Full Name: André Onana Date of Birth: April 2, 1996 Nationality: Cameroonian Position: Goalkeeper Height: 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) Current Club: Manchester United Previous Clubs: Ajax, Inter Milan
Early Career and Youth Development
Youth Academy: Onana began his football journey at the Samuel Eto’o Academy in Cameroon. His talent was quickly recognized, and he joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy in 2010.
Move to Ajax (2015): After five years in La Masia, Onana moved to AFC Ajax in 2015, where he made his senior debut. He rose to prominence in the 2016–17 season and became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Rise at Ajax (2016–2021)
Achievements: Onana’s time at Ajax was highly successful. He helped the team win multiple Eredivisie titles and was a key player in their run to the UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2019. His performances were noted for his quick reflexes, excellent distribution, and leadership.
Suspension (2021): In 2021, Onana faced a major setback when he was handed a 12-month suspension by UEFA after testing positive for a banned substance. Onana and Ajax argued it was an honest mistake—he had accidentally taken his wife’s medication. His ban was later reduced to 9 months after an appeal.
Inter Milan (2022-2023)
Move to Inter Milan: After serving his suspension, Onana joined Inter Milan in the summer of 2022. Despite some competition for the starting spot initially, he eventually cemented his place as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Italian giants.
Champions League Final: Onana played a pivotal role in Inter Milan’s journey to the 2023 UEFA Champions League final, where they were narrowly beaten by Manchester City. His performances throughout the season showcased his shot-stopping abilities and modern goalkeeper skills, such as playing out from the back.
Manchester United (2023 – Present)
Transfer to Manchester United: In the summer of 2023, Onana was signed by Manchester United for a fee reported to be around €55 million. He was brought in to replace long-serving goalkeeper David de Gea and reunite with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
Playing Style: Known for his composure with the ball at his feet, Onana fits well into the style of modern football, where goalkeepers are expected to act as an additional outfield player when building from the back. His leadership, vocal presence, and reflexes make him one of the top goalkeepers in European football.
International Career
Onana made his debut for Cameroon in 2016 and has since represented his country at several international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He was part of the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but his participation was cut short due to a dispute with the coach over tactical differences, which led him to leave the squad early.
Key Strengths
Distribution: Onana is one of the most skilled goalkeepers when it comes to passing and playing out from the back, making him ideal for teams that rely on building attacks from their defense.
Shot-Stopping: His reflexes and ability to make crucial saves in one-on-one situations have made him a standout keeper in Europe.
Leadership: Despite being relatively young, Onana shows leadership qualities both on and off the pitch, often seen organizing his defense and motivating his teammates.
Honours and Achievements
Eredivisie Titles: Multiple league titles with Ajax.
Dutch Cup: Several KNVB Cup wins with Ajax.
UEFA Champions League Finalist: 2023 with Inter Milan.
Legacy and Future
André Onana is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in modern football, with his ability to perform under pressure and his skill in contributing to a team’s playmaking. His move to Manchester United has put him in the spotlight of one of the biggest clubs in the world, where expectations will be high as he continues to develop his career.
Cameroon
