Who is André Onana?
Roots
Andre Onana, born on April 2nd, 1996, hails from Nkol Ngok, Cameroon. Growing up in a household surrounded by his parents, siblings, and a deep admiration for his older brother, Onana discovered his love for football. Starting with humble beginnings on a small patch of dirt, his talent began to shine through. Recognizing his potential, Onana was invited to join the esteemed Samuel Eto’o Academy in Douala at the age of 10, an opportunity he eagerly embraced. Taking a significant step in his career during the 2010/2011 season, Onana joined the renowned Barcelona Youth Academy, La Masia.
André Onana | His Love of Cameroon Ahead of World Cup 2022 — YouTube
Barcelona Dilemma
Andre Onana would go on to say his time in Barcelona were some of the best years of his life. Andre stated he always could always play with his feet, but at Barcelona he learned how to know how to recognize how to build up.
Throughout his tenure at the Barcelona youth academy, Andre Onana encountered a significant dilemma. The club boasted the talents of two exceptional goalkeepers, Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. This predicament left Onana pondering his next move. He had to decide whether to remain at Barcelona, engaging in fierce competition for the position, or venture into alternative opportunities that would grant him a starting role in the foreseeable future.
I had to leave Barcelona simply because I expected a lot from FC Barcelona. I was there for five seasons, and we made some early promises, but I had to leave also to grow, to gain experience, to gain maturity.
My associable spoke with them, had a problem to discuss with my agents, and the project they presented to us no longer let me play.
I wanted to be there, in the professional squad, that’s why I’m trying to come to Ajax.
AJAX DOC: Onana — The Boss — YouTube
Ajax Debuts
At the age of 18, Andre Onana realized that continuing his career at Barcelona was impossible. He made a decisive move to Ajax Amsterdam, a highly respected club known for nurturing young players and providing them with opportunities in the first team. Under the guidance of manager Peter Bosz in his second season, Onana showcased his skills in 32 matches, keeping 15 clean sheets while conceding only 20 goals. During the same season, Ajax made it to the final of the Europa League but suffered defeat at the hands of Manchester United led by Jose Mourinho. Onana’s exceptional talent was evident throughout the campaign as he played in all but one group stage game, establishing himself as a promising young star.
Champions League Success
During the 2018/2019 season, Andre Onana, under the guidance of new manager Erik ten Hag, showcased his exceptional abilities on the field. In a total of 33 games, Onana successfully kept 16 clean sheets and conceded a mere 27 goals. His remarkable performance played a crucial role in Ajax’s triumphant campaign, as they clinched the Eredivisie title. This achievement marked Onana’s first championship win of his career.
Ajax’s success extended beyond the domestic stage, as they demonstrated the abundance of world-class talent within their young team to Europe. The team’s remarkable journey in the Champions League led them to the semi-finals. In a closely contested match against Tottenham, Ajax came agonizingly close to securing a place in the final. However, Tottenham managed an incredible comeback from a three-goal deficit in the dying moments of the second leg, leaving Ajax supporters heartbroken.
The 2018/2019 season was truly a memorable one for Andre Onana and Ajax, showcasing their talents both domestically and on the European stage. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League final, their remarkable achievements highlighted the strength and potential of their young team.
A Season Cut Short
In the 2021–2022 season, Andre encountered challenges when he was absent for a year due to a doping violation. During October, Onana failed an out-of-competition drug test, with his urine sample showing positive for the prohibited substance furosemide. Onana maintained that this was an unintentional incident, clarifying that he had mistakenly consumed his wife’s prescribed medication, thinking it was aspirin to alleviate a headache. Ajax director Edwin van der Sar firmly expressed the club’s position against performance-enhancing drugs, highlighting their dedication to maintaining a clean sport.
A New Deal
After enduring some negative publicity and with his contract nearing its end, Onana decided it was time for a change. In the 2021/2022 season, Inter Milan acquired Onana on a free transfer. Eager to redeem himself after a challenging previous season, Onana proved his value to the world. He contributed to his team’s success with 8 clean sheets and only allowed 24 goals in 24 starts in Serie A. On the European stage, Andre Onana’s skills truly shone as he played a crucial role in guiding his team to the Champions League final, all while exhibiting an attractive style of play. He excelled in initiating attacks from the defense, demonstrating accurate passing, maintaining remarkable composure even under immense pressure, and showcasing improved shot-stopping abilities.
Conclusion
In the face of adversity and personal setbacks, Andre Onana’s resilience and determination have propelled him to new heights in his football career. His journey from humble beginnings in Cameroon to his time at esteemed academies and clubs has shaped him into a remarkable goalkeeper. Despite leaving Barcelona in search of opportunities, Onana found his stride at Ajax Amsterdam, where he showcased his exceptional talents and contributed to the team’s domestic success and remarkable Champions League run. Following a challenging season, Onana’s move to Inter Milan proved instrumental in his redemption, as he displayed his prowess on both the domestic and European stages. With his remarkable shot-stopping abilities and ability to initiate attacks from the back, Onana has firmly established himself as a rising star in the world of football.
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