Jean Manga Onguené, Cameroonian football legend, dies at 80

Jean Manga Onguené, the legendary Cameroonian footballer and 1977 African Ballon d'Or winner, has passed away in France at the age of 80.

Known as ‘La Tête d’Or’ (The Golden Head) for his exceptional heading ability, Manga Onguené was a prominent striker who played his entire club career from 1966 to 1982 with Canon Yaoundé. During his tenure, he secured six Cameroonian championships, six Cameroon Cups, and three African Cup of Champions Clubs titles.

A mainstay for the Cameroon national team, the Lions Indomptables, he earned over 100 caps. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and administration, serving as the head coach of the national team on three occasions and later working as a FIFA instructor and FIFA development director for Central Africa.