Sports Nicknames - N,Golinho, The Rat

N'Golo Kante is one of those players that you can hardly believe what you see when he plays. The French international has made a career of having more energy than anyone else and winning the ball back all over the pitch.



Kante started his career in France with Boulogne for a year before immediately making a step up to SM Caen. Again, this would last only a year before he went international, moving to Leicester City in England (having helped Caen to promotion to Ligue 1).

In England, Kante shot to stardom. He was an integral part of Leicester City's charge to the Premier League title, being voted the PFA Player of the Year for his performances. He would only last a season with the Foxes, having been bought by Chelsea the next season. He would show off his endurance and skill again, helping Chelsea lift the 2016-17 Premier League. This made him the first player to win back-to-back league titles with different teams since Eric Cantona in the early 90s.

In N'Golo's time at the club, he has helped the Blues win the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League. During this time he was also recognized by the French national team, helping them to finish as runners up at the Euro 2016 Championship and as winners at the 2018 World Cup.

Because of Kante's never-ending stamina, he was given the nickname "The Rat" by teammate Eden Hazard. This is somewhat unfortunate, as it typically has negative connotations, but Hazard explained that it is due to Kante's ability to be everywhere at once.

As to how much Kante will manage to win over his career, that is yet to be seen. However, the midfielder is sure to contribute to his teams regardless of what shade of blue they wear.

--

Another nickname given to N'Golo Kante by his teammates Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas during their time at Chelsea was his Brazilian nickname of N'Golinho.

--

Click for more Sports Nicknames