Melissa Onana reveals how protecting her brother shaped her career in football

Melissa Onana says her entry into football agency was driven not by passion, but by a desire to protect her younger brother, Amadou Onana, as she carved out a place in a profession largely dominated by men.

The Belgian-based agent, born in Brussels in November 1988 and trained in management, initially became involved in football through accompanying her brother to training camps during his early development.

Fourteen years his senior, she gradually took on a more active role, eventually obtaining her FIFA agent licence with a clear and personal objective.

“To be honest, I didn’t choose this profession out of passion, but out of an instinct to protect my brother,” she explained to a sports media outlet, recalling experiences that exposed her to questionable practices within the game.

Drawing on previous experience in artist management, Melissa Onana has since expanded her portfolio beyond family representation.

She has overseen several transfer deals, including Amadou Onana’s move from Everton to Aston Villa, a transaction she described as swift and conducted through established professional networks.

Her work has also included facilitating the transfer of Mory Gbane to Stade de Reims in February 2025, as well as Paul Valère Bassène’s move to RS Berkane in August 2023. These deals underline her growing influence within the transfer market.

Melissa Onana believes her perspective as a woman offers a distinct advantage in negotiations, allowing her to approach discussions with empathy and clarity.

She also addressed the profession’s controversial image, insisting that responsibility does not lie solely with agents.

Instead, she stressed the importance of players and their representatives fully understanding contractual commitments before signing.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, she highlighted the personal challenges tied to representing a family member, noting that financial expectations from outside can often be shaped by perceptions of her brother’s earnings.

Her work also reflects strong ties to Senegal, where her family has roots. Amadou Onana was born in Colobane in August 2001, and their mother is of Senegalese origin.

Melissa remains actively involved with local academies in Dakar, Saly, Toubab Dialaw and Thiès, providing support and guidance, with plans to expand her visits further.

“We have a strong connection with Senegal. We have Cameroonian roots through our father and Senegalese roots through our mother.

André comes to Dakar every holiday, and I also come when I can because our mother’s family still lives in Dakar. It’s a country that means a lot to us.”

“Saint Louis is at the top of my list. It’s a city I love even though I’ve never been there. I plan to go on my next visit.”

Her journey reflects an unconventional path into football, shaped by family responsibility but now firmly established within the professional landscape.