Amadou Onana has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most imposing midfielders. Standing at around 1.95 metres, the Aston Villa number 24 combines raw physicality with technical ability. His journey from Senegal to the heart of England’s top flight through Belgium, Germany, France, and Merseyside has shaped a player who is now a regular for both club and country.
Born in Dakar to a Senegalese mother and a Cameroonian father, Onana represents Belgium at international level. At 24, he is entering his peak years, and his £50 million move to Villa in 2024 marked a statement of intent from the club. This profile covers his age, height, family background, playing style, market value, and the truth behind his surname’s similarity to that of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Who is Amadou Onana? Age, Parents, Nationality and Background
Amadou Ba Zeund Georges Mvom Onana
24 (born 16 August 2001)
1.92–1.96 m (varies by source)
Defensive Midfielder / Aston Villa (#24)
- Amadou Onana is a physically imposing defensive midfielder known for his aerial dominance and ball-winning ability.
- He has represented Belgium at senior level despite being born in Senegal to Cameroonian parents.
- His market value has steadily risen since his move from Everton to Aston Villa in 2024.
- Despite the similar surname and African roots, Amadou Onana is not related to goalkeeper Andre Onana.
- He made his senior international debut for Belgium in June 2022 against the Netherlands.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 16 August 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Dakar, Senegal |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Height | 1.92 m (Transfermarkt) / 1.96 m (ESPN) |
| Weight | 76 kg |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Aston Villa (since July 2024) |
| Squad Number | #24 |
| Market Value | €55–60 million (as of 2025) |
Onana’s full name is Amadou Ba Zeund Georges Mvom Onana, sometimes written as Amadou Zeund Georges Ba Mvom Onana. He was born in Senegal’s capital to a Senegalese mother and a Cameroonian father. He holds Belgian citizenship and has represented Belgium at youth levels from U-15 to U-19 before breaking into the senior squad. He has a sister named Mélissa Onana. Contrary to a common misconception, he does not have a brother named André Onana; the two footballers share a Cameroonian heritage but are not related. Onana keeps his personal life private, and no wife or long-term partner has been publicly confirmed.
How Tall is Amadou Onana? Physical Attributes and Stats
Height and Weight
Sources disagree on Onana’s exact height. Transfermarkt lists him at 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in), while ESPN records 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in). The discrepancy likely comes from different measurement methods. His weight is consistently reported as 76 kg (168 lbs).
Whether 1.92 m or 1.96 m, Onana is among the tallest central midfielders in the Premier League. Listings on official platforms such as the Premier League site may differ from those on fan databases like Transfermarkt.
Position and Foot
Onana is a defensive midfielder by trade, though he also possesses the mobility to contribute in more advanced areas. He is predominantly right-footed, though some sources describe him as comfortable with both feet.
What is Amadou Onana’s Style of Play?
Onana’s game is built on a rare combination of size and technical skill. He dominates aerial duels, intercepts passes, and uses his long stride to cover ground quickly. His passing range allows him to switch play or drive forward with the ball, while his tackling and marking make him a reliable shield for the back line.
Scouting reports highlight his physical presence, tactical awareness, and ability to win the ball high up the pitch. He is often compared to midfielders like Declan Rice and Yves Bissouma for his combination of defensive work and progressive passing.
At Aston Villa, manager Unai Emery has deployed Onana as a deep-lying playmaker who breaks up opposition attacks and launches quick transitions. His aerial prowess also makes him a threat from set pieces, though his goal-scoring output remains modest.
Amadou Onana vs Andre Onana: Are They Related?
No. Despite sharing the surname Onana and both being of Cameroonian descent, Amadou Onana and Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana are not related. Amadou was born in Dakar, Senegal, to a Senegalese mother and a Cameroonian father. Andre was born in Nkol Ngok, a village in Cameroon’s Center Region. The similarity in names has led to frequent confusion, but no family link exists.
Amadou Onana Career Timeline
- 2001 – Born in Dakar, Senegal.
- 2017 – Joins the youth academy of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Germany.
- 2019 – Moves to Hamburger SV in Germany.
- 2021 – Transfers to French club Lille OSC.
- 2022 – Signs for Everton in the Premier League for around €35 million.
- 2024 – Transfers to Aston Villa for a reported £50 million, a club record.
- 2025 – Regular starter for Villa and the Belgian national team, entering his prime.
What is Known and What Remains Unclear About Amadou Onana?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: 16 August 2001 (official FIFA and UEFA records) | Height discrepancy: 1.92 m vs 1.96 m |
| Place of birth: Dakar, Senegal | Exact net worth and salary (reported figures are speculative) |
| Current club: Aston Villa | Marital status: no confirmed public partner |
| Position: defensive midfielder | FIFA/Sofifa rating (not publicly available from official sources) |
Some sources list his birth date as 15 August 2001, but FIFA and UEFA documentation use 16 August. His height varies between databases, and his market value, while estimated at around £50 million based on his transfer fee, is not formally published by Transfermarkt as a current figure.
How Does Amadou Onana Fit Into Aston Villa’s System?
Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa often build from the back and rely on midfielders who can both defend and initiate attacks. Onana’s pressing, passing range, and aerial ability align well with this approach. He offers cover for the centre‑backs and allows more creative players like John McGinn and Youri Tielemans to push forward. As Villa aim for consistent Champions League qualification, Onana’s role as a midfield anchor is expected to become even more crucial.
Onana has missed a handful of games due to minor knocks, but his overall fitness record remains solid. Managed correctly, he could develop into one of the Premier League’s standout defensive midfielders.
Where Does the Information About Amadou Onana Come From?
Biographical data is sourced from official records including Wikipedia, Transfermarkt, and ESPN. Statistical platforms such as Fotmob provide match data, while personal background details come from outlets like TheCityCeleb and LifeBogger. No official quotes from managers or teammates were available at the time of writing.
What’s Next for Amadou Onana?
As a 24-year-old regular for Aston Villa and Belgium, Onana’s trajectory points upward. Continued performances in the Premier League and European competition could attract interest from clubs in the Champions League elite. His market value is likely to climb if he maintains his current form. For more on football figures connected to English football, see Harry Redknapp – Net Worth, Teams Managed, Family and Age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amadou Onana’s FIFA rating on Sofifa?
As of FIFA 25, Onana holds an overall rating of 82, with strong physicality (84) and defending (80). Check Sofifa for the latest in-game stats.
What is Amadou Onana’s market value on Transfermarkt?
Transfermarkt does not currently list a specific market value for Onana, but his 2024 transfer fee of £50 million indicates a valuation between €55 million and €60 million.
Where does Amadou Onana’s accent come from?
Onana speaks with a Belgian French accent shaped by his upbringing in Belgium and time in Germany, France, and England.
What is Amadou Onana’s net worth?
Estimated around $8 million (USD), based on reported salary and transfer earnings. Actual figures are not publicly disclosed.
Does Amadou Onana have a brother?
He has a sister named Mélissa Onana. He does not have a brother named André Onana.
Who is Amadou Onana’s wife?
No spouse or long-term partner has been confirmed. Onana keeps his personal life private.
Sophie Marlowe covers culture, lifestyle and society for BritView.uk.