Kelechi Iheanacho Biography, Background, and Net Worth
Kelechi Promise Iheanacho, born October 3, 1996 in Obogwe, Imo State, Nigeria is a striker. He is the 3rd of four children to Elder James and the late Mercy Iheanacho. He lost his mother at 14, an event that shaped his early life. Growing up in Imo State, Kelechi showed an innate talent for football, played local matches and tournaments. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, he joined Taye Academy, a local football institution that nurtures young talents.
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Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Iheanacho breakthrough came during the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup where he was a key player in Nigeria’s win. He won the Golden Ball, best player of the tournament. This caught the attention of international scouts and in 2014 he signed with Manchester City. Kelechi made his senior debut for the club in 2015-16 season and contributed to the club’s Football League Cup win that year. Over two seasons he made 46 appearances and scored 12 goals for the club.
Leicester City Tenure
In August 2017 he transferred to Leicester City, seeking more first team opportunities. In seven years with the Foxes he made 173 appearances and scored 35 goals. One of his best moment was being part of the team that won the FA Cup in 2021, a historic moment for the club. His time at Leicester cemented his reputation as a Premiere League forward.
Sevilla and Middlesbrough
In the summer of 2024 he signed with Sevilla. But limited playing time led to a loan to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough in February 2025 to get more game time and showcase his abilities. As of February 2025 he hasn’t made his debut for Middlesbrough.
International CareerInternationally, Iheanacho has been a consistent member of the Nigerian national team since his senior debut in 2015. He has 57 caps and 15 goals for the Super Eagles. He was part of the team that finished as runners-up in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, he’s an important player for the national team.
Net Worth and Earnings
Throughout his career Iheanacho’s talent has been rewarded with big contracts and endorsements. During his time at Leicester City he earned £90,000 a week. After he moved to Sevilla his weekly earnings was £8,000, that’s £416,000 a year. As of February 2025 his estimated net worth is £29.8 million. This is not just from his club salaries but also from endorsements and sponsorships including big brands like Nike.
