Manchester United’s new boy, Bryan Mbeumo, has stirred debate after naming Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman among Africa’s top three footballers—while leaving out Victor Osimhen.
The Cameroonian forward, who just sealed a ₦71 billion move from Brentford to Old Trafford, made the statement during an interview with Rio Ferdinand in New Jersey.
“For now, Salah, Lookman, and Achraf Hakimi. He’s the best right-back in the world,” Mbeumo said.
Lookman’s Rise and Osimhen’s Absence
Lookman’s inclusion didn’t come from nowhere. The Atalanta winger bagged the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award after scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final and helping Nigeria reach the AFCON 2023 final.
Osimhen, on the other hand, had a stellar season on loan at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals and winning the Turkish Super League and Cup. He recently completed a permanent €75 million move to the Istanbul giants.
Fans were divided. Some agreed with Mbeumo’s picks, while others were displeased that Osimhen didn’t make the cut.
“Any list without Osimhen in it is just not correct,” one fan wrote on social media.
Childhood Heroes and Future Goals
Mbeumo also shared his all-time African legends: Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Yaya Touré.
“Of course, I looked up to Eto’o. He was a striker and a goalscorer, which was what I aspired to be when I was younger,” he said.
The 25-year-old has scored six goals in 22 appearances for Cameroon since switching allegiance from France in 2022.
He joins United after a career-best season at Brentford, where he netted 20 goals and provided eight assists in 38 Premier League games.
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