Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé (born July 15, 1956 – May 16, 2025) was a legendary Cameroonian footballer and coach, best known for his role as a strong and intelligent defender. He made a name for himself both at home and internationally, especially with Canon Yaoundé and the Cameroon national team. Kundé was one of Africa’s football greats, respected for his leadership, his powerful playing style, and his ability to score goals, even as a defender. He passed away in his sleep at the age of 68, leaving behind a rich legacy in African football.
Emmanuel Kundé Profile
| Name | Emmanuel Kundé |
| Real Name | Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé |
| Date of Birth | 15 July 1956 |
| Date of Death | 16 May 2025 (68 years) |
| Nationality | Cameroonian |
| Occupation | Footballer and Coach |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
There are no widely known records of Emmanuel Kundé’s formal education. Like many footballers of his time, his early years were focused more on developing his skills in football rather than pursuing academic studies. He started playing football at a young age and quickly progressed through local clubs.
Career
Kundé began his football journey with Mbankomo Club between 1973 and 1975, then moved to Tempête de Nanga-Eboko until 1977. His most memorable years were spent with Canon Yaoundé from 1977 to 1987, where he won several local league titles and reached the final of the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1984.
Later in his career, he played for clubs like Provenance, Olympic Mvolyé, and even spent time playing and coaching in France and Gabon. In international football, Kundé earned over 100 caps for Cameroon and scored 17 goals. He played in the 1982 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, and helped Cameroon win the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988.
One of his most famous moments came in 1988 when he scored the winning penalty in the final against Nigeria. In the 1990 World Cup, he again scored from the penalty spot to help Cameroon reach the quarter-finals, a historic moment for African football.
After retirement, he became a coach and led teams like Canon Yaoundé, PWD Bamenda, Union Douala, and US Bitam. He also worked within Cameroon’s football setup in technical roles.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Emmanuel Kundé stayed away from controversy and was known for his discipline on and off the field.
Personal Life
Emmanuel Kundé was married and blessed with children.
Emmanuel Kundé Net Worth
Emmanuel Kundé’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000 during his lifetime.
Death
Emmanuel Kunde passed away in his sleep on the night of Thursday, May 15, 2025. He was found dead the next morning, Friday, May 16, at the age of 68. His death came as a shock to many, including fans, former teammates, and the football community around the world.