Cameroonian star Andre Onana reflects on ‘fantastic journey’ after stints with Europe’s biggest clubs

Trabzonspor goalkeeper Andre Onana says he takes immense pride in the career he has built across some of Europe’s biggest football clubs.

The Cameroonian international, currently on loan from Manchester United, is expected to make his move to Trabzonspor permanent next summer after impressing in Turkey’s top flight.

“When I’m on the pitch, I either win or I learn. I’ll never consider myself a loser,” Onana told the club’s official website.

“Looking back, I’ve had a truly fantastic career.”

The 29-year-old has represented some of the most storied clubs in European football, including Barcelona, Ajax, Inter Milan, and Manchester United.

“There have been many ups and downs, but that also means I’ve learned a lot,” he said.

“Playing for Barcelona, Ajax, Inter Milan, Manchester United, and now Trabzonspor in Cameroon is incredible.”

Onana’s journey has not only been defined by his club career but also by his role in breaking barriers for African goalkeepers.

The former Inter Milan star was nominated for the Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper, after an outstanding 2022–23 season with the Italian club.

He recalled a moment from the awards night with Liverpool’s Alisson Becker.

“Alisson came to me and said: ‘You’ve had a good season, but first let’s see who wins, okay?’ I told him I didn’t care at all. I had already won,” Onana said.

He added that being the first black and first African goalkeeper nominated for the award was a victory in itself.

“My presence there was already a great victory for me,” he said.

Onana, who has earned over 50 caps for Cameroon, continues to be a key figure for both club and country as he rebuilds his form and confidence in Turkey.