By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Cameroon midfielder Yvan Neyou has announced his retirement from international football at just 28, drawing the curtain on a short yet emotionally charged spell with the Indomitable Lions.
The former Saint-Étienne man confirmed the decision on his Instagram page, writing: “Wearing this jersey and representing Cameroon has been a tremendous honour. Thank you for everything, my country. Good luck for AFCON and for the challenges ahead.”
His message comes only days after he was left out of Cameroon’s provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament for which he had long hoped to stake a claim after previous inconsistent call-ups.
A career of near-misses with the Lions
Neyou made his Cameroon debut in 2021 under António Conceição, earning praise for his intelligence in possession and his ability to stabilise midfield play. But injuries, fluctuating club form, and increased competition for places meant he struggled to hold down a regular spot.
Despite being widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation, he featured only intermittently between 2021 and 2024, often overshadowed by the likes of Zambo Anguissa, Olivier Ntcham and Martin Hongla.
With the 2025 AFCON approaching, he had been hoping for a fresh start — but the snub appears to have been the final straw.
Pride, disappointment and a graceful exit
Those close to the player say he had been quietly battling frustration over his limited involvement with the national team. Yet, rather than voice discontent publicly, Neyou opted for a dignified farewell, thanking fans and wishing his teammates well.
His decision mirrors a growing trend of African internationals stepping back early when national-team opportunities become uncertain or political tensions around squad selection deepen.
At club level, Neyou continues to pursue his career with determination, and sources suggest he will now focus entirely on extending his European journey.
For Cameroon, his departure is a reminder of the fine line between talent and opportunity — and how quickly the international window can close for even the most elegant of midfielders.
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