Andre Onana hailed as a top goalkeeper, faced a tough journey before he arrived at Manchester United. He went from glory to a year-long setback due to a doping ban at Ajax. Despite ups and downs, he became a crucial player for Inter Milan, setting records in the Champions League. His story is marked by challenges, including missed games, disputes with coaches, and missing out on big tournaments. His pinnacle was reached when he faced Manchester City at UEFA Champions League final. Currently, he aims for another feat at Manchester United in a career filled with twists and turns.
Andre Onana’s Career Journey
Andre Onana’s journey has been a whirlwind, from a doping ban to vying for European glory. Challenges have been constants in his career, beginning with restrictions at Barcelona due to recruitment laws. Moving to Ajax in 2015, he swiftly rose to the senior team. He became a mainstay until a UEFA doping ban interrupted his streak.
Despite setbacks, Onana joined Inter Milan for the 2022/23 term, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play in major matches like the Champions League final. His absence due to the doping ban led to solitary training to stay fit, culminating in his move to Italy and a chance at continental success.
Andre Onana acknowledged his responsibility for the doping violation, which cost him potential international tournaments. In addition, his dispute with Cameroon’s coach led to his retirement from national duty, missing out on further caps. Despite his absence, Onana’s role in the Champions League final against Manchester City was pivotal, having already set records at Inter Milan.
His journey reflects resilience and determination, making his potential triumph in the final chapter of his remarkable career of overcoming obstacles.
Andre Onana’s Stint at Barcelona
When Andre Onana made his move to Manchester United, he was poised to embrace the challenge of inheriting one of football’s most prestigious and demanding goalkeeper roles.
The path for the Cameroon international has been far from easy. Leaving home at a young age to join Samuel Eto’o’s academy, crossing continents to enter Barcelona’s La Masia at 14, and claiming the starting spot at Ajax at just 20 were significant milestones. He later displaced club icon Samir Handanovic, playing a crucial role as Inter Milan made it to the Champions League final last season.
However, setbacks have been part of his journey. FIFA’s ban on youth transfers sidelined him for 18 months at Barcelona, a UEFA drugs ban halted his tenure at Ajax for nine months, and personal decisions led to an early departure from the World Cup in Qatar last year.
Ajax Campaign
Joining Ajax in 2015 from the Eredivisie, Onana swiftly transitioned from the reserve team to the senior lineup, displaying exceptional consistency for four-and-a-half years.
Although his move to Inter Milan happened in 2022/23, Onana’s final complete season at Ajax was in 2018/19. Andre Onana faced various hurdles, including the premature conclusion of the Dutch league due to COVID-19 in the subsequent year. Also, he experienced a UEFA doping ban in 20/21 for inadvertently consuming prohibited medication. Despite these setbacks, he managed to secure a league and cup double and reached the Europa League final before encountering further challenges.
Now embarking on a fresh start, Onana faces another uphill battle, aiming to overcome obstacles that have surfaced in his remarkable career.
Andre Onana’s Epitome of Success at Inter Milan
Onana expressed gratitude to Inzaghi for the opportunity at Inter, emphasizing pride and hope for ultimate success before the Champions League final. Despite adversities, his determination to play, especially in significant matches, remains unwavering. With Inter counting on his expertise to replace Handanovic, Onana’s recent absence due to undisclosed reasons didn’t hinder his dedication. He even trained independently in Spain. After securing a move to Italy, he had another shot at European glory.
Acknowledging personal responsibility for a doping violation and subsequent missed tournaments, he understands the consequences of such errors. Despite tensions leading to his retirement from international duty and pleas from former colleagues to return, his absence left the Cameroon squad to rely on alternate goalkeepers. This impacted his availability for the Champions League final against Manchester City.
Onana secured a club record at Inter Milan, being the inaugural No.1 to maintain seven clean sheets in a single Champions League season. Achieving another seems an extraordinary challenge. But considering his remarkable journey and past triumphs, it would be quintessentially Onana if he accomplished this feat, marking his most astonishing and unforeseen turnaround to date.
A Movie to Manchester United
His transfer—a deal of €51 million (£43.9m, $57.4m) plus €4m in add-ons agreed with Inter Milan saw him become the number one goalkeeper for Manchester United. Onana’s career journey hints at his readiness to leave a lasting impact in this new position.
Andre Onana seemed like an ideal addition for United given his past success at Inter Milan and experience under Erik Ten Hag at Ajax. Known for his exceptional goalkeeping and distribution skills, he excelled in delivering accurate long balls. A quality lacking in United’s previous season compared to rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City. However, adapting to a new league and country has been a gradual process for Onana. United’s initial poor form compounded his adjustment. Much like how Alex Ferguson supported De Gea during his early days at the club. With the team facing challenges and Onana finding his footing, it’s been a slower start for both the player and the club.
Despite initial uncertainties, Andre Onana has shown signs of improvement. While still prone to occasional shaky moments, especially with rebound saves, his familiarity with teammates and a more settled defensive line have boosted his performance. Currently, only Wes Foderingham has made more saves than Onana this season, and his save success rate ranks second only to Alisson. His recent sixth clean sheet against Liverpool has positioned him as the league’s top goalkeeper in this aspect. With an impressive WhoScored rating of 6.96, he currently holds the best rating among all keepers in the league.
African Cup of Nations 2024 Call-Up
In the squad announcement for the upcoming African Cup of Nations finals, Cameroon coach Rigobert Song named goalkeeper Andre Onana but excluded striker Eric-Maxime Choupo Moting. Despite Onana’s previous fallout with Song during the last World Cup, the goalkeeper, aged 27, reconciled with the coach and made a return to aid Cameroon’s qualification for the tournament set to begin on January 13 in the Ivory Coast.