Thomas Nkono; A True African Legend

Cameroon Legend, Thomas Nkono

Who made Gianluigi Buffon decide to become a goalkeeper? Thomas Nkono. A part of a dominant Cameroon team that dazzled the world at Italia '90, Nkono's heroics ensured that the Indomitable Lions got to the Quarter Finals of the Mundial before been cruelly eliminated by the Three Lions of England 2-3. 

Buffon said that it was watching Nkono at Italia '90 that convinced him to become a goalkeeper. Nkono represented Cameroon at 3 World Cup finals; Espana '82, Italia '90 and USA '94. He also featured in 4 African Cup of Nations finals including the 1984 and 1986 editions respectively. 

Nkono At Espana '82

Probably one of Africa's finest ever Goalkeepers, he featured prominently for Espanyol in a 9-year stint that yielded 300 caps and a UEFA Cup Runners-up medal in 1987/88. 


He was also a recipient of the African Player of the Year awards in 1978 and 1982 in addition to winning the CAF Champions League with Canon Yaounde in 1978 and 1980. 


A fitting tribute to the 6ft 1' shot stopper is having the legendary Gigi Buffon name his son Thomas after the goalkeeping great.