Discovered during the G8 talent Cameroon – the best young talent competition in sub-Saharan Africa – André-Frank Zambo Anguissa launched his career at OM, at Fulham, at Villarreal, before making a name for himself with Napoli, notably winning the Scudetto season 2022-23, 33 years after Diego Maradona’s team. The Cameroonian international with 60 caps is today considered one of the best midfielders in Serie A. Courted by AS Monaco who had made him their priority to replace Youssouf Fofana who left for AC Milan in the summer last year, Zambo Anguissa was blocked by Antonio Conte upon his arrival in Naples last summer who declared him untransferable. “Kvaratskhelia and Di Lorenzo are key players for me. I was clear about this. I absolutely vetoed Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, Zambo Anguissa and Kvaratskhelia“, he explained to Conte shortly after his arrival at the club.
And the Italian technician, who prances with the Partenopei at the top of Serie A, does not regret his choice. With 1,203 minutes played, the former Marseillais is the player most used by Conte this season with 14 starts in 14 appearances (1 goal and 1 assist). Very versatile, it is used differently depending on the system in central midfield or in defensive midfield whether in 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-4-2-1. Moreover, his versatility has become one of the keys to his team’s domination this season, ensuring Napoli’s balance in particular. Statistically speaking, the Indomitable Lion impresses since he recovered a total of 31 balls, won 59 duels including 12 aerial ones, he has an average of 87.2% of successful passes and made 608 total passes in his 14 matches played in Italy this season.
Pillar of Naples, Zambo Anguissa is at the end of his contract in June 2025
Asked recently about the contribution of Antonio Conte, Zambo Anguissa was full of praise for his coach. “In addition to the sporting side, he has a human side, he has demonstrated this to me on several occasions. He is close to the players and often says that he prefers a truth that hurts rather than a beautiful lie. I like real and honest people. That’s why we feel comfortable with him. It’s not easy every day, it’s difficult, but we think it’s a blessing. Since his arrival, he has shown us that he wants warriors, which we do not have. By working not only on the physical aspect, but also on the mental side, he showed us that players don’t just need tactics, because if you want to be a top competitor, you have to be ready for anything. His team is also made up of good people and professionals.»
At the end of his contract in June 2025, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who at 28 is at the zenith of his career, has an option to extend his contract, just like Naples. But contrary to what is said on the other side of the Alps, no concrete discussions have yet begun to continue the adventure beyond 2025, the player and his entourage preferring to finish the year 2024 before thinking about the future according to our indiscretions. If he is particularly attached to Napoli, the Cameroonian, who will soon benefit from free agent status, is already arousing some desire. According to our information, Juventus, OL and Villarreal have checked his name. Obviously, the situation will depend on the desires of the player and the club and their desire to extend the adventure within the current leader of Serie A… Answer in the coming months.
