Essien grew up in Accra, capital of his homeland Ghana, where he played for his local club, 'Liberty Professionals'. Michael remained in Africa into adulthood and made his major break-through in 1999, when playing for his country in the U14 World Junior Cup in New Zealand. This led to considerable attention from European scouts, and he even had a trial at Manchester United in April 2000. 

 

In July 2000, Essien was signed by French club Bastia. In 2002 he was transferred to Olympic Lyonnais. He was also voted the 2005 Player of the Year by France's National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP).



Chelsea
 

In 2005 Michael Essien was transferred to Chelsea. He made his debut against Arsenal on August 21, wearing the number 5 on his shirt. He soon cemented his place in José Mourinho's side, starting the majority of the league games. Essien scored his first UEFA Champions League goal for Chelsea in a 2–0 victory over Werder Bremen.

Undeniably his most memorable strike for Chelsea was the powerful, curling equalizer against Arsenal on December 10, 2006 from 35 yards. The spectacular strike sent the home crowd into uproar. The match ended in a 1–1 draw, with Essien receiving the Man of the Match.

Later in the same season Essien scored an equally dramatic late winner in the Champions League quarter-final against Valencia at the Mestalla which sent Chelsea through to the semi-finals. 

 
Player of the Year
 

On 15 May 2007, Michael was voted Chelsea’s Player of the Year by the fans, becoming the first African to receive the honour. His goal against Arsenal was also voted as Chelsea’s Goal of the Season.

In Chelsea’s game against Birmingham City on August 13, 2007, Michael grabbed the winner which set an English record for unbeaten league matches at home.


In 2009 he scored a stunning goal in the semi final of the Champions Leaugue against FC Barcelona. In a trubulent last five minutes of the game, Barcelone won the match. In 2009 Michael renewed his contract with Chelsea until 2013.

 
Black Stars
 

Besides his club team, Michael Essien is a passionate player for the Black Stars, the Ghana national football team. With Essien as their captain, The Ghana team became third in the Cup Of Nations 2008 tournament.

 

In 2006 Michael won the BBC African footballer of the Year award. It was in 2007 he was nominated for the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year Award, the Ballon d'Or Award and the African Footballer of the Year all of which for a third consecutive year.