The Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé was electric on February 27, 2026, during the Cameroonian Golden Ball ceremony, an evening that celebrated two rising stars of national football: Serge Daura and Lys Tiwa Fraîche.
Serge Daura, the 19-year-old forward from Gazelle FA, was crowned Men's Golden Ball winner after an exceptional 2024-2025 season. With 15 goals and 11 assists, he dominated the Elite One Championship, winning the title of top scorer and top assist provider. His talent propelled his team to third place. Daura also received the Golden Shoe and the Revelation of the Year award. He becomes the youngest Cameroonian Golden Ball winner, equaling Alioum Boubar's record in 1991.
"I thank my teammates for the assists," Daura said, visibly moved, during the ceremony.
The First Lady of Cameroon, Chantal Biya, presented the trophy to Daura, who also received a 500 m² plot of land, a Jetour TX car, a check for 5 million FCFA, and one year of unlimited internet connection. For the first time in the history of this award, the winner drove away with a car, thanks to a partnership between the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) and Sky Motors.
In the women's category, Fraîche Lys Tiwa was crowned Golden Ball winner of the Guinness Super League 2025 after scoring 22 goals in 19 matches. The Lékié Football Filles striker also won the title of top scorer. Tiwa, who was playing in the second division two years ago, has experienced a meteoric rise. In 2024, she was named top scorer in the Super League and Revelation of the Year.
Tiwa expressed her joy: "For me, it's a dream come true. I am so happy to have received this award... It is the result of hard work for two years".
These two young talents embody the future of Cameroonian football. Daura, courted by the Egyptian club Al Ahly, may soon be playing on the international stage. Tiwa, meanwhile, dreams of playing for a big European club and shining at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco in 2025.
Their exceptional performances and determination suggest a promising future for Cameroonian football.
The national coach, David Pagou, was also honored with an envelope of 1 million FCFA and one year of free internet connection offered by MTN.
