Choupo-Moting Hopes to Lure Matip Back to Cameroon Squad
Cameroon forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has expressed hope that his international teammate Joel Matip will one day return to the national team, following the Schalke defender’s decision to step away from the Indomitable Lions after the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Matip, who has been absent from Cameroon duty since the tournament in Brazil, cited internal issues and disorganization within the squad as contributing factors to his decision to take a break from international football.
Speaking at a press conference, Choupo-Moting acknowledged the challenges Matip faced but said he remains optimistic about his return.
“Regarding Joël Matip — of course we talk often. I believe he’ll come back one day,” said the Schalke 04 striker. “I understand his position. There were many things that weren’t going well during that period.”
Choupo-Moting, who also represents Schalke at club level, pointed to structural and organizational issues within the Cameroonian camp that may have made it difficult for Matip to fully integrate.
“It’s true there are still things that need improvement in the team’s organization,” he said. “And while Joël is Cameroonian, he grew up in Germany and doesn’t speak French fluently. Sometimes that made it hard for him to understand everything that was happening here.”
Language and cultural barriers, combined with internal turmoil during the World Cup — where Cameroon exited in the group stage with three straight losses — likely contributed to Matip’s decision to step away. At the time, reports of player unrest and disputes over bonuses further fueled tensions within the squad.
Choupo-Moting, however, believes the door remains open.
“I’ll do everything I can to convince him to return,” he added.
Cameroon coach Volker Finke has yet to confirm whether Matip remains part of his long-term plans, but with the national team continuing to rebuild, the return of an experienced European-based defender could offer a significant boost.
Matip, who has since joined Liverpool and become a key figure in Jürgen Klopp’s squad, has not made any recent public statements regarding his international future.
As Cameroon looks ahead to future Africa Cup of Nations campaigns and World Cup qualifiers, the potential return of players like Matip could play a critical role in strengthening the squad both on and off the pitch.
