Legendary Football Icon Emmanuel Kundé Dies at 68
Emmanuel Kundé, a pillar of Cameroon’s golden football era, passes away peacefully in his sleep, leaving a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Cameroon is in mourning following the passing of one of its greatest football legends, Emmanuel Kundé, who died at the age of 68 on Friday, May 16, 2025.
According to his son, Yen Kundé, the former international defender went to bed on Thursday evening and never woke up. His body has since been placed at the Yaoundé Central Hospital mortuary as the family begins preparations for a befitting burial worthy of his legacy.
Tributes have poured in from across the country and beyond, with fans, former teammates, and officials expressing their sorrow.
Cameroon Football Federation president, Samuel Eto’o, also sent a heartfelt tribute, honoring Kundé’s immense contribution to Cameroonian football.
Official statement from Samuel Eto
” I’m just learning of the demise of the Elder Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé, an iconic figure in Cameroonian football, who died at the age of 68. Oh the sadness! It is a certain value of our heritage that is thus cruelly taken away from us.
“I keep with him the memory of a discreet and affectionate man, a figure of moderation and consideration. He was a fantastic footballer, the control tower in the midfield, the defensive wall the opponent crashed into but also a great playmaker when the team had possession. Individually, it was a fine passer and a gun with phenomenal power and goldsmith precision.
“In fifteen years as a national team (127 selections), he took part in the two legendary epics of the Indomitable Lions in the World Cup (1982 and 1990), twice winner of the CAN (1984 and 1988). His long career brought him to France (Laval, Reims) and Gabon (US Bitam) as a coach, even though it is in the Canon sportif de Yaoundé that his name and legend will remain associated forever, as a player and as a coach.
“Praying for the great football family to keep him in your thoughts and my deepest condolences to his nuclear family.”
Short Biography of Emmanuel Kunde
Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé was a legendary Cameroonian footballer, born on July 15, 1956. A strong and reliable central defender, he played a vital role in Cameroon’s golden generation during the 1980s and early 1990s.
The defender was one of the poster boys of the legendary Cameroon side of the 1980s moving up to 1990.
He was in the Cameroon squad that featured in the World Cup for the first time in 1982 and left undefeated.
He won the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon, and won another AFCON in 1988 scoring the winning goal against Nigeria.
He was very much impactful as well in the 1990 World Cup, notably scoring against England in the quarterfinals.
At club level, he played for French clubs Laval and Reims in the late 1980s but his biggest legacy was home where he won 3 league titles with Canon Yaounde (1982,1985 and 1986) and won a Cameroon Cup each with Canon, Prévoyance and Olympique Mvolye.
