Quick Facts
Biography
Daniel Malanga Kanu (born 14 November 2004) is a Sierra Leonean professional footballer who plays as a forward for Charlton Athletic and the Sierra Leone national team.
Career
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.
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.
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 16 December 2023
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Charlton Athletic | 2021–22 | League One | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | League One | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 1 | |
| 2023–24 | League One | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 3 | |
| Charlton Athletic total | 18 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 26 | 4 | ||
| Southend United (loan) | 2023–24 | National League | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | |
| Career total | 24 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 32 | 8 | ||
International
- As of match played 19 November 2023
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Leone | 2023 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | |
Honours
Individual
- Charlton Athletic Young Player of the Year: 2021–22