💙The Humble Engine: How N’Golo Kanté Became Football’s Favourite Human

In partnership with

Smart leaders don’t write books alone.

You built your business with a team. Your book should be no different.

Author.Inc helps founders and executives turn their ideas into world-class books that build revenue, reputation, and reach.

Their team – the same people behind projects with Tim Ferriss and Codie Sanchez – knows how to turn your expertise into something that moves markets.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with Author.Inc’s co-founder to map out your Book Blueprint to identify your audience, angles, and ROI.

Do this before you commit a cent, or sentence. If it’s a go, they’ll show you how to write and publish it at a world-class level. 

If it’s a wait, you just avoided wasting time and money.

Get Your Free Book Blueprint.

💙 The Humble Engine: How N’Golo Kanté Became Football’s Favourite Human

You see, in a football world filled with noise, ego, and drama, there’s this one man who just… exists differently. No controversies, no tantrums, no headline-hunting — just pure humility and greatness wrapped in a shy smile.
Today, we’re talking about the man, the myth, the humble machine — N’Golo Kanté.
Because honestly, if you don’t love Kanté, maybe check your heart.

Let’s walk through 12 reasons why it’s impossible — absolutely impossible — not to love this man.

1. He Used to Pick Up Rubbish 🗑️

Before the fame, before the medals, little Kanté was out on the streets of Paris helping his father collect waste. No privilege, no silver spoon — just grit and miles of walking through the suburbs.
That same tireless work ethic we see on the pitch today? It started right there among scraps and dustbins.

2. He Did Not Have It Easy 🚶‍♂️

No fancy academy, no rich agent pushing him. He started from JS Suresnes, a small amateur club. It took until age 19 for a professional side, Boulogne, to notice him. Imagine that — most players his age were already stars on TV, and he was still hustling.
Yet he never complained, never quit. From Ligue 2 to Caen, from Caen to Leicester City — step by step, with the same quiet determination.

3. He Wanted to Run to Training 😂

Yes, you read that right. When he arrived at Leicester, Kanté literally thought he could run to training every day. The man had to be persuaded to buy a car because that’s just not “how it’s done” in the Premier League.
This is the same guy who once went to training on a push scooter back in France. Who does that? Only Kanté.

4. The Mini Cooper Legend 🚗

With all his fame and money, Kanté still drove a second-hand Mini Cooper. Even after joining Chelsea — with wages that could buy a garage full of Bentleys — he didn’t care.
He even crashed the poor Mini one day and showed up to training with it taped back together. Like a true soldier. No shame, no showing off — just vibes and humility.

5. He Inspired Eden Hazard to Buy One

If Eden Hazard — Mr. Style himself — decides to copy your car choice, you must be doing something right. Kanté’s simplicity was so powerful it literally influenced the stars.

6. Even Rival Fans Love Him 😇

Kanté is that one player who breaks the rules of football hatred. Arsenal fans, United fans, even Spurs — everyone loves him.
You can’t insult Kanté. It’s just not possible. The man’s spirit is too clean, his smile too disarming.

7. Too Shy to Grab the World Cup 🏆

After winning the World Cup, most players would snatch the trophy and scream into cameras. Not Kanté. He stood quietly in the corner — too shy to ask for his turn to hold it.
It took Steven N’Zonzi to go, “Yo, let Kanté hold it!” before he finally touched it. His reaction?

8. He Refused to Hide His Salary Offshore 💰

When Chelsea offered Kanté a new deal worth around £300,000 a week, they also suggested something “smart” — that he could get paid through an offshore company to reduce his taxes.
But the man said no. Flat out.
He chose to pay his full tax, every bit of it, because right is right. No shortcuts, no shady money tricks.
His teammate Blaise Matuidi wasn’t even surprised:

9. The Uno Incident 🎴

Oh yes, Mr. Angel himself once tried to cheat at Uno.
Caught red-handed by Kylian Mbappé, who couldn’t stop laughing. And honestly? It just made everyone love him more.

10. He’ll Be Anyone’s Friend 🤝

One evening, after missing his train, Kanté visited a mosque in King’s Cross. There, an Arsenal fan randomly invited him home for dinner — and Kanté actually went.
They ate, played FIFA (Kanté won, obviously), and watched Match of the Day.
No superstar behavior. No bodyguards. Just vibes, food, and football.

11. He’s Grateful — Always 🙏

Some players act like they’re doing football a favor. Not Kanté.
He sees it as a blessing.

12. He’s Just That Good ⚽

Beyond the kindness and humility, let’s not forget — the man is a beast.
A World Cup, two Premier Leagues (with different clubs), a Champions League, countless MOTM performances.
He shuts down legends, runs like ten men, and never stops smiling.

At this point, the only thing missing is a Ballon d’Or — and honestly, he deserves one.

💭 In a world obsessed with flash and noise, N’Golo Kanté reminds us that greatness doesn’t have to shout.
Sometimes, it just smiles, works hard, drives a Mini, and stays humble.

Because that’s what makes him, well… impossible not to love. 💙

Would you like me to add a short newsletter-style intro and closing line (li