Daniel Kanu (footballer)

Daniel Malanga Kanu (born 14 November 2004) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for side Charlton Athletic and the Sierra Leone national team.

Charlton Athletic
Kanu joined Charlton Athletic at under-11 level. On 2 February 2022, after scoring 31 goals in all competitions across Charlton's youth sides, Kanu signed his first professional contract with the club. Ten days later, on 12 February 2022, Kanu made his debut for Charlton, coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute in a 2–1 League One loss against Wigan Athletic.

On 22 November 2022, Kanu scored his first professional goal for the club in a 3–2 defeat away at Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Trophy.

On 7 February 2024, it was announced that Kanu had signed a new long-term contract with the club.

Southend United (loan)
On 6 October 2023, Kanu joined Southend United on an initial 28-day loan. On his first start, Kanu scored his first goals for the club, netting four times in a 5–0 victory over Solihull Moors.

On 2 December 2023, Kanu was recalled early by Charlton Athletic from his loan.

International career
Born in England, Kanu is of Sierra Leonean descent. He was called up to the Sierra Leone national team for a set of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches in November 2023.

Kanu made his international debut for Sierra Leone on 19 November 2023, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2–0 defeat to the Egypt national team.

Personal life
Born in England, Kanu is of Sierra Leonean descent. He attended Dartford Grammar School, where he represented his school on numerous occasions as part of the athletics team. He specialised in long-distance running and even set a handful of school records.

Honours
Individual
 * Charlton Athletic Young Player of the Year: 2021–22
 * Charlton Athletic Young Player of the Year: 2023–24