Cameroon & Inter Milan Shot-stopper, Andre Onana Sets UCL Record

Andre Onana has become the first Inter Milan keeper to record seven clean sheets in a Champions League season. The Cameroonian international made history after his team’s champions league semi-final first-leg 2-0 victory over city rivals AC Milan at the San Siro.

Two first-half goals from Edin Dzeko (37) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (34) gave Inter the victory over AC Milan.

Cameroon & Inter Milan Shot-stopper Andre Onana Sets UCL Record

The 27-year-old, who remains the shot-stopper with the most clean sheets (7) and most saves (43) in the Champions League this season, has proven to be a key man in Inter Milan’s run to the Champions League semi-finals.

Preceding Onana’s historic night, Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar who played for Inter, managed six shut-outs in 13 games during the Champions League 2009-10 season under Jose Mourinho, who were crowned champions that season.

Having had the likes of Goalkeepers like Cesar, Walter Zenga, Francesco Toldo, and Samir Handanovic, Onana’s stats at Inter Milan this season have been magnificent.

Although the former Ajax keeper did not have much to do as his side beat AC Milan 2-0 at San Siro, he recorded two saves which helped maintain the Nerazzuri edge over their rivals AC Milan.

Andre Onana was signed as a free Agent in 2022 after his contract with his former club Ajax was not renewed. The Cameroonian international, who retired from international football in 2022, has been impressive in 37 games this season, recording 18 clean sheets across all competitions, with seven coming from the champions league 2022-23 season.

The Inter Milan shot-stopper, who has been likened to an octopus, could yet play an additional two champions league games this season if Inter pulls through to the final.

The development could see Onana equal (or match) the record for most champions league clean sheets (9) in a single season. Currently held by Edouard Mendy ( Chelsea, 2020-21), Keylor Navas (Real Madrid, 2015-16), Santiago Canizares (Valencia, 2000-0), and Sebastian Rossi (AC Milan, 1993-94).

It is worth noting that, even with Onana’s impressive run at Inter so far, many international media outlets have claimed in their reports that Inter might sell their shot-stopper to Chelsea (Blues) in England if they receive a €60 million bid.