Gael Ondua is a footballer with a special story: he represents Cameroon, but he has a special relationship with Russia. That is why the midfielder played with the Russian flag on his boots in the match against Switzerland (1:0 defeat) at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Gael Ondua Photo: Adam Davy / PA Images / Profimedia

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Gael Ondua, dual citizenship: Cameroonian and Russian

27-year-old Gael was born in the capital of Cameroon, Yaounde, but grew up in Russia (he worked after his father – an employee of the Cameroon embassy in Moscow). By the way, the midfielder also has Russian citizenship.

In the match between Cameroon and Switzerland (0-1), Ondua entered the field in the second half and surprised with an assist after the Russian flag was printed on his boots.

The midfielder told this at the end of the game when he was asked what he was looking for with the flag of Russia (the banned world football team) on his boots.

“Why should I be afraid to go out on the field wearing boots with the Russian flag? This is my home, I grew up there and still live there.

I want to live there after I retire. I am not afraid of anything, I feel like a free person. Cameroon and Russia are my home and that will never change.” – Gael Ondua.

Throughout his career, Gael played for teams such as CSKA Moscow and Anzhi (from Russia), as well as Zorya Luhansk from Ukraine. It is now registered in Hannover 96 in Germany.

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