40 Facts About André Onana

Early Life and Career

André Onana's journey from a small village in Cameroon to the grand stages of European football is nothing short of inspiring. His early life and career laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Early Life and Career: Onana began his football journey at the Samuel Eto'o Academy in Cameroon, where he was spotted by a member of the foundation. This early exposure led to his signing with Barcelona's La Masia youth academy at the age of 14.

2. Youth Career: At Barcelona, Onana developed his technical and physical skills, becoming the No. 1 goalkeeper at his age group. He played out from the back and transitioned play well, showcasing his potential as a standout under-19 player.

3. Move to Ajax: With a desire for regular first-team football and Marc-Andre ter Stegen being a fixture between the posts for the senior side, Onana decided to make the switch to Ajax in 2015. He made his debut in the 2016-17 season.

Achievements with Ajax

Onana's time at Ajax was marked by numerous achievements and accolades. His performances helped the team secure multiple titles and reach new heights in European competitions.

4. Eredivisie Titles: During his time at Ajax, Onana won three Eredivisie titles and two Dutch cups. He also helped guide Ajax to the semifinals of the Champions League in 2019, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level.

5. Champions League Performance: Onana's performance in the 2022-23 Champions League was outstanding. He conceded only 36 goals in 41 games, keeping 19 clean sheets. His passing ability and accuracy were particularly notable, averaging 27.1 passes in his own half and completing 79.17% of his passes.

6. Eredivisie Team of the Year: In the 2018-19 season, Onana was named in the Eredivisie Team of the Year. This award was fitting, given that Ajax won the league title for the first time in five years. He was also nominated for the Best Goalkeeper Award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony that same year, losing out to Liverpool's Allison Becker.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite facing significant challenges, Onana's resilience and determination have been key to his success. His ability to bounce back from setbacks is a testament to his character.

7. Doping Ban: In 2021, Onana was banned for nine months due to a doping violation. He claimed it was an accident, as he had taken a medicine meant for his girlfriend. This ban stalled his career but did not deter him from returning to action.

8. Return to Action: Onana returned to action in November 2021 and helped Cameroon to a third-placed finish at the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. This performance demonstrated his resilience and determination.

9. Support from Teammates: Despite the doping ban, Onana received significant support from his teammates at Ajax. His teammates wore shirts with his name ahead of the PSV game to show their support, and he received many messages on social media from across the world of football.

International Career

Onana's contributions to the Cameroon national team have been significant. His performances on the international stage have earned him recognition and respect.

10. International Career: Onana has made more than 40 appearances for the Cameroon national team since making his debut in September 2016. He has been a key player for his country, helping them reach the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals in 2021.

11. Return to Cameroon: After being sent home from the World Cup in Qatar due to a disagreement over tactics, Onana retired from international football shortly after. He hasn't played for Cameroon since then, focusing instead on his club career.

Move to Inter Milan

Onana's move to Inter Milan marked a new chapter in his career. His performances in Italy further solidified his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

12. Transfer to Inter Milan: In the summer of 2022, Onana signed for Inter Milan on a free transfer. He quickly established himself as a key player, helping the team win the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana titles. He also reached the Champions League final with Inter, where they narrowly lost to Manchester City.

13. Inter Milan Success: During his time at Inter Milan, Onana helped the team win the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana titles. He also reached the Champions League final with Inter, where they narrowly lost to Manchester City.

Manchester United Signing

Onana's transfer to Manchester United was a significant milestone in his career. His arrival at Old Trafford brought high expectations and new challenges.

14. Manchester United Signing: In 2023, Manchester United signed Onana for an initial £43.8 million. This move marked a significant change in his career, as he joined a new team with high expectations.

15. Premier League Debut: Onana made his competitive debut for Manchester United in the Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14, 2023. He kept a clean sheet as United won the game 1-0, but was at the center of controversy after referee Simon Hooper and VAR Michael Salisbury opted not to award a late penalty for a foul by Onana on Saša Kalajdžić.

Skills and Abilities

Onana's skills and abilities set him apart from other goalkeepers. His technical prowess and tactical awareness make him a valuable asset to any team.

16. Passing Ability: Onana's passing ability is one of his standout skills. He averaged 27.1 passes in his own half, compared to David de Gea's 17.1. His passing accuracy was also higher, with a 79.17% completion rate against De Gea's 68.33%.

17. Save Percentage: Onana had a slightly better save percentage than David de Gea, with 72.09% compared to De Gea's 70.14%. He also performed better than some top Premier League goalkeepers, including Liverpool's Alisson (71.52%) and Manchester City's Ederson (58.97%).

18. Tactical Flexibility: Onana's ability to play the ball forward is a trait that should suit Manchester United's style of play. He averaged 17.8 times per 90 minutes, compared to Alisson's 14.8 and Ederson's 13.9.

19. Technical Skills: Onana's technical skills are among the best in the world. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can play out from the back, transitioning play well. This ability to distribute the ball effectively has been a hallmark of his career.

20. Tactical Awareness: Onana has shown excellent tactical awareness throughout his career. He understands the game well and can read the opposition's movements, making crucial saves and distributing the ball effectively.

Personal Life and Background

Onana's personal life and background have played a significant role in shaping his career. His family and early influences have been crucial to his development as a footballer.

21. Family Background: Onana comes from a family with a strong football background. His cousin, Fabrice Ondoa, is also a professional footballer and goalkeeper. Both Onana and Ondoa spent time at the Samuel Eto'o Foundation before moving to Barcelona's youth academy.

22. Samuel Eto'o Foundation: The Samuel Eto'o Foundation was created by Cameroon's greatest-ever footballer, Samuel Eto'o, in 2006. The foundation provides young footballers in Cameroon with the right opportunities to break into the sport. Onana was one of those youngsters who benefited from the foundation, spending time there before earning a move to Barcelona.

23. Barcelona Academy: Onana joined Barcelona's youth system in 2010. During his time at La Masia, he developed his technical and physical skills, becoming a standout under-19 player. However, opportunities at the time were scarce, so he eventually moved on to Ajax in 2015.

Leadership and Mental Toughness

Onana's leadership skills and mental toughness have been key to his success. His ability to inspire his teammates and overcome challenges has made him a respected figure in football.

24. Leadership Skills: Onana has demonstrated leadership skills throughout his career. At Ajax, he was a key player who helped guide the team to several titles. His ability to lead by example and inspire his teammates has been a significant factor in his success.

25. Mental Toughness: Onana has demonstrated mental toughness in the face of adversity. His return to action after a doping ban and his continued performance despite early mistakes at Manchester United show his resilience and determination.

Career Milestones and Recognition

Onana's career has been marked by numerous milestones and recognition. His achievements have earned him respect and admiration in the football world.

26. Awards and Recognition: Onana was awarded the Best African Goalkeeper in 2018, a huge honor for a then-22-year-old. He was also named the Cameroonian Footballer of the Year in the same year, a truly glorious 12 months for the Inter man.

27. Career Milestones: Onana has achieved several career milestones, including winning multiple titles with Ajax and Inter Milan. He has also been recognized individually, such as being named the Best African Goalkeeper in 2018.

Challenges at Manchester United

Onana's early days at Manchester United were challenging. Despite facing criticism, he continued to work hard and improve his performances.

28. Premier League Struggles: In the Premier League, Onana struggled initially, particularly in the first part of the season. He made mistakes that proved costly for Manchester United, but he seemed to have settled in since the turn of the year. Manager Erik ten Hag defended Onana on many occasions, emphasizing his vital role within the team.

29. Champions League Performances: Onana's performances in the Champions League were mixed. He committed an error against Bayern Munich and another against Galatasaray, which led to Manchester United's early exit from the competition. However, he did show improvement later in the season, helping the team settle into a more consistent performance.

Indispensable Player

Despite the challenges, Onana remains an indispensable player for Manchester United. His skills and contributions make him a key part of the team.

30. Indispensable Player: Despite his mistakes, Onana is considered one of the few players deemed indispensable by Manchester United. He is alongside young talents Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund, highlighting his importance to the team.

31. Goalkeeping Statistics: Onana's goalkeeping statistics are impressive. He saved 72.77% of the shots he faced in the Premier League, making 147 saves in total. This is compared to other top Premier League goalkeepers, such as Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario and Arsenal's David Raya.

32. Defensive Support: Onana's performance was often affected by the poor defense in front of him. Manchester United conceded 58 goals in the Premier League, which was partly due to the high number of shots they faced (200). This context helps explain why Onana's save percentage was still impressive despite the team's overall poor performance.

Fan Support and Legacy

Onana's legacy in football is still being written. His achievements and contributions have earned him the support of fans and the respect of his peers.

33. Fan Support: Despite the controversies surrounding Onana, Manchester United fans continued to support him. The team's tickets sold out in the just-concluded campaign, indicating that fans remained loyal despite his early mistakes.

34. Legacy in Football: Onana's legacy in football is still being written. His achievements and contributions to his teams have made him a respected figure in the sport. As he continues to play at the highest level, his impact on the game will only grow, inspiring future generations of goalkeepers and footballers alike.

Philosophy and Personal Beliefs

Onana's philosophy on football and personal beliefs have guided him throughout his career. His dedication and hard work have been key to his success.

35. Philosophy on Football: Onana believes that the road to the top in football is never straight. He has spoken about the sacrifices he made, including leaving home at a young age to pursue his dreams. His philosophy on football emphasizes hard work and dedication.

36. Personal Struggles: Onana has faced personal struggles, including a doping ban that stalled his career. He has spoken publicly about the challenges he faced during this period, including the emotional toll of being banned from playing football for nine months.

Physical Attributes and Skills

Onana's physical attributes and skills make him a formidable goalkeeper. His technical prowess and tactical awareness set him apart from others in his position.

37. Physical Attributes: Onana stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall, which is an advantage in goalkeeping. His physical attributes, combined with his technical skills, make him a formidable opponent in the goalmouth.

38. Technical Skills: Onana's technical skills are among the best in the world. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can play out from the back, transitioning play well. This ability to distribute the ball effectively has been a hallmark of his career.

39. Tactical Awareness: Onana has shown excellent tactical awareness throughout his career. He understands the game well and can read the opposition's movements, making crucial saves and distributing the ball effectively.

40. Mental Toughness: Onana has demonstrated mental toughness in the face of adversity. His return to action after a doping ban and his continued performance despite early mistakes at Manchester United show his resilience and determination.

Onana's Impact on Football

André Onana's journey from the Samuel Eto'o Academy to Manchester United showcases his resilience and talent. His early days at Barcelona's La Masia laid a solid foundation, but it was at Ajax where he truly shined, winning multiple Eredivisie titles and making a mark in the Champions League. Despite facing a doping ban, Onana bounced back, proving his mental toughness. His move to Inter Milan brought more silverware, and his recent transfer to Manchester United highlights his growing influence in football. Known for his exceptional passing ability, tactical awareness, and leadership, Onana continues to inspire both on and off the field. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As he continues his career, Onana's legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of goalkeepers and footballers worldwide.