Credits: IMAGO / Seskim Photo TR
The difficult career trajectory of Andre Onana has taken another downturn. The Cameroon FA recently confirmed that he will not feature at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The goalkeeper was once signed by Manchester United to be their long-term No.1.
Yet, after a series of events, he now finds himself omitted from his national team’s plans. Notably, he showed a recent return to steadier form with Trabzonspor. The decision arrives at a turbulent moment for Cameroon football. The AFCON squad dropped on Monday.
The nation’s federation parted ways with coach Marc Brys on the same day. They replaced him just weeks before the tournament. For Onana, who has earned over 50 caps and played throughout Cameroon’s recent World Cup qualifying campaign, the exclusion represents an unexpected setback.
Life After Old Trafford Exit for Andre Onana
Onana’s decline has been gradual but unmistakable. At Ajax and Inter Milan, he built a reputation as one of Europe’s most confident ball-playing goalkeepers. He then joined Manchester United in 2023 with high expectations. Errors in high-profile matches, combined with the intense scrutiny surrounding the position, ultimately cost him his place.
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Ruben Amorim later explained the decision to move him on. He said, “Sometimes it’s hard to point why. It’s the performance, the moments. The bad luck in some moments was hard on him, was hard on us. Our thinking is to have a change in the goalkeepers.”
His subsequent loan to Trabzonspor provided a quieter environment. Reportedly, his performance since then has convinced the Turkish club to consider extending his stay. Even so, he has made only a modest number of appearances. He also hasn’t completely re-established his international standing.
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National-Team Future Now in Doubt
Cameroon’s alternative goalkeepers – Simon Omossola, Devis Epassy, Simon Ngapandouetnbu, and Edouard Sombang have been called up instead for AFCON duty. The omission is particularly striking given that Onana had featured regularly for Cameroon in recent months. That is, including their crucial qualifier against DR Congo.
Yet with Cameroon entering AFCON amid leadership changes and shifting tactical priorities, the 29-year-old has become an unexpected casualty of the transition. He was once valued at more than £40 million and trusted on some of Europe’s grandest stages. Hence, being left out of the continent’s biggest tournament shows just how far his stock has fallen.
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Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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