Man United winger told to chase African Ballon d’Or dream by being “more selfish”

Manchester United winger Bryan Mbeumo has been urged to change his mindset if he wants to realise his African Ballon d’Or ambition this year — with a blunt message from Cameroon calling on him to be more selfish.

The challenge has come from Cameroonian journalist Henry-Paul Diabate Manden, who believes Mbeumo’s selfless style, while admirable, could ultimately cost him individual recognition on the continental stage.

Writing for Actu Cameroun, Diabate Manden praised Bryan Mbeumo for his work ethic and attitude, both on and off the ball.

“There’s generosity in every effort. He is everywhere at once, making long runs to help a teammate or tackling without mercy to stop an opponent,” he wrote. “His self-sacrifice shows another side of his personality.”

The journalist also highlighted Mbeumo’s humility within the squad, noting his willingness to encourage teammates and take responsibility even when others make mistakes.

However, that same humility was framed as a potential obstacle.

“But he must not forget that he is the Cameroonian best placed for the Ballon d’Or,” Diabate Manden warned.

According to the Cameroonian journalist, the current leading contenders are Brahim Díaz and Ademola Lookman, largely due to their decisive impact in key moments.

Mbeumo, by contrast, is seen as contributing heavily to collective play rather than delivering the defining actions that often decide individual awards.

“Mbeumo has to score and be decisive,” Diabate Manden wrote. “The whole issue of the African Ballon d’Or 2025 will be decided at the AFCON.”

The criticism sharpened when Diabate Manden pointed to a specific moment involving Cameroon.

“That is why I regret his excess of altruism,” he explained.
“On a well-executed counter-attack against South Africa, he has the ability to go all the way, but he prefers to play collectively.”

For the journalist, that decision-making could prove costly when individual accolades are on the line.

“He must write his destiny and, in doing so, write history. Like Theophile Abega in 1984, he has three matches to build his legend.”

With just three matches remaining for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, the margins are thin. Goals, match-winning moments and visible leadership will likely shape not only Cameroon’s tournament fate, but Mbeumo’s standing in the African Ballon d’Or conversation.

At club level, Manchester United have already seen the winger’s value in big moments. The question now is whether he can translate that influence into decisive output on the international stage.

Cameroon’s remaining AFCON fixtures will place Mbeumo firmly under the spotlight. If he delivers goals and match-winning moments, his Ballon d’Or credentials will strengthen rapidly. If not, his generosity may continue to earn praise — but not the ultimate prize.

Much will depend on whether Mbeumo adapts his approach when the opportunity arises, balancing his team-first instincts with the ruthless edge demanded at the highest level.

Should Bryan Mbeumo change his game to chase individual glory — or is his selfless style exactly what makes him elite?