Jamie Vardy says N'Golo Kanté once wanted to represent Mali | OneFootball

Jamie Vardy says N'Golo Kanté once planned to play for Mali before opting for France.

According to L'Équipe, the former Leicester striker told a podcast that Kanté first looked to honour his father's roots by choosing Mali. Team-mates, he said, persuaded him he would win the World Cup with France.

A mainstay for France for more than 10 years, Kanté has amassed an imposing record. He was a Euro 2016 finalist, won the 2018 World Cup and lifted the Nations League in 2021. Now 35, he is also in the group for the 2026 World Cup, with 69 caps and two goals.

Vardy and Kanté were team-mates at Leicester in 2015-2016, the season of the club's historic Premier League title.

Vardy added that during his Chelsea days Kanté gave his Mini Cooper to his parents in the village, then bought another after team-mates teased him about the car.

Source: L'Équipe