By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Serge Daura was the undisputed star of the 2026 Cameroon Ballon d’Or ceremony, walking away with three major awards and life-changing prizes that confirmed his meteoric rise in domestic football.
The Gazelle Académie forward not only clinched the Golden Boot and the Revelation of the Season award, but was ultimately crowned Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 — leaving the ceremony a millionaire, a landowner and a brand-new car owner.
His remarkable night symbolised both personal triumph and the growing financial stakes within Cameroon’s top-flight football.
Daura’s Historic Treble
Serge Daura enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Gazelle Académie, scoring 15 goals to finish as MTN Élite One’s top scorer. His sharp movement, composure in front of goal and consistency across the season made him one of the most feared attackers in the league.
The Golden Boot was only the beginning. He was also named Revelation of the Season, underlining his rapid development and impact. The crowning moment came when he lifted the Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 award — the highest individual honour in domestic football.
His prize package included 5 million FCFA, a 500m² plot of land and a Jetour vehicle, instantly transforming his financial status and elevating his career profile.
Championship Coaches Rewarded
While Daura stole the headlines, the night also celebrated coaching excellence at the highest level.
In the men’s division, Richard Towa was named Best Coach after guiding Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo to the MTN Élite One championship. His tactical discipline and squad management were central to Colombe’s title-winning campaign.
On the women’s side, Stéphane Ndzana Ngono led Lékié Football Filles to the Guinness Super League crown. Under his leadership, Lékié dominated the season and swept multiple awards, reflecting a well-structured and ambitious project.
Tiwa Reigns Supreme in Women’s Football
If Daura was the king of the men’s game, Fraîche Lys Tiwa was the queen of the women’s league.
The prolific striker scored 22 goals in 19 matches for Lékié Football Filles to secure the Golden Boot before being crowned Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025. Her prizes — a 500m² plot of land and a Jetour vehicle — represent a powerful statement about the increasing value and recognition of women’s football in Cameroon.
Her achievements capped off a dominant season for Lékié, who were also voted Best Club in the Guinness Super League.
Clubs of the Year Confirm League Supremacy
Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo were named Best Club in the MTN Élite One, a fitting reward for their championship-winning campaign. Their consistency throughout the season established them as the benchmark in the men’s league.
Lékié Football Filles claimed the equivalent honour in the women’s championship, reflecting their tactical superiority and squad depth.
These recognitions further strengthen both clubs’ standing ahead of future domestic and continental challenges.
Goalkeepers, Officials and Special Recognition
Between the posts, Idrissou Nfor Finia of Colombe was voted Best Goalkeeper in the MTN Élite One, while Ngah Chantal Calixte of Amazone FAP claimed the women’s award.
The Best Goal awards went to Ornella Molluh of Vision Foot Académie and Ulrich Mpeck in the men’s division, celebrating moments of technical brilliance that lit up the season.
Match officials were also honoured, with Yeppe Prisca and Tirike Charles winning the assistant referee awards, while Ntangti Innocentia and Mefire Abdou were recognised as the best referees in their respective leagues.
The MTN Special Prize for Determination and Courage was presented to David Pagou, highlighting resilience and commitment beyond statistics.
A Transformative Night for Domestic Football
The 2026 Cameroon Ballon d’Or ceremony showcased not just excellence, but evolution. The scale of rewards — including land, cars and significant cash prizes — signals growing investment in domestic competitions.
For Serge Daura, the night marked a defining milestone: from rising star to Ballon d’Or winner, millionaire and symbol of opportunity within the local game. For Cameroonian football as a whole, it was proof that success at home is now being matched with prestige, recognition and tangible life-changing rewards.
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