Manchester United winger told to grasp African Ballon d’Or dream this year – Be more selfish

Manchester United winger Bryan Mbeumo has received a blunt message from Cameroon: if the African Ballon d’Or is the dream, he needs to be more selfish.

The message comes directly from Cameroonian journalist Henry-Paul Diabate Manden, writing for Actu Cameroon. He opened with strong praise for Mbeumo’s attitude and commitment on the pitch.

“There’s generosity in every effort. He is everywhere at once, making long runs to help a teammate or tackling without mercy to stop an opponent. His self-sacrifice shows another side of his personality,” he wrote.

Diabate Manden also highlighted the winger’s behaviour off the ball and within the group. According to him, the Manchester United player stays humble, steps off his pedestal and encourages teammates even after mistakes. Still, that humility comes with a warning.

“But he must not forget that he is the Cameroonian best placed for the Ballon d’Or,” the journalist stressed. He then framed the wider race, noting that Morocco’s Brahim Diaz and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman look strongest right now because of their decisive impact.

“Mbeumo has to score and be decisive. The whole issue of the African Ballon d’Or 2025 will be decided at the AFCON,” he added.

Manchester United player needs to be more selfish

The criticism became more pointed when Diabate Manden referred to a specific moment against South Africa. “That is why I regret his excess of altruism. On a well-executed counter-attack, he has the ability to go all the way, but he prefers to play collectively,” he explained.

The conclusion leaves little room for interpretation. “He must write his destiny and, in doing so, write history. Like Dr Abega in 1984, he has three matches to build his legend,” Diabate Manden concluded.

There are three games remaining for Cameroon in the AFCON. We’ll see if Mbeumo takes that advice on board.