Kelechi Iheanacho is a technically gifted forward who burst onto the scene at Manchester City and became an FA Cup winner and cult hero at Leicester City. A Golden Ball winner at youth level and a dependable Super Eagles marksman affectionately dubbed the ‘Senior Man’, the Owerri-born striker has scored goals across England, Spain and Scotland.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelechi Promise Iheanacho |
| Nationality | Nigeria |
| Date of Birth | 3 October 1996 |
| Latest club | Bursaspor |
| League | Süper Lig (TUR) |
| Position | Forward |
| Market value | €3.00m |
Playing style: A clever, clinical forward
Iheanacho combines technical quality with a poacher’s instinct, dangerous both as a lone striker and in support.
- 🎯 Finishing: A natural goalscorer with a knack for decisive moments.
- 🪄 Technique: Skilful and comfortable linking play in the final third.
- 🧠 Movement: Intelligent runs and positioning inside the box.
- 🅰️ Link-up: Combines well with strike partners and midfield runners.
- 🕰️ Big moments: Repeatedly delivered decisive goals in cup competitions.
Career: From Manchester City to Leicester glory
Iheanacho made his name in the Premier League before spells in Spain and Scotland later in his career.
A promising start at Manchester City
Iheanacho broke through at Manchester City, winning the League Cup and showing early promise as a teenage forward. He scored regularly whenever given opportunities, but with competition fierce at the Etihad, he sought regular football elsewhere.
In 2017 he joined Leicester City in a big-money move, beginning the most productive chapter of his career under managers including Brendan Rodgers.
FA Cup hero at Leicester and beyond
At Leicester, Iheanacho became a fan favourite, scoring over 60 goals in more than 200 appearances and playing a key role in the club’s 2021 FA Cup triumph — often alongside compatriot Wilfred Ndidi. He earned the nickname ‘Senior Man’ for his big-game contributions.
After leaving Leicester he joined Sevilla in Spain, spent time on loan at Middlesbrough, and then won the Scottish Premiership title with Celtic in 2025-26 before a move to Turkish club Bursaspor in 2026.
| Team (Appea.) | Goals |
|---|---|
| Manchester City (46) | 12 |
| Leicester City (232) | 61 |
| Sevilla (11) | 0 |
| Celtic (25) | 5 |
International career: A dependable Super Eagle
Iheanacho first starred for Nigeria at youth level, winning the Golden Ball at the 2013 U-17 World Cup, and has since won close to 60 senior caps. He helped Nigeria finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and reach the final in 2023.
A reliable option in attack, he has continued to contribute for the Super Eagles across qualifiers and tournaments, including being part of the squad at the 2026 World Cup.
| Competition (Stage) | MP (Goal) |
|---|---|
| AFCON 2019 (Third place) | 5 (1) |
| AFCON 2021 (Round of 16) | 3 (0) |
| AFCON 2023 (Runners-up) | 5 (2) |
Clubs journey: England, Spain, Scotland and Turkey
Iheanacho’s career has taken him across England, Spain, Scotland and Turkey, with his years at Leicester the most successful of his club career.
An FA Cup winner, a youth World Cup Golden Ball recipient and a consistent Super Eagles forward, Iheanacho remains a respected figure in Nigerian football.
| Years | Club |
|---|---|
| 2015–2017 | Manchester City |
| 2017–2024 | Leicester City |
| 2024–2025 | Sevilla |
| 2025–2026 | Celtic |
| 2026–Present | Bursaspor |