André Onana: Career, Family, Transfers, Net Worth, Age, and Everything to Know About the Cameroonian Goalkeeper

When people talk about modern goalkeepers who play with confidence, ball-control, and quick decision-making, André Onana always shows up in the conversation. His rise from a small village in Cameroon to the biggest football stadiums in Europe is a story full of firm decisions, challenges, transfers, and moments that shaped him into the player fans know today. Whether you’re searching for who is André Onana, details about his wife, family, net worth, or want the full picture of his age, birthday, and career journey, this complete article breaks everything down in a clear and engaging way.

Who Is André Onana?

André Onana is a professional football goalkeeper from Cameroon. Born in Nkol Ngok, he grew up with dreams bigger than his surroundings. His first big step happened when he joined the Samuel Eto’o Academy, a place known for shaping young talent in Cameroon.

His potential stood out early, and by 2010 he made his way to Barcelona’s La Masia Academy, one of the most famous football academies in the world. Not many players from Africa get the chance to train at La Masia, but Onana’s talent and discipline opened the door. This was a major turning point in his life.

After training at Barcelona, Onana joined Ajax in 2015. That move became the foundation of his success. Ajax polished his skills, trusted him as their first-choice goalkeeper, and helped him grow into a leader on the pitch.

Today, he is known worldwide for his athletic saves, fast distribution, and comfort with the ball at his feet. He is also part of the Cameroon national team, earning more than 50 caps and representing his country in big tournaments.

André Onana’s Early Life and Childhood

André Onana was born on 2 April 1996, which makes his age 29 years old as of 2025. His childhood was simple and full of daily challenges. Coming from a humble family, he experienced struggle early in life, but it also built the toughness he carries today.

Growing up in a close-knit family, football became his escape and his hope. When he joined Samuel Eto’o Academy, he began to see football as a real path, not just a childhood activity. That academy polished his raw talent and prepared him for Europe.

André Onana Birthday and Age

• Birthday: 2 April 1996

• Age: 29 years (as of 2025)

Every year, fans around the world celebrate his birthday because they see him not just as a goalkeeper, but as an inspiration for African footballers who dream of reaching Europe.

André Onana’s Rise at Ajax

Onana’s real football breakthrough came at Ajax Amsterdam. He joined the Dutch club in 2015 and soon earned the role of first-choice goalkeeper.

At Ajax, he:

• Played more than 200 matches

• Won multiple Eredivisie titles

• Reached the UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2019

• Became one of Europe’s most respected ball-playing goalkeepers

Ajax fans loved his confidence, his risky passes, and his ability to save shots in big moments. His performance there made top European clubs chase him.

Onana’s Move to Inter Milan

In 2022, André Onana signed with Inter Milan on a free transfer. This was a major move in his career. He quickly became Inter’s No. 1 goalkeeper and played a key role in their Champions League campaign.

During his single season at Inter, he helped them:

• Win the Coppa Italia

• Win the Supercoppa Italiana

• Reach the UEFA Champions League final

This performance increased his market value and brought him attention from Premier League clubs.

André Onana Transfer to Manchester United

In July 2023, Onana made one of the biggest moves of his career by joining Manchester United. The transfer fee was around £43.8 million, making him one of the most expensive African goalkeepers of all time.

Manchester United signed him for his:

• Footwork

• Confidence under pressure

• Shot-stopping ability

• Leadership

He became a key part of the team under Erik ten Hag, who had already worked with him at Ajax.

Loan Move to Trabzonspor

In the 2025–26 season, Manchester United loaned Onana to Trabzonspor. This decision came after United reshuffled their squad and wanted Onana to get regular starting minutes.

The move surprised many fans, but it also gave him a new opportunity to rebuild form and remain active at top level football.

André Onana Wife – Who Is He Married To?

André Onana is married to Melanie Kamayou. She is known for keeping her life private, avoiding media attention, and supporting her husband quietly behind the scenes. The couple has been together for years and shares a strong bond.

They also have children together, including at least one son, although Onana keeps details about his family life mostly off social media for privacy.

André Onana Family Background

Onana was raised in a supportive family in Cameroon. Some publicly known details include:

• Father: François

• Mother: Adele

• Siblings: Known brothers include Emmanuel and Wariner

• One of his siblings reportedly passed away several years ago

His family played an important role in his football journey, especially during his early struggles before leaving Cameroon.

Are André Onana and Amadou Onana Related?

Many fans confuse the two because they share the same last name. But the truth is:

No — André Onana and Amadou Onana are NOT related.

• André Onana → Born in Cameroon, plays as a goalkeeper, represents Cameroon

• Amadou Onana → Born in Dakar, Senegal, raised in Belgium, plays as a midfielder, represents the Belgium national team

The similar surname is common in certain African regions, but they come from different families and backgrounds.

André Onana Net Worth

Net worth numbers vary depending on the source, but most estimates place André Onana’s net worth between:

$20 million – $45 million (approx.)

His income comes from:

• Football contracts

• Bonuses

• Sponsorships

• Performance incentives

• Investments

His move to Manchester United significantly increased his earnings, making him one of the highest-paid African goalkeepers.

Onana’s International Career With Cameroon

Onana debuted for the Cameroon national team in 2016. Over the years, he became a regular starter and played in tournaments including:

• Africa Cup of Nations

• FIFA World Cup qualifiers

• International friendlies

• Competitive tournaments across the world

His sweeper-keeper style sometimes created debate among fans, but his importance to Cameroon’s squad has always been clear. He combines physical strength with fast reflexes and brave goalkeeping decisions.

Playing Style – What Makes Onana Different?

What makes André Onana stand out is his modern goalkeeper approach. Instead of staying on the line, he:

• Pushes high up the pitch

• Breaks press

• Starts attacks with long passes

• Helps defenders maintain possession

• Takes calculated risks

This makes him a strong fit for teams that want to play possession-based football.

Challenges and Controversies

Onana had a challenging moment in 2021 when he received a ban after testing positive for a banned substance. He explained that it was an accidental mistake after taking his wife’s medicine.

The ban was later reduced after review, and Onana returned stronger, proving he could overcome setbacks in his career.

André Onana’s Impact Beyond the Pitch

Onana is also active in charity work. Through the André Onana Foundation, he has contributed to social causes in Cameroon, focusing on helping less-privileged children and improving sports opportunities.

Conclusion

André Onana’s football journey shows how determination, skill, and self-belief can take a player from a small town in Cameroon to Europe’s biggest stadiums. From Ajax to Inter Milan, from Manchester United to Trabzonspor, his story continues to inspire countless young athletes.

With his unique playing style, calm confidence, and challenging life experiences, Onana remains one of the most recognizable African goalkeepers of his generation. His career is still unfolding, and the football world is watching his next chapters closely.

Article by Megacine