Manchester United’s Onana Visits Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré, Gifts Signed Jersey

Manchester United’s Onana Visits Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré, Gifts Signed Jersey

By Niyi Busari 

Manchester United and Cameroon international goalkeeper Andre Onana paid a courtesy visit to Burkina Faso’s Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, during his summer holiday, presenting the president with a signed Manchester United jersey, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The surprise meeting took place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, as part of what Onana described as a “memorable and enriching” visit to the West African nation.

Sharing photos from the visit on Instagram, the 29-year-old wrote: “I had the honour of being received by His Excellency Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso and Head of State. A huge thank you to the President and to the people of Burkinabè for their hospitality. This visit gave me a better understanding of the human and cultural richness of the country.”

Images posted on social media showed Onana presenting a Manchester United jersey bearing his name and number to President Traoré. The visit appeared to be apolitical, focused instead on cultural exchange and goodwill, with Onana reportedly touring parts of the country to learn more about local traditions and lifestyles.

Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, came to power in September 2022 following a military-led transition and has grown in popularity among the populace for his nationalist rhetoric and efforts to revive the legacy of revolutionary icon Thomas Sankara.

According to reports by ChoiceLive, Onana described his time in Burkina Faso as “unforgettable and full of learning experiences,” and he expressed admiration for the resilience and hospitality of the Burkinabè people.

President Traoré thanked Onana for the visit and for taking a personal interest in the country’s cultural heritage, praising the gesture as an act of solidarity between African nations.

Onana’s visit comes amid speculation over his future at Manchester United. After a challenging first season at Old Trafford—where his performances came under scrutiny—his long-term status at the Premier League club remains uncertain, with potential summer transfers under discussion.