Daniel Kanu

Daniel Malanga Kanu (born 14 November 2004) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Notts County on loan from side Charlton Athletic. Born in England, he plays for the Sierra Leone national team.

Club 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.

On 7 February 2024, it was announced that Kanu had signed a new long-term contract with the club. He signed an extension in summer 2025, keeping him at the club until 2028. 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.

Walsall (loan) On 22 August 2025, Kanu joined EFL League Two side Walsall on a season-long loan. Following a strong start to his time with the club, he was named EFL Young Player of the Month for September 2025. He was named League Two Young Player of the Season at the 2026 EFL Awards. At the club's End of Season awards, he was named Young Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and Player of the Season, in addition to finishing top scorer.

Notts County (loan) On 31 August 2026, Kanu joined EFL League One side Notts County on a season-long 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 Lambeth, Kanu moved with his family to Dartford when he was two years old. 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 set a handful of school records.

Career statistics

Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2021–22 League One

2022–23 League One

2023–24 League One

2024–25 League One

2025–26 Championship

2026–27 Championship

59!!7!!1!!0!!3!!1!!8!!1!!71!!9 Southend United (loan) 2023–24 National League

Walsall (loan) 2025–26 2023–24 EFL Young Player of the Month: September 2025 EFL League Two Young Player of the Season: 2025–26 Walsall Player of the Season: 2025–26 Walsall Young Player of the Season: 2025–26