Anatomy of an unlikely champion

In February of 2008, Mali and Seville striker Frederic Kanoute became the first European-born player to win the African Footballer of the Year award. A year later, he became the first La Liga player to make a political statement on the field of play – when he scored his second goal against Deportivo La Coruna, the Muslim convert revealed an undershirt with “Palestine” written across it in several languages. A yellow card and a $4,000 fine was a small price to pay for the respect Kanoute has earned.

Clinical finishing
With 47 strikes in 101 games for Seville, and with eight goals in 18 international matches, Kanoute has established himself as a world-class finisher. He was a fan favourite at both West Ham and Tottenham in England before joining Seville. He helped them become only the second team to defend the UEFA Cup in 2006 and 2007. He has recently been the subject of rumours linking him with a return to Spurs.

International class
Eligible to play for either France or Mali, Kanoute elected to play for his father’s homeland, and was Mali’s joint-top scorer at the 2004 African Cup of Nations with four goals in three matches on their way to the semi-finals. “Africa means so much to me”, Kanoute told ESPN after winning the Footballer of the Year trophy.

Peers’ respect
Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto’o lined up to praise Kanoute’s actions, and an Iranian club offered to pay his fine. Celtic’s Madjid Bougherra, who was warned he would risk suspension if he wore a black arm band in support of Gaza, said: “What he did was an honour from all Muslim footballers and I support him with all my strength.”

Political conscience
“I did what I should have done,” Kanoute said after his Gaza protest. “Everyone should feel a bit responsible when there is such a big injustice.” He also refused to wear gambling site
888.com’s logo on his Seville shirt and paid to save a local mosque from being converted after its lease expired.

Charitable work
“Development Trust” is the name of the project launched by Kanoute, which will bring together various services and facilities to care for the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children. The first phase will accommodate up to 100 children. The project aims to ease poverty by creating jobs and opportunities.