Kanu Nwankwo Celebrates Champions League Glory Days with Heartfelt Throwback.
Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu, fondly known as “Papilo,” took to social media to commemorate the 30th anniversary of one of the most iconic moments of his illustrious career—Ajax’s 1995 UEFA Champions League triumph.
Sharing a nostalgic image of himself holding the coveted trophy, Kanu reflected on the unforgettable journey that saw him rise from a young talent in Nigeria to a European champion at just 18 years old.
The post, captioned said, “KAN U believe it? The journey of football is incredible and lasts a lifetime.
“Throwback memories of champions league winning feeling @afcajax @championsleague #thankgod #legend #africa #positivevibes”
Kanu helps Ajax win Champions League
The image captures a beaming Kanu in his Ajax kit, standing on the podium at Vienna’s Ernst-Happel-Stadion after the 1–0 victory over AC Milan on May 24, 1995.
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Kanu started the final between Ajax and Milan on the bench, coming on in the 53rd minute for Clarence Seedorf.
However, it was another substitute, Patrick Kluivert, who scored the only goal of the game in the 70th minute, securing the Champions League title for Ajax.
Kanu was part of a golden Ajax generation under coach Louis van Gaal—a team renowned for its youthful exuberance and tactical brilliance.
That 1994–95 season saw Ajax dominate, winning the Eredivisie without a single loss and securing their fourth European Cup.