André Onana
Cameroonian footballer.
André Onana, a Cameroonian professional footballer, has built a notable career as one of the leading goalkeepers in modern football. Born on April 2, 1996, in Nkol Ngok, Cameroon, Onana's journey began at the Samuel Eto'o Academy before he joined Barcelona's famed La Masia youth academy in 2010. This foundational period at Barcelona helped hone his skills and set the stage for his professional career. In 2015, Onana moved to AFC Ajax, where he quickly rose through the ranks, making his first-team debut in 2016. His time at Ajax was marked by impressive performances, particularly his shot-stopping ability, reflexes, and distribution. Onana was integral to Ajax's domestic success, helping the team win multiple Eredivisie titles and KNVB Cups. His standout performances in the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League, where Ajax reached the semi-finals, garnered international acclaim.
However, Onana's career faced a significant setback in February 2021 when he received a nine-month ban from football due to a doping violation. Despite this challenge, Onana remained resilient and returned to action in November 2021. He left Ajax at the end of the 2021/2022 season, signing with Inter Milan. At Inter, Onana reestablished himself, becoming the first-choice goalkeeper and playing a crucial role in their domestic and European campaigns during the 2022/2023 season. In the summer of 2023, Onana made a high-profile move to Manchester United, reuniting with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. At United, Onana quickly became a key player, known for his exceptional shot-stopping, commanding presence, and proficiency with the ball at his feet.
His performances have been pivotal in both the Premier League and Champions League, solidifying his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the world. Off the pitch, Onana is also recognized for his leadership and professionalism, mentoring younger players and exemplifying resilience throughout his career.
Before football & youth career
André Onana was born on April 2, 1996, in Nkol Ngok, a small village in Cameroon. Growing up in a football-loving family, Onana's passion for the sport was evident from an early age. His cousin, Fabrice Ondoa, who also became a professional goalkeeper, likely influenced his choice of position. At the age of 10, Onana joined the Samuel Eto'o Academy in Douala, Cameroon. This academy, founded by the legendary Cameroonian footballer Samuel Eto'o, was known for nurturing young talent and providing exposure to European scouts. It was here that Onana's goalkeeping skills began to flourish. Onana's talent didn't go unnoticed for long.
In 2010, at just 13 years old, he caught the eye of scouts from Barcelona. The Spanish giants saw potential in the young goalkeeper and offered him a place in their prestigious youth academy, La Masia. Moving to Barcelona was a significant step in Onana's development. At La Masia, he was exposed to world-class coaching and facilities, training alongside some of the most promising young talents in football. The Barcelona academy's emphasis on technical skills and playing out from the back greatly influenced Onana's style of play. During his time at La Masia, Onana progressed through various youth teams, consistently impressing coaches with his shot-stopping abilities and comfort with the ball at his feet. He reached Barcelona's Juvenil A team, the final step before the senior setup.
Despite his promise, the path to Barcelona's first team looked challenging, with established goalkeepers ahead of him. This situation led Onana to make the crucial decision to leave Barcelona in 2015, setting the stage for the next chapter of his career at Ajax.
Start of his career
The 2014/15 season was a transitional one for André Onana. He began the season with Barcelona's Juvenil A team, continuing his development in La Masia. However, recognizing the limited prospects for first-team football at Barcelona, Onana made a crucial career decision midway through the season. In January 2015, Onana signed with Ajax, initially joining their youth setup. This move was motivated by the Dutch club's reputation for developing young talent and providing opportunities for youth players in the first team.
Upon arriving at Ajax, Onana quickly impressed the coaching staff with his skills and maturity. He spent the remainder of the season primarily with Jong Ajax, the club's reserve team that plays in the Dutch second tier. This experience provided Onana with his first taste of senior football, albeit at a lower level. It was a crucial period of adaptation for the young goalkeeper, as he adjusted to a new country, culture, and style of play.
The 2015/16 season saw André Onana continue his progression at Ajax. He started the season as the first-choice goalkeeper for Jong Ajax in the Dutch second division, building on his experiences from the previous half-season. Onana's performances for Jong Ajax were impressive, catching the eye of first-team manager Frank de Boer. As a result, he was occasionally included in the first-team squad as a backup goalkeeper, providing him with valuable exposure to top-level football. While he didn't make his first-team debut this season, Onana's development was evident.
He continued to refine his skills, particularly his distribution and command of the penalty area, traits highly valued in Ajax's system. This season was crucial for Onana's adaptation to Dutch football and Ajax's style of play. His performances for Jong Ajax and his attitude in training laid the groundwork for his future breakthrough into the first team. The club's faith in his potential was clear, as they were grooming him to potentially succeed Jasper Cillessen as Ajax's number one goalkeeper.
The 2016/17 season marked André Onana's breakthrough into Ajax's first team. Following Jasper Cillessen's departure to Barcelona, Onana was promoted to the role of first-choice goalkeeper under new manager Peter Bosz. Onana made his competitive debut for Ajax on August 20, 2016, in a 2-2 draw against Willem II in the Eredivisie. He quickly established himself as a reliable presence between the posts, impressing with his shot-stopping abilities and comfort with the ball at his feet. Throughout the season, Onana made 46 appearances across all competitions, including 32 in the Eredivisie. He played a crucial role in Ajax's run to the UEFA Europa League final, where they narrowly lost to Manchester United.
His performances in Europe, particularly in high-pressure knockout matches, garnered widespread praise and attention. Onana's first full season as Ajax's number one was a resounding success. He kept 18 clean sheets in the league and was a key factor in Ajax's second-place finish in the Eredivisie. His rapid development and consistent performances cemented his status as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe.
The 2017/18 season saw André Onana continue to establish himself as one of the top young goalkeepers in Europe. Building on his breakthrough season, Onana was now firmly entrenched as Ajax's first-choice goalkeeper. In the Eredivisie, Onana made 33 appearances, keeping 16 clean sheets. His performances were crucial in Ajax's push for the title, though they ultimately finished second behind PSV Eindhoven.
Onana's shot-stopping abilities and his comfort with the ball at his feet were particularly noteworthy, fitting perfectly with Ajax's possession-based style of play. In European competition, Ajax participated in the UEFA Europa League, where Onana featured in all of their matches until their elimination in the round of 32 against Getafe. Despite the early exit, Onana's performances on the continental stage continued to attract attention from bigger clubs. This season also saw Onana make his debut for the Cameroon national team, solidifying his status as one of Africa's top goalkeeping talents. He quickly established himself as Cameroon's first-choice goalkeeper, a position he would hold for years to come. Off the field, Onana's reputation continued to grow. He was nominated for the inaugural Kopa Trophy, an award given to the best performing player under the age of 21. By the end of the 2017/18 season, Onana had made 47 appearances across all competitions for Ajax, keeping 22 clean sheets.
His consistent performances and continued development reinforced his status as a key player for Ajax and one of the most promising goalkeepers of his generation.
Development and breakthrough
The 2018/19 season was arguably André Onana's best to date, as he played a pivotal role in Ajax's historic campaign. Under Erik ten Hag's management, Ajax achieved domestic success and made a remarkable run in the UEFA Champions League. In the Eredivisie, Onana was a cornerstone of Ajax's title-winning side. He made 33 appearances, keeping 14 clean sheets as Ajax clinched their first league title since 2014. His consistent performances and crucial saves in key moments were instrumental in this achievement. However, it was in the Champions League where Onana truly shone.
Ajax made a stunning run to the semi-finals, eliminating giants like Real Madrid and Juventus along the way. Onana's performances were critical, particularly in the knockout stages where his saves and composure under pressure earned widespread acclaim. Onana also contributed to Ajax's KNVB Cup victory, completing a domestic double. In total, he made 55 appearances across all competitions, keeping 26 clean sheets - a testament to his consistency and importance to the team. His performances did not go unnoticed, with Onana being named in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season. He was also a key player for Cameroon in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. By the end of this remarkable season, Onana had firmly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His ability to perform at the highest level, combined with his youth and potential for further improvement, made him one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in Europe.
The 2019/20 season was another strong campaign for André Onana, although it was ultimately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, Onana continued to showcase his skills and importance to Ajax. In the Eredivisie, Onana made 24 appearances before the season was prematurely ended in March 2020 due to the pandemic. At the time of the suspension, Ajax were top of the league on goal difference, with Onana having kept 8 clean sheets.
However, the Dutch football association (KNVB) decided not to award the title to any team. In the Champions League, Ajax had a disappointing campaign, finishing third in their group and dropping into the Europa League. Onana played in all six group stage matches, including impressive performances against Chelsea and Valencia. Despite the shortened season, Onana's performances continued to attract attention from top European clubs. His ability to play out from the back, combined with his excellent shot-stopping skills, made him an attractive prospect for teams looking to play a possession-based style. Off the field, Onana faced a significant challenge when he was accused of violating doping regulations in October 2020, an issue that would have major implications for his career in the following season.
Despite the truncated nature of the season and the emerging doping issue, Onana managed to make 39 appearances across all competitions for Ajax, keeping 15 clean sheets. His consistent performances, even in a challenging year, underlined his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the Eredivisie and Europe.
The 2020/21 season was the most challenging of André Onana's career due to a doping suspension. In February 2021, UEFA banned Onana for 12 months after he tested positive for Furosemide, a banned substance. Onana claimed he had accidentally taken his wife's medication, mistaking it for aspirin. Prior to his suspension, Onana had made 20 appearances for Ajax across all competitions, keeping 9 clean sheets. He was in good form, helping Ajax to the top of the Eredivisie and into the knockout stages of the Europa League.
The suspension, initially set for 12 months, was later reduced to 9 months following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This meant Onana was ruled out for the remainder of the 2020/21 season and the start of the 2021/22 campaign. Despite his absence, Ajax went on to win the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup, with veteran Maarten Stekelenburg stepping in as the primary goalkeeper. The suspension had significant implications for Onana's career. It not only kept him out of action for Ajax but also meant he missed Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches and the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This period was a major setback in Onana's career trajectory.
However, it also became a time of reflection and preparation for his comeback. Despite the challenges, Onana maintained his determination to return to top-level football, setting the stage for his eventual comeback and transfer to Inter Milan in the following seasons.
During the 2021/2022 season, André Onana's career faced significant turbulence. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, playing for AFC Ajax, was returning from a nine-month doping ban imposed by UEFA in February 2021. The ban, reduced from an initial 12 months upon appeal, kept Onana away from the pitch until November 2021. His absence was felt deeply by Ajax, as Onana had been a pivotal figure in their domestic and European successes. Upon his return, Onana struggled to regain his starting position immediately, as Ajax had signed Remko Pasveer and Maarten Stekelenburg to cover for his absence.
This competition for the goalkeeper spot limited Onana's appearances. Additionally, ongoing contract renewal issues with Ajax created a cloud of uncertainty around his future at the club. Despite these challenges, Onana's performance in the limited matches he played showcased his resilience and skill, particularly his impressive shot-stopping ability and distribution. His return was crucial for Ajax in critical matches, including their Eredivisie and Champions League campaigns. However, the season was a bittersweet chapter in Onana's career, marked by both personal and professional challenges.
Becoming an established player
The 2022/2023 season marked a significant transition for André Onana as he moved from Ajax to Inter Milan on a free transfer, signing a five-year contract with the Italian giants. This move was seen as a fresh start for Onana, providing him with an opportunity to reestablish himself as a top-tier goalkeeper in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. At Inter, Onana faced competition from the experienced Samir Handanović, the long-time first-choice goalkeeper for the club. Initially, Onana had to prove himself to secure the starting position. Throughout the season, Onana’s performances were characterized by his exceptional reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and adeptness at playing out from the back – attributes that aligned well with Inter’s tactical setup. He gradually became the preferred choice in goal, particularly excelling in crucial Serie A and Champions League fixtures. Onana's contributions were instrumental in Inter’s defensive solidity, helping the team contend for the Scudetto and make a deep run in the Champions League.
His ability to deliver under pressure and integrate into Inter’s defensive system demonstrated his growth and adaptability. By the end of the season, Onana had firmly established himself as a key player for Inter, reaffirming his status as one of Europe’s leading goalkeepers.
In the summer of 2023, André Onana made a high-profile move to Manchester United, reuniting with his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag. The transfer was seen as a significant upgrade for United in the goalkeeper position, as they aimed to bolster their defensive stability and improve their build-up play from the back. Onana’s arrival at Old Trafford was part of a broader strategy to enhance the squad's quality and competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions. Onana quickly became a key figure in United's lineup. His exceptional shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area, and proficiency with the ball at his feet aligned well with Ten Hag's tactical vision. Onana's distribution skills allowed United to play out from the back more effectively, contributing to a more fluid and dynamic style of play. His ability to read the game and make crucial saves under pressure provided a sense of security to United's backline. Throughout the season, Onana delivered several standout performances in the Premier League and the Champions League. His presence was particularly felt in high-stakes matches, where his composure and leadership were invaluable.
Onana's knack for making game-changing saves earned him praise from fans and pundits alike. He kept multiple clean sheets and was integral to United's defensive efforts, helping them remain competitive in the league and progress in European competitions. Off the pitch, Onana quickly adapted to life in Manchester and emerged as a leader within the squad. His professionalism and work ethic were evident, and he played a mentoring role for younger players. Onana's journey from overcoming a doping ban to becoming a crucial player for one of the biggest clubs in the world was a testament to his resilience and determination. As the 2023/2024 season progressed, Onana's contributions were instrumental in Manchester United's pursuit of silverware. His performances not only reinforced his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the world but also helped solidify United's status as a formidable force in both domestic and European football.
Youth national sides
André Onana's youth career began in his native Cameroon, where he trained at the Samuel Eto'o Academy. His talent was quickly recognized, and at the age of 13, he was scouted by Barcelona, joining their famous La Masia academy in 2010. At La Masia, Onana developed his goalkeeping skills, learning the Barcelona style of play which emphasizes a goalkeeper's ability with the ball at their feet. He progressed through the various youth teams, playing for Barcelona's Juvenil A team in the 2014-15 season. During his time in Barcelona's youth setup, Onana also represented Cameroon at the youth international level.
He was part of the Cameroon U20 squad that participated in the 2015 African U20 Championship. Despite his promise, Onana faced stiff competition at Barcelona with Marc-André ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo ahead of him in the senior team. This led to his decision to leave the club in search of first-team opportunities. In January 2015, Onana signed with Ajax, initially joining their youth team before quickly progressing to Jong Ajax (Ajax's reserve team) and eventually the first team. This move marked the end of his youth career and the beginning of his senior professional journey.
Senior international
Onana’s senior international career with the Cameroon national team has been a significant part of his football journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges. Onana made his debut for the Indomitable Lions on September 6, 2016, in a friendly match against Gabon. His early performances for the national team showcased his potential, and he quickly became a key figure for Cameroon. Onana’s international career gained prominence during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Although he was not the first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament, Cameroon emerged victorious, winning the title for the fifth time in their history. This victory was a morale booster for the team and set the stage for Onana to take on a more prominent role in subsequent competitions. By the time of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Onana had established himself as Cameroon’s first-choice goalkeeper. He played a crucial role in the tournament, displaying his shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence. Despite a strong performance from Onana, Cameroon was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Nigeria, but his individual displays earned him recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in the tournament. The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, held in early 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was another significant event in Onana’s international career. The tournament, hosted by Cameroon, saw the national team aiming for a deep run on home soil.
Onana’s performances were pivotal as Cameroon advanced to the semi-finals. Despite their strong run, they were defeated by Egypt in the semi-finals and secured third place by defeating Burkina Faso in the third-place playoff. Onana's performances throughout the tournament were lauded, cementing his status as a top international goalkeeper. In addition to AFCON, Onana has been part of Cameroon’s campaigns in World Cup qualifiers. He has consistently been a reliable presence between the posts, bringing his club experience to the international stage. His leadership and experience have been invaluable for the team, both on and off the pitch. Onana’s international career, though still ongoing, has been a testament to his resilience and skill.
He remains an essential figure for Cameroon, contributing not only with his goalkeeping prowess but also with his leadership and experience, helping to guide and inspire the next generation of Cameroonian footballers.
Playing style
André Onana is a modern goalkeeper known for his excellent shot-stopping abilities and his comfort with the ball at his feet. His style of play is heavily influenced by his time at Barcelona's La Masia academy and his development at Ajax. Onana possesses quick reflexes and good positioning, allowing him to make impressive saves. He's agile and athletic, capable of covering his goal effectively and making acrobatic saves when necessary. One of Onana's standout qualities is his ball-playing ability.
He's confident in possession and adept at distributing the ball, whether it's short passes to start attacks or long balls to initiate counter-attacks. This skill makes him valuable in teams that like to build play from the back. Onana is also known for his commanding presence in the box. He's vocal in organizing his defense and confident in coming off his line to claim crosses or sweep up behind his defensive line. His decision-making has improved over the years, though he has occasionally been criticized for taking risks with the ball at his feet. Physically, Onana has a good frame for a goalkeeper, standing at 6'3" (1.90m), which helps him cover the goal and dominate in aerial situations.
Overall, Onana's style combines traditional goalkeeping skills with the modern requirements of the position, making him a well-rounded and sought-after goalkeeper.