Jean Manga Onguene, a Cameroonian football legend, has died

A former Cameroonian international who went on to become a manager, he left an indelible mark on the history of national and continental football.

Jean Manga Onguene passed away on Tuesday 6 October in Paris, aged 80. An iconic figure at Canon Sportif, he distinguished himself whilst playing for the Cameroonian club, amassing an exceptional list of honours. The former striker won six Cameroonian league titles, six national cups and three African Club Championships.

On an individual level, Onguene was also recognised for his performances when he was named African Ballon d’Or winner in 1980. With the Indomitable Lions, he took part in the 1972 Africa Cup of Nations.

After his playing career, Jean Manga Onguene turned his hand to coaching and continued his work with the Cameroonian national team. As head coach of the Indomitable Lions, he led Cameroon to the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.

He also made history by becoming the first Cameroonian manager to lead the Indomitable Lions to the quarter-finals of an Africa Cup of Nations. This exceptional career makes Jean Manga Onguene one of the leading figures in Cameroonian football.