By Angu Lesley
Football writer Kick442.com – Cameroon
Cameroon international Maël Fernandez Monyebe has completed a move to Tunisian giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis, signing a four-year contract after leaving MTN Elite One side Gazelle FA.
The transfer marks another significant milestone in the career of the highly-rated midfielder, who rose to prominence with Gazelle FA before earning senior international recognition with the Indomitable Lions.
Monyebe’s breakthrough came in March 2026 when he received his maiden senior Cameroon call-up from head coach David Pagou for the FIFA Series friendlies against Australia and China. The then-19-year-old became one of four MTN Elite One players selected after impressing during a national team training camp.
He made his senior debut against Australia before earning his second international cap in Cameroon’s 2-0 victory over China, confirming his status as one of the country’s most promising young talents.
However, the move to Tunisia comes with an unexpected twist.
Just 24 hours before Espérance announced Monyebe’s signing, FIFA imposed a ban preventing the Tunisian club from registering new players due to an ongoing dispute. The sanction casts uncertainty over when the Cameroonian will be eligible to feature for his new club.
It now remains to be seen how Espérance will handle the situation. The club could seek to resolve the litigation that led to the FIFA sanction in order to have the registration ban lifted, allowing Monyebe to be registered. Alternatively, the 19-year-old could be sent out on loan until the restriction is removed.
For now, Monyebe has secured a move to one of Africa’s biggest clubs, but whether he will immediately wear the famous red and yellow colours on the pitch depends on how quickly Espérance can resolve their case with FIFA.
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