Sweaty Goal Everything about Football
| Name: | Michael Essien (Michael Kojo Essien) |
| Born: | 3 December, 1982 – Accra, Ghana |
| Spouse: | Akosua Puni Essien |
| Position: | Midfielder |
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| Nationality: | Ghana |
| Appearances (Goals): | 545 (58) |
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Early Life
Michael Essien, born on December 3, 1982, in Accra, Ghana, is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for some of the world’s top football clubs, including Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. He is widely regarded as one of the best African footballers of all time.
Essien began his football career at the age of 16, playing for Liberty Professionals in his home country Ghana. He quickly made an impression on the footballing world with his dynamic style of play and impressive technical ability. In 2000, he was signed by Bastia, a French football club, where he played for two seasons.
Essien started his professional career in 2000, joining Bastia, a French football club. After spending two seasons at Bastia, he moved to Lyon, where he won two consecutive Ligue 1 titles in 2003-04 and 2004-05. During his three seasons with Lyon, Essien made 105 appearances, scored 17 goals, and provided 14 assists.
Michael Essien at Chelsea
In 2005, Chelsea signed Essien for a then-African record transfer fee of £24.4 million. During his nine seasons at Chelsea, Essien made 256 appearances, scored 25 goals, and provided 18 assists. Essien quickly established himself as a vital player for the Blues, playing a key role in their Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup triumphs. He won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup, and the UEFA Champions League in the 2011-12 season.
Essien’s performances at Chelsea were exceptional, with his powerful runs and tackles earning him the nickname “The Bison.” In the 2006-07 season, he was named Chelsea’s Player of the Year. He also helped Chelsea reach the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2008, where they lost to Manchester United on penalties.
In 2012, Essien joined Real Madrid on loan and won the Copa del Rey. The following season, he moved to AC Milan, where he spent one season before joining Panathinaikos in 2015. Essien retired from professional football in 2018.
Michael Essien International Carrer
At the international level, Essien represented Ghana, making 58 appearances and scoring nine goals. He played in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, in 2006 and 2010, and four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, in 2002, 2008, 2010, and 2014. He was named to the Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament three times, in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
In conclusion, Michael Essien’s stats speak for themselves, with his impressive performances at the club and international level. His dedication and talent made him a standout player, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
