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.

Cyrille Makanaky; Cameroon's Flame-Haired Maestro

Cyrille Makanaky v England at Italia '90

One of the stars of Cameroon's Indomitable Lions at Italia 90, Cyrille Makanaky was an elegant attacking midfielder that dazzled audiences at the Mundial. 


His flame-colored hair as well as his dusty brown skin distinguished him all through his country's remarkable run in the tournament. He helped Cameroon reach the Quarter Finals of the World Cup where they lost cruelly to England 2-3. 

Cyrille Makanaky in action For Cameroon

Of course, he had by this time earned plaudits for his displays as the West Africans played some devastating and eye-catching football in Italy. He represented the Indomitable Lions at Maroc '88, helping them win the tournament and also at Algiers '90. He had also played for clubsides such as Ajaccio, Villareal, Malaga, Toulon, Lens and Macabi Tel Aviv.