André Onana Onana (born 2 April 1996) is a Cameroonian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Inter Milan and the Cameroon national team.
Onana was born in Nkol Ngok, Cameroon. He began his youth career at the Samuel Eto’o Academy, and he joined Barcelona’s youth system in 2010. In 2015, he moved to Ajax, where he made his professional debut in 2016.
Onana quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Eredivisie, and he helped Ajax win three league titles, two KNVB Cups, and the UEFA Europa League in 2017. He was also named the Eredivisie Goalkeeper of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
In 2020, Onana was banned for 12 months for doping. He appealed the ban, and it was reduced to nine months. He returned to action in January 2021.
In July 2022, Onana joined Inter Milan on a free transfer.
Biography of André Onana
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | André Onana |
| Date of Birth | April 2, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Nkol Ngok, Cameroon |
| Nationality | Cameroonian |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Club | Inter Milan |
| Career Beginnings | Joined Samuel Eto’o Foundation |
| Youth academy in Cameroon | |
| Move to Ajax | Joined Ajax Amsterdam |
| Senior debut: August 25, 2016 | |
| Success with Ajax | Key player in UEFA Champions League run (2018-2019) |
| Multiple Eredivisie titles | |
| International Career | Represented Cameroon national team |
| Made senior debut in 2016 | |
| Suspension | Suspended by UEFA for doping violation (February 2021) |
| Personal Life | Known for humble demeanor and charity work |
| Future Prospects | Expected to make strong comeback at Manchester United |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
André Onana was born on April 2, 1996, in Nkol Ngok, a small town in Cameroon. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for football, particularly as a goalkeeper. As a child, he played for local clubs and caught the attention of scouts due to his exceptional skills between the posts.
Andre Onana Rise to Prominence
In 2010, at the age of 14, Onana joined the prestigious Samuel Eto’o Foundation, a youth development academy in Cameroon. The foundation aimed to nurture promising young talents and provide them with opportunities to further their careers. During his time there, André honed his goalkeeping abilities, attracting interest from European clubs.
In 2015, Onana’s talent earned him a move to the famous Dutch club, Ajax Amsterdam. He initially joined their youth system and quickly rose through the ranks, catching the eye of coaches and fans alike. His impressive performances led to his promotion to the senior team, and he made his first-team debut on August 25, 2016, in a UEFA Europa League match against FK Rostov.
Success with Ajax:
André Onana played a vital role in Ajax’s remarkable run during the 2018-2019 season. Under the guidance of coach Erik ten Hag, the team reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, beating some of Europe’s biggest clubs along the way. Onana’s commanding presence and acrobatic saves were instrumental in Ajax’s success, making him one of the standout performers of the tournament.
On the domestic front, Onana also helped Ajax win multiple Eredivisie titles, showcasing his consistency and reliability in goal. His performances garnered attention from top clubs across Europe, with many admiring his shot-stopping ability, distribution skills, and composure under pressure.
International Career:
André Onana has represented the Cameroonian national team at various levels. He made his senior international debut in 2016 and has since become a regular member of the squad. Onana’s contributions have played a significant role in Cameroon’s quest for success in African football.
Controversy and Suspension:
In February 2021, Onana faced a setback when he was suspended from all football-related activities for twelve months by UEFA due to a doping violation. The ban was a result of mistakenly taking medicine prescribed for his wife while out of competition. However, Onana and Ajax appealed the suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an attempt to have it reduced or overturned.
Personal Life
André Onana is known for his humble demeanor, professionalism, and dedication to his craft. Off the field, he is actively involved in charitable endeavors, using his platform to give back to his community in Cameroon. Onana has expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received and continues to inspire aspiring young footballers with his journey.
Future Prospects
André Onana’s professional career has been boosted with his links to manchester united. However, Onana possesses immense talent and remains highly sought-after by clubs around the world.
André Onana’s professional career has been boosted by his links to Manchester United. The Cameroonian goalkeeper is seen as a potential replacement for David de Gea, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Onana is a highly-rated goalkeeper who has been playing at a high level for Ajax for several years. He is known for his shot-stopping ability, his reflexes, and his distribution with his feet. He is also a good leader, and he has captained Ajax on several occasions.
The links to Manchester United have given Onana a boost of confidence. He knows that he is being considered by one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he is determined to prove that he is good enough to play at that level.
If Onana does join Manchester United, he will be a valuable addition to the team. He is a young goalkeeper with a lot of potential, and he could be the long-term successor to David de Gea.
