7 Top Cameroon Born Footballers Who Chose to Represent European Countries

• Cameroon have been fortunate to convince some footballers born abroad to play for them
• But there are other Cameroonian-born stars who chose not to represent the Africans
• Sports Brief looks at the top Cameroon players who represented other countries

Cameroon will play Nigeria in Round 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The knockout tie was confirmed on Tuesday evening after defending champions Senegal defeated the Syli Stars 2-0 and Cameroon beat Gambia 3-2.

The result means that Senegal topped Group C with nine maximum points, while Cameroon finished second with four points. Guinea also finished with four points but had an inferior goal difference.

Historically, Cameroon have been a formidable presence in the tournament despite Egypt's consistent dominance of the continental showcase event.

The Indomitable Lions are already brimming with exceptional talent, but have you ever wondered how their national team would shape up if all players eligible to represent Cameroon chose to do so?

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According to GhanaSoccernet, players like Georges-Kevin N’koudou, Onguene Jerome, and Moukoudi Harold are just a few of the players who were born abroad but chose to represent Cameroon.

However, there have been many more footballers of Cameroonian descent who rejected the call to play for the West African country.

Here are seven top Cameroonian-born footballers who decided to represent other countries.

Kylian Mbappe

With a Cameroonian father, Mbappe had the option to represent Cameroon, per Cameroon Concord News.

However, at the age of 24, he has already achieved stardom as one of football's foremost talents, with Paris Saint-Germain and on the international stage, amassing 71 appearances and scoring 40 goals.

It's difficult to imagine Mbappe in anything other than a French jersey.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Tchouameni also has Cameroonian heritage but has quickly become an integral part of Didier Deschamps' plans.

Much like he consistently does for Real Madrid, the young, talented defensive midfielder would have been a pivotal presence for Song and his team.

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Tchouameni exemplifies the saying "an old head on young shoulders" and would seamlessly integrate into any international squad worldwide, making France fortunate that he chose to remain loyal.

William Saliba

The exceptional centre-back has made a significant impact in the Premier League, largely owing to his athleticism, leadership qualities, and outstanding defensive skills.

He has Cameroonian roots through his mother, and the opportunity to represent Cameroon was an option.

However, since establishing himself as a crucial component of Arsenal's lineup, he has already earned two caps for the French national team.

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Having gained recognition as a rising star through his impressive performances for the current Championship team, Southampton, Bella-Kotchap has certainly become a player worth watching.

While competition for spots within the German national team is undeniably fierce, his choice seems evident given that he has already earned two caps.

Especially with his recent move to PSV Eindhoven during the summer, the 21-year-old might aspire to secure more opportunities on the international stage should he continue to impress in the Netherlands.

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Youssoufa Moukoko

Moukoko had everyone's attention regarding his next domestic club destination, given his commanding presence as a forward.

However, on the international front, the Cameroon national team pondered whether they might be his ultimate choice, given that he was born in Africa.

The Borussia Dortmund attacker has progressed through the ranks in the German national team, starting from the Under-16 level, and has since earned two caps for the senior side.

Hugo Ekitike

During the summer transfer window, clubs like Everton and West Ham United expressed interest in the young talent from Paris Saint-Germain, indicating a promising future, primarily with France.

At only 21 years old, he has yet to receive a call-up to the French senior team, potentially leaving room for a switch to Cameroon.

Recent reports even hinted that Ekitike, after a conversation with the legendary Samuel Eto’o, might find the prospect of playing for Song and the Cameroon national team more appealing.

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So, it's safe to say that the door is not completely closed in this regard.

Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe

Ebimbe has the opportunity to represent Cameroon, given that he has only earned one cap as a France Under-21 international.

It's highly likely that he might change his allegiance before getting a chance in Didier Deschamps' squad.

Despite facing a challenging three-season period on loan from PSG, his most recent spell at Eintracht Frankfurt appears to have been fruitful, as the German club signed him on a permanent deal.

Mbappe in Cameroon for the first time

FIFA World Cup winner, Kylian Mbappe arrived in Yaoundé, Cameroon, for a three-day visit to the Central African nation, Sports Brief reported earlier.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward arrived in the Cameroonian capital along with his father, Wilfrid Mbappe, to a rapturous welcome from fans and officials.