In August 2005, Chelsea paid Lyon a fee of about 24 million pounds for a Ghanaian midfielder. It made Michael Essien the most expensive African footballer in history at the time.
Essien was born in Accra on 3 December 1982 and grew up in Awutu Breku, in the Central Region. He played for Liberty Professionals in Ghana and caught the eye of European scouts at youth tournaments, including the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship, where Ghana finished third.
France
He had a trial at Manchester United as a teenager, but work permit rules for young players from outside Europe stood in the way. He joined Bastia in France as a teenager and then moved to Lyon in 2003. At Lyon, where he played alongside Juninho Pernambucano and Mahamadou Diarra, he won two Ligue 1 titles and became known across Europe for his power, stamina and tackling.
Chelsea
At Chelsea, under José Mourinho, Essien became a central figure in midfield. He won the Premier League in 2006 and 2010, and several FA Cups. His long-range goal against Arsenal in 2006 and his strike against Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League semi-final are remembered by Chelsea fans. Supporters voted him the club’s Player of the Year in 2007.
His nickname, the Bison, reflected his strength and relentless running.
Injuries
Serious knee injuries from 2008 onward interrupted his career and reduced his explosiveness. He went on loan to Real Madrid in 2012 to 2013, reuniting with Mourinho, and later played for AC Milan, Panathinaikos in Greece and Persib Bandung in Indonesia.
Black Stars
Essien played for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup, Ghana’s first, where the team reached the round of 16. He missed the defeat to Brazil through suspension. He also played at the 2014 World Cup, and he was part of the Ghana side that finished third at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
Coaching
After retiring, Essien moved into coaching, working with the Danish club Nordsjælland, which has close links to the Right to Dream academy in Ghana.
Legacy
Essien is often named among the best African midfielders ever. His transfer showed European clubs were willing to pay top prices for African talent.
In Ghana, Essien is still the standard against which every new midfielder is measured.
