Thomas N'Kono
Awards & Honours
6
Awards Won
2
Honours
3
Rankings
2
Covers
3
Records
Thomas N'Kono stands as one of the most decorated African goalkeepers in history. He is the only goalkeeper to win the African Footballer of the Year award, and he did it twice. His leadership helped Cameroon become the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in 1990. The IFFHS named him the African Goalkeeper of the 20th Century, a fitting tribute to a player who inspired generations. His legacy is felt not just in Cameroon but across the continent, where he paved the way for African keepers in Europe.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
IFFHS African Goalkeeper of the 20th Century
Named the best African goalkeeper of the 20th century.
African Footballer of the Year (twice)
First goalkeeper to win the award, and first to win it twice.
Rankings & Lists
Best African Goalkeeper of the 20th Century
Top 10 African Player of the Century
100 Greatest African Players of All Time
Magazine Covers
France Football
1979-12
African Footballer of the Year 1979
France Football
1982-12
African Footballer of the Year 1982
Records & Feats
Only goalkeeper to win African Footballer of the Year twice
N'Kono won the award in 1979 and 1982, a record for goalkeepers.
First African goalkeeper to play in Europe's top five leagues
He joined Espanyol in La Liga in 1982, paving the way for future African keepers.
Part of first African team to reach World Cup quarterfinals
Cameroon reached the 1990 World Cup quarterfinals, a historic achievement.