20th July ,1956 looked like every other day in Dizangué, except for something extraordinary that happened, Thomas N’Kono was born. A man that will attain a towering figure in the world of football, renowned for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and his remarkable journey from a modest upbringing to global fame. Nkono’s life story is one of perseverance, dedication, and outstanding talent, making him an enduring icon in the sport.
Dizangué is a small town located in the littoral region of Cameroon. His parents, who were poor worked tirelessly to provide for their family. His father was a fisherman, while his mother sold goods at the local market. Despite the financial constraints, his parents instilled in him the values of hard work, discipline, and ambition.
From an early age, N’Kono showed a natural affinity for football. He would often play with his friends using makeshift balls like every other kid, crafted from whatever materials they could find. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for his future career, sharpening his reflexes and instilling in him a deep love for the game.
His formal football journey began with the all-conquering Tonnerre Yaoundé team that won the 1975 African Cup Winners’ Cup at a tender age of 19, He joined the club on 1 July, 1975. Exactly after a year later, he left to join their bitter rival, Canon Yaoundé, across the city in what looked like a football coup d’état. His talent was immediately apparent, and he quickly established himself as a formidable presence between the posts. During his tenure at Canon Yaoundé, he helped the team secure five Cameroonian League titles and three African Champions Cups. Nkono’s performances were characterized by his agility, exceptional shot-stopping ability, and his command over the defense, making him a standout goalkeeper in African football.
N’kono’s prowess on the field earned him a place in the Cameroonian national team. His defining moment on the international stage came during the 1982 FIFA World Cup held in Spain. Cameroon’s participation in the tournament was historic, the Indomitable Lions came out of the World Cup undefeated (a major landmark that early in African football) and Nkono’s performances were instrumental in their impressive run.
Their first game on 15 June 1982 against Peru brought loads of dramas, with the extraordinary agility of goalkeeper Thomas N’Kono. One of the Peruvian technical staff asked him to be searched with the aid of a security dog because he thought he was carrying a black magic. He said his reflexes were not natural. The match eventually ended 0 – 0.
The team also held the eventual champions Italy to a 1 – 1 draw, largely due to same N’Kono outstanding goalkeeping. His reflexes, positioning, and leadership earned him widespread acclaim and recognition as one of the best goalkeepers of the tournament.
Thomas N’Kono was one of the eight players from the school of Canon Yaoundé that started all the three matches for Cameroon in this World Cup campaign.
Others were; Michel Kaham, the imperious defender, Emmanuel Kundé, Ephrem M’Bom, Ibrahim Aoudou, the mercurial Théophile Abega, Grégoire M’Bida, and Jacques N’Guea Énongué.
Following the World Cup, Nkono’s reputation soared, and he caught the attention of European clubs. In 1982, he signed with Espanyol, a Spanish club based in Barcelona. Nkono spent nearly a decade at Espanyol, becoming a beloved figure among the fans. His time in Spain was marked by consistency, spectacular saves, and his ability to perform under pressure, solidifying his status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
At the peak of his power between this 1982 that he signed for the Catalans till 1989, N’kono was super regular in the starting lineup of the club, racking up an astonishing 333 competitive appearances.
What would have been for him as far as club football in Europe is concerned was the 1987–88 UEFA Cup when Espanyol were runner-up to Bayern Leverkusen after losing via penalty shootout in a 3 – 3 aggregate draw on two legs.
Nkono’s contributions to football have been recognized with numerous accolades from football institutions and Players alike. He was named African Player of the Year twice, in 1979 and 1982, a rare feat for a goalkeeper. His impact extended beyond his on-field performances; he inspired future generations of goalkeepers, including Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon, who has often cited Nkono as his idol. Buffon was mesmerised by N’kono’s performance in the 1990 World Cup in Italy where the Indomitable Lions made history as the first African side to reach the last 8 of the Mundial.
“I was totally blown away,” Buffon recalls. “Watching Nkono in goal triggered something and motivated me to become a goalkeeper, because I loved to death the way he interpreted the goalkeeping role.
“I loved his personality so much and the way he would come out of goal to punch the ball away. He also had exceptional reflexes”, Buffon said.
Buffon will later name his first son after Thomas Nkono whom he respects so much.
Nkono’s influence on the sport was further acknowledged when Pelé included him in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players in 2004. This recognition was a testament to his enduring legacy and his significant contributions to football.
After retiring from professional football in the early 1990s, Nkono transitioned to a coaching role, focusing on nurturing young goalkeepers. He took up a position as a goalkeeping coach at Espanyol, where he has continued to make a significant impact. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his experience and passion, has made him a respected mentor for aspiring goalkeepers.
Nkono’s dedication to developing talent and his commitment to the sport have ensured that his legacy endures. He remains an influential figure in the football community, sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of players.
His journey from a small village in Cameroon to international stardom serves as an inspiration, illustrating the power of determination and hard work in achieving greatness.
He remains a symbol of inspiration, embodying the spirit of the sport and leaving an indelible mark on the world of football.
Is Thomas N’Kono the greatest African goalkeeper ever? Loads of Sports’ historians think so.
References:
- The golden era of Canon Yaoundé by Eidickson Agbortogo, Cameroon Tribune, February 2020
- Gianluigi Buffon: How Cameroon great Thomas Nkono inspired the Italy legend’s career, By Victoire Eyoum, BBC Sport Africa. 3 August 2023
- “N’Kono: “Aún no he podido ver repetida la final de la UEFA ante el Bayer Leverkusen”. By Ortega, Albert 12 April 2021.
- Thomas N’Kono: Africa’s greatest legacy in Spain?, by Ed Dove, Goal The UK, 19 Sep 2023
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Edited by Kehinde Fagbuaro.
