one goal in 20 appearances. He was on the bench during Inter’s 3-0 UEFA Cup final victory over Lazio in 1998 but did not play in the match.
His fortunes changed dramatically in February 1999, when he signed for Arsenal. In North London, Kanu rediscovered his spark. Partnering with the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Davor Šuker, the Nigerian forward enjoyed the most prolific season of his career in 1999–2000, scoring 17 goals and securing his second African Footballer of the Year title.
Under the management of Arsène Wenger, Kanu went on to win the Premier League in 2002 and again in 2004 as part of Arsenal’s legendary “Invincibles” squad that completed the league season unbeaten.
His flair, technical brilliance, and knack for scoring crucial goals earned him a revered place in Arsenal’s history and cemented his status as a legend in African football.
Kanu’s journey from a near-fatal diagnosis to footballing triumph remains one of the sport’s most inspirational stories—a testament to resilience, the importance of timely medical care, and the human spirit that often lies beneath the surface of elite sport.
