A Silent Fall That Reveals a Critical Moment

What looked like a fresh start for Andre Onana has spiraled into one of the most difficult chapters of his career. His departure from Manchester United —almost through the back door after a season filled with errors, criticism, and internal distrust— marked the beginning of a turbulent period. His move to Turkish football promised stability, minutes, and calm, but the outlook has darkened even further.

Onana arrived at United as the marquee signing meant to replace David de Gea, yet he never found his place at Old Trafford. Between media scrutiny and relentless pressure, he went from solution to symbol of a broken project. And just when it seemed he had left that noise behind, Cameroon pulled him back into chaos.

AFCON Without Onana: The Absence No One Saw Coming

The official Cameroon squad list for the AFCON Morocco 2025 delivered a shocking twist: Onana’s name is nowhere to be found. No explanation from the federation, no statement, no clarification. Simply removed from the picture by David Pagou, the interim coach appointed after the abrupt dismissal of Marc Brys.

The blow hits harder considering Cameroon’s deeper crisis. The Indomitable Lions are already out of the 2026 World Cup, having fallen in the playoffs against DR Congo. Meanwhile, a long-running political war continues between the Ministry of Sports and Fecafoot, led by Samuel Eto’o. Frequent managerial changes, disputes, accusations and institutional tension have dismantled any sense of sporting stability.

In the middle of that chaos, Onana once again becomes collateral damage—just as he was at Qatar 2022, when he was suspended mid-tournament for “disciplinary reasons.” Today, he is out again, with no explanation and no clear path back.

A Goalkeeper Trapped Between Power Struggles

The dismissal of Brys is just another chapter in a federation engulfed in problems. Fecafoot accused him of “subterfuge,” failing to meet obligations and undermining the federation, while the Ministry defended his legitimacy. Just like other key players —Vincent Aboubakar, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Michael Ngadeu— Onana has become a victim of a fractured system that keeps swallowing its own talent.

Since Eto’o took charge of the federation, controversies have been constant. And while the boardroom continues to burn, Cameroon will play a major continental tournament without its most recognizable and experienced goalkeeper.

What’s Next for Onana?

At 29, Onana stands at a dangerous crossroads. Without a place in the national team, far from the elite spotlight he once enjoyed and rebuilding his club career from afar, he is facing one of the most fragile moments of his journey.

He’s out of the AFCON. Out of the World Cup. Out of the structure that once projected him to the top. And as Cameroon prepare for another tournament under institutional chaos, Onana watches from a distance, his future suspended in a limbo that seems endless.