Known to many as “The Bison” and affectionately called José Mourinho’s “son” by Chelsea fans, Michael Essien is celebrated as one of the greatest defensive midfielders to come out of Africa. While we admire his contributions on the pitch, few people know the deeper story behind the Ghanaian football legend.
From Ghana to Glory: Michael Essien’s Football Journey
For instance, did you know Essien grew up as a boyhood fan of Aston Villa? This connection was influenced by his father’s love for the Birmingham-based club. Raised in Accra under the care of his parents, Aba Gyandoh and James Essien, Michael’s early life was filled with dreams of football and challenges that shaped him into the player he became. His story also includes his love life with Akosua Puni Essien, the growth of his children, Michelle and Michael Essien Jr., and the strained relationship with his father over an abandonment issue.
Without further delay, let’s dive into the full story of Michael Essien—a legend on and off the pitch.
Michael Essien Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
To begin with, Michael Kojo Essien was born on the 3rd day of December, year 1982, in Accra, Ghana, to his mother, Aba Gyandoh, and father, James Essien.
As a child, Essien attended Gomoa Nyanyano DC Primary and JSS, where he was known for being a humble and bright student. His football journey began after he graduated from St. Augustine’s College in Cape Coast. He joined the local club Liberty Professionals, where his talent started to shine.
Essien’s big break came during the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship in New Zealand, where his performances caught the attention of European scouts. In April 2000, he had a trial with Manchester United and played in their under-17 team’s match against Derby County.
While Manchester United offered him a contract, Essien was unable to secure a work permit in the UK. His initial plan was to join the Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp until he became eligible to play in England, but his mother had other plans, preferring that he move to France instead.
After a five-year stint in France, Essien, like Didier Drogba and Maxwel Cornet, acquired French citizenship. He played for Bastia from 2000 until 2003 and Lyon from 2003 to 2005 before making the move to Chelsea. The rest, as they say, is now history.
Who is Akosua Puni Essien?… Michael Essien Wife:
After dating many ladies and tasting the four walls of relationships, Michael Essien decided to settle down with Mrs Akosua Puni Essien, who is a British citizen of Ghanaian origin.
Introducing Akosua Puni Essien – Michael Essien’s Wife.
She once made headlines by purchasing an Italian football club, FC Como, for €237,000 at a bankruptcy auction. This amount was €10,000 higher than the starting bid. Here’s a photo of Michael Essien and his wife, showcasing their radiant appearance.
Michael Essien’s children are grownups, meaning he had them way before his marriage. He has a grownup daughter called Michelle Essien, pictured below.
Let’s introduce you to Michelle. She is Essien’s daughter.
He also has a grown-up son named Michael Essien Jnr, pictured below.
Before deciding to be with Akosua Puni Essien, Michael Essien had the following relationships: Dela Ackumney was in a relationship with Michael Essien from 2003 – 2006. Nadia Buari, a popular Ghanaian Actress, born on 21st November 1982 in Takoradi, Ghana, was previously married to Michael Essien.
Cassie Sumner, pictured below, was in a relationship with Michael Essien between 2006 and 2007. She has also dated Carlton Cole (2007) and Celestine Babayaro (2004 – 2005). Lurata Murati is a British Model who once had a relationship with Michael Essien (2006). Lurata is famous for Michael Essien’s Ex.
Finally, Leila Beiruthy, pictured below, was in a relationship with Michael Essien between 2007 to 2008.
Michael Essien Family Life:
Like most footballers coming out from Africa, the Chelsea legend wasn’t born rich. Like Victor Osimhen, Michael Essien was raised in a poor family background. Now, let’s introduce you to Michael Essien’s Dad.
On this day, Essien’s Dad decided to voice out publicly.
James Essien, his biological father, once had a rage with his son due to Michael’s failure to cater for him in recent years.
Consequently, the father has stated that Michael should cease using the name ‘Essien’ as his surname.
“I’ve been unwell for over a year now. It’s Kyeremeh, the Berekum Chelsea board chairman, who has been looking after me. I don’t see any reason for Michael to continue bearing my name,” he stated.
Reacting to what might have caused the player’s allegedly irresponsible acts, James Essien said…,
He added, “His mother has been giving him bad advice, telling him to stop supporting me. I will do whatever it takes to make sure he stops using my name. Even if I have to take him to court, I will.”
Michael Essien is alleged to have shirked his duty of taking care of his father for some time now. Below is a photo of James Essien in an unhealthy but happy state of mind.
James Essien is used to going to the media to solicit help for his medical bills. This happened between 2008 and 2010, a time when Michael was at the peak of his career.
Michael Essien himself has also come out to debunk claims made by his dad. Both allegations and counter-allegations by both father and son once attracted mixed reactions from the Ghanaian populace.
In an effort to uncover the truth, people took a trip to the father’s village, where James Essien confirmed that, indeed, his son had neglected him. The picture below was what they saw.
Essien’s Reaction:
The Chelsea midfielder, upon hearing this, tried to douse the flames by releasing a statement which read:
‘I have faced many, many difficult challenges in my life, but this is the hardest thing I have ever done as my heart bleeds over the false statements recently peddled by a small section of the Ghanaian media goaded by my own father.
I had never wanted to discuss my family in public or any good I do to anyone because when you do good, you go only for God’s recognition.
When I learned about the false, hurtful, and degrading things my father said about me, I was heartbroken. I cried because it’s rare to be insulted after doing good for someone. Yet, my father chose to repay me in such a painful way.
Because of this, I’ve been forced to reveal what I’ve done for him, as he has gone to extremes to disgrace my family. I want to set the record straight with these facts:
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My father lives in a three-bedroom house, not a mud house. I personally paid for it and had my sister build it for him.
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My sister, Diana, visits him regularly—once a month, and more recently, twice a week—on my orders to give him money and other essentials. Even my mother, whom he has insulted so much, provides for him.
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I bought him a car to make his transportation easier, and I continue to cover fuel and repair costs when necessary.
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When he fell ill, I initially arranged for him to go to Asikuma Hospital, but he preferred traditional medicine. I gave him the money for that treatment, and when it didn’t help, I arranged for him to go to the hospital.
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My family has also organized for a nurse to visit him regularly and take care of his health needs at home.
Because of these reasons and many more reasons I won’t state publicly, I am shocked by what he is alleged to have said.
But God knows I have done my best to thoroughly look after a man who didn’t even raise me or take part in my upbringing and who has eight other children who can help.’
After saying these touching words, the whole allegation died a natural death. The hearts of Ghanaians and the world at large were again at peace.
The reason behind Nickname ‘The Bison’:
Due to his tough tackling style and boundless energy, Essien’s physical presence on the pitch has earned him the name, ‘The Bison’.
His physicality throughout the pitch has seen him compared favourably with the likes of Edgar Davids and Claude Makelele as excellent holding midfielders of the past.
He made a lasting impact on Ghanaian football, mentoring players like Abedi Pele’s sons, Jordan and Andre Ayew, as well as Thomas Partey. He also captained the Ghanaian national team before eventually retiring.
Mourinho Bonding:
On August 31, 2012, Michael Essien joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan, reuniting with his former Chelsea manager, José Mourinho.
At his unveiling press conference, the bond between the two was evident as Mourinho affectionately called Essien “his son,” to which Essien warmly responded by calling Mourinho “Daddy.” Michael Essien joined the ranks of players like Nigerian legend Mikel Obi, AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham, and Ivorian legend Didier Drogba, all of whom have shown unwavering loyalty to José Mourinho. Let’s not forget to add Nemanja Matic in that list.
In Essien’s final match for Real Madrid, he scored his second goal for the club and dedicated it to Mourinho, a fitting tribute to their close relationship. In total, Michael Essien’s impressive career saw him win 1 UEFA Champions League, 2 Premier League titles, 2 Ligue 1 trophies, 4 FA Cups, and 1 EFL Cup.
He once Threatened Lyon:
Luckily, this was avoided, as on August 14, 2005, Lyon and Chelsea agreed on a $26-million deal to transfer Essien to Chelsea. It ended one of the longest-running transfer sagas in English soccer history. Essien went on to become an important player for the London club.
Fact Check:
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