Kanu believe it! Pompey Cup hero turns 40

The man who scored the only goal of the game in Pompey's famous 2008 FA Cup final triumph celebrates his 40th birthday today.

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Aug 2016, 14:19 BST

Updated 1st Aug 2016, 15:20 BST

Nwankwo Kanu scores Pompey's winning goal in the 2008 FA Cup final against Cardiff at Wembley

Nigerian forward Nwankwo Kanu spent six years at Fratton Park between 2006 and 2012 and will be forever remembered for his close-range 38th-minute strike against Cardiff at Wembley.  The game culminated in the club lifting the cup for the second occasion in their history, and for the first time since 1939.

Another of the key players from that victorious team, David James, is also born on this day.  James is now 46 and experienced four eventful years on the south coast.  As well as picking up a winner’s medal in 2008, he captained the side at Wembley in 2010 as Pompey once again made it to the FA Cup final, only to be defeated by Chelsea – a day after their relegation from the top-flight had been sealed.

Both men have now of course retired following long careers, much of which were spent in the English top flight.