Full Name: André Onana Onana
Date of Birth: 2 April 1996
Place of Birth: Nkol Ngok, Cameroon
Height: 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s): Goalkeeper
Current Club: Manchester United
Jersey Number: 24
Andre Onana: From Samuel Eto'o Academy to Manchester United
Born in Nkol Ngok, Cameroon, Andre Onana embarked on an adventure that was filled with uncertainty, not knowing what the future would hold. He started out as a boy with only hope in his heart and the passion to make a name for himself in the football world.
Over the years, his path took him through various challenges, from learning his craft at Barcelona's youth academy to playing in the Dutch Eredivisie with Ajax, and finally making the life-changing move to Manchester United in 2023. Now, standing tall at 1.90 meters (6 ft 3 in), Onana has become the main man between the sticks at one of the world’s most iconic clubs.
Here Are The 9 Andre Onana Facts You Should Know
1. His Football Career Started at Samuel Eto'o Academy Before Joining Barca
Andre Onana's football journey began at the Samuel Eto'o Academy, an initiative by the renowned Cameroonian striker.
It was here that Onana first displayed his goalkeeping talent, drawing attention for his athleticism and sharp reflexes. After honing his skills at Eto'o's academy, Onana's potential was too great to ignore, leading him to move to the famed Barcelona youth system, La Masia.
The transition from Cameroon to Spain marked a pivotal moment in his career, exposing him to top-level coaching and competitive training environments, where he developed the techniques and mentality that would later define his career.
2. He Had Loan Stints at Cornellà and Vista Alegre
Before cementing his place in Europe’s elite footballing circles, Onana gained valuable experience through loan spells at Cornellà and Vista Alegre.
These stints were crucial for his development, allowing him to transition from youth football to senior-level matches. At Cornellà, he learned the intricacies of matchday pressure and the responsibilities of a first-team goalkeeper. Vista Alegre provided further exposure to competitive football, allowing Onana to refine his shot-stopping abilities, build confidence, and grow as a player.
3. He Spent Seven and A Half Years at Ajax Before Joining Inter Milan
The shot-stopper spent seven and a half years at Ajax, where he rose to prominence as one of the top goalkeepers in Europe. Arriving in 2015, Onana quickly became a key figure for the club, earning the starting spot after impressive performances in the youth ranks.
His agility, commanding presence in the box, and exceptional distribution made him indispensable for Ajax, helping the team secure several Eredivisie titles and reach the semifinals of the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League. In 2022, Onana's career took another significant step forward as he joined Inter Milan.
4. His Cousin, Fabrice Ondoa, is also A Goalkeeper
Onana shares a deep footballing bond with his cousin, Fabrice Ondoa, who is also a goalkeeper. Fabrice, like Onana, represents Cameroon on the international stage, making their connection even more significant.
Growing up, Andre often looked up to Fabrice, drawing inspiration from his cousin’s path and success in the football world. The two have often supported each other’s careers, and their shared position as goalkeepers has created a strong familial connection within the sport.
5. He Replaced de Gea at Man Utd and Attracted Scrutiny
Andre Onana's move to Manchester United in the summer of 2023 came with immense pressure, as he was brought in to replace David de Gea, who had been the club's long-time goalkeeper.
Filling De Gea's shoes was not an easy task, as the Spanish goalkeeper had built a legacy at Old Trafford with countless match-winning performances. Onana, known for his excellent shot-stopping abilities and confidence with the ball at his feet, immediately attracted scrutiny.
His display in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich drew particular attention, with mistakes leading to criticism of his consistency under the spotlight.
Despite the challenges, he remained calm under pressure, determined to prove himself as the new number one for the Red Devils. His performances have significantly improved but many still wonder if he can consistently perform at a high level.
6. He Cherishes His Wife and Family
Andre Onana has always emphasised the importance of family in his life, attributing much of his success to the support of his loved ones. As a proud family man, Onana often shares moments from his personal life on social media. Whether it's spending time with his parents, siblings, or close friends, his family has been a constant source of strength and motivation.
7. He Represents Cameroon Internationally
The Nkol Ngok-born lad has proudly represented Cameroon on the international stage, earning numerous caps for the national team. As the starting goalkeeper, Onana has been a vital part of Cameroon’s squad in various international competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
Onana is deeply connected to his Cameroonian roots, often expressing how representing his country is one of the greatest honours of his career, and he remains committed to helping the Indomitable Lions achieve success on the global stage.
8. He Can Speak Four Languages
Onana is a polyglot, speaking four languages with fluency: Spanish, French, English, and Italian. He has spoken about how his language skills have been invaluable in his football career, especially as he’s played in different countries with diverse cultures.
In an interview with MUTV, Onana shared, “I can speak good Spanish, it's better than my French. English... my English is 50/50. Italian and I can understand Dutch.”
His ability to communicate in multiple languages has allowed him to integrate seamlessly into various teams, whether at Barcelona, Ajax, or Inter Milan, and now at Man United, it has helped him build strong relationships with teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
9. His Brother Inspired Him To Be A Goalkeeper
Andre Onana’s route to goalkeeping was influenced by his older brother, Cristian Onana, who played as a goalkeeper in Cameroon. Andre often recalls how watching his brother play inspired him to pursue the same position.
"My brother Cristian Onana, he was playing in Cameroon, and he was a goalkeeper, so because of him I started to love that position, and boom, everything changed," Onana shared in an interview with the Premier League’s official website. The impact of his brother's passion for the game was profound, and it fashioned Onana’s path to professional football.
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