Andre Onana, the Manchester United goalkeeper, has been recognized for his humanitarian efforts with the prestigious FIFPRO Player Impact Award.
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Through the Andre Onana Foundation, the Cameroon international has significantly improved access to free healthcare and surgeries across Africa, benefiting over 1,200 individuals in just three years.
Transformative Impact Across Africa
The Andre Onana Foundation initially focused on aiding blind children in Cameroon but has since expanded to serve various age groups across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The foundation collaborates with medical teams, mainly from Spain, to provide free surgeries and medical care.
In July 2024, the foundation conducted its fourth surgical campaign in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where a delegation of Spanish health professionals assisted over 350 people.
Onana’s commitment to social impact has now attracted partnerships with global entities like UNICEF and discussions with the United Nations for future collaborations.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Onana expressed gratitude for the support he received during his football journey through clubs like Barcelona, Ajax, and Inter Milan, which inspired his passion for giving back.
Reflecting on his achievements, he stated, “Because of the people in the past who supported me, I feel a responsibility to help others.”
Onana’s award follows a similar honor given to Marcus Rashford in 2020, marking him as the second Manchester United player to win the accolade for outstanding charity work.
The FIFPRO recognition includes a $10,000 donation to further the foundation’s projects, underscoring Onana’s remarkable dedication to creating positive change in underprivileged communities.