Unbelievable: N'Golo Kanté didn't want to play for France

N'Golo Kanté could have worn Mali's colors instead of the famous blue of France. On the podcast Jamie Vardy’s Having A Party, his former Leicester teammate Jamie Vardy revealed that the midfielder originally wanted to represent his father's homeland.

France beat Mali to the punch

Jamie Vardy said: "N'Golo Kanté wanted to play for Mali, not France, as a tribute to his father's roots." But in Leicester's training center in 2016, ahead of the Euro that same year, the Foxes helped change his mind: "But France called him before Mali did. We were at the training center and told him: 'What are you thinking? They'll win! Go to France!'" Vardy revealed.

A Les Bleus legend

That decision proved to be a masterstroke for Kanté, who became a cornerstone of the French national team. With 69 international caps, two goals, and two major trophies, the 35-year-old midfielder has etched his name in Les Bleus history: Euro 2016 runner-up, 2018 World Cup champion, and a 2021 Nations League winner. He was even called up for the 2026 World Cup squad, though he didn't make an appearance.

True to his roots

Vardy also recalled another story from their title-winning season with Leicester City in the Premier League. "He gave his Mini Cooper to his parents in the village and bought a new one after his teammates teased him about it."

It's a charming anecdote, but it speaks volumes about how deeply the former Chelsea star remains connected to his heritage. Though he chose France over the Eagles, Kanté has never forgotten his roots. He is often seen in Mali during holidays and is actively involved in social work there, having built a modern hospital and founded a football academy to nurture the next generation of talent.

Now with Fenerbahçe, Kanté remains a true model of humility.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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