A Cameroonian footballer and coach who played as a goalkeeper, known for his impressive career with several clubs and the Cameroonian national team, earning 104 caps.
Jacques Songoo is renowned for his impressive career as a professional footballer and goalkeeper coach, with a remarkable stint as the goalkeeper coach of the Cameroon national team. He is particularly celebrated for his achievements in the 1990s, including winning the 1999-2000 La Liga title with Deportivo de La Coruña and earning the Ricardo Zamora Trophy as the best goalkeeper of the season.
Songoo was born on March 17, 1964, in Sackbayeme, Yaoundé, Cameroon. He began his professional career in France with Ligue 1 club FC Metz, where he established himself as a talented goalkeeper. In 1996, he was voted the Best African Goalkeeper, which led to his transfer to Deportivo de La Coruña in Spain.
At Deportivo, Songoo enjoyed the most successful period of his career, winning the La Liga title in the 1999-2000 season and earning the Ricardo Zamora Trophy in the 1996-1997 season. He was the undisputed starter for the team during his first four years, playing in over 200 official games. However, after the arrival of Jos Francisco Molina in 2000, Songoo lost his starting position and was eventually transferred back to FC Metz.
Songoo represented Cameroon in four FIFA World Cups, from 1990 to 2002, and was the first-choice goalkeeper in 1998. He was also a member of the squad that competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
After retiring from football in 2004, Songoo began his coaching career as the goalkeeper coach of the Cameroon national team. He initially held the position from 2004 to 2006 and then again from 2010 to present. As part of Paul Le Guen's coaching staff, Songoo played a crucial role in the team's preparation for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Songoo's achievements on the field and as a coach have earned him several awards and honors, including:
Jacques Songoo's contributions to Cameroonian football have been significant, both as a player and coach. His expertise and experience have shaped the country's goalkeeping tradition, influencing future generations of players. His role in the Cameroon national team's coaching staff has helped the team prepare for major international tournaments.
Songoo's legacy extends beyond his playing career, serving as an inspiration to aspiring goalkeepers and coaches across Africa and beyond. His dedication to the development of Cameroonian football has cemented his place as one of the country's most respected and celebrated football personalities.
45 Years Old
African football legend and four-time African Footballer of the Year, known for his impressive goal-scoring skills and successful club career with top-tier teams like Barcelona and Inter Milan.
74 Years Old
A Cameroonian football legend who danced his way into the hearts of fans worldwide with his iconic goal celebrations at the 1990 World Cup, inspiring a generation of African players.
55 Years Old
A Cameroonian striker who played for several European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, and is best known for his impressive goal-scoring record in the African Cup of Nations.
69 Years Old
A Cameroonian goalkeeper who played for clubs like Espanyol and won the African Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988 .
