Former Leicester City striker, Jamie Vardy has revealed that teammates convinced N’Golo Kanté to play for the French national team instead of Mali.

According to him, Kanté was determined to represent Mali at the international level in honor of his late father’s memory. Speaking to Foot Mercato, Vardy said, “N’Golo Kanté wanted to represent Mali, not France, in honour of his father’s roots.”

Vardy, a fellow winner of the 2016 Premier League title with Leicester City, explained that teammates at the time disagreed with Kanté’s decision.

Government spent GH¢68m on Black Stars’ World Cup campaign – Ato Forson

They advised him to choose France, arguing that he would have a greater chance of winning major trophies at the international level, while opportunities with Mali would be limited.

After carefully assessing the situation, the former Chelsea midfielder was eventually convinced by his teammates to represent France. Vardy also disclosed that Kanté gifted his Mini Cooper to his parents in the village after being teased by teammates and later bought another car.

“We convinced him that he would win the World Cup with France. He gave his Mini Cooper to his parents in the village and bought another one when his team-mates mocked him,” Vardy revealed.

For nearly a decade, Kanté was a key player for Les Bleus, reaching the final of Euro 2016, winning the 2018 World Cup, and earning a call-up for the 2026 tournament.

The 35-year-old midfielder left his mark on the French national team with 69 caps, two goals, and two major titles: the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League.

SB/JE

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah explains 2026 World Cup ticketing process