Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has reportedly turned down the chance to captain Cameroon during the Africa Cup of Nations, and it has been revealed why.
Mbeumo offered Cameroon captaincy
Mbeumo has seamlessly slotted into life at United since joining the club from Brentford in the summer.
He is currently United’s leading scorer, having notched six goals in 16 Premier League appearances. He also came off the bench to find the back of the net in the embarrassing EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in August.
Many big-money signings before Mbeumo have crumbled under the weight of expectations but he appears unfazed by it – a trait that will bode well for him if he is to be a true success case at Old Trafford.
Mbeumo is currently with Cameroon ahead of their participation in AFCON. Both he and Amad started as United were held to a frustrating 4-4 draw by Bournemouth earlier this week. Morocco refused to let Noussair Mazraoui play in the fixture.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Mbeumo had been offered the opportunity to wear the armband for Cameroon during the tournament.
The Indomitable Lions now face a major leadership decision following significant squad changes. With the exclusion of former captain Vincent Aboubakar and United goalkeeper Andre Onana from the AFCON squad, a critical vacancy has emerged at the top.
Mbeumo was tipped to fill this vacuum but L’Equipe 237 report that the 26-year-old has turned down the honour.
Mbeumo snubs Cameroon honour
According to the news outlet, Mbeumo rejected the captaincy because he wants to focus on his own performances.
L’Equipe 237 wrote on X, “According to our colleagues at Sport Premier, Manchester United’s forward, Bryan Mbeumo, has declined the captain’s armband.”
“A personal choice fully embraced by the leader of Cameroon’s attack, who prefers to focus on his performance on the field rather than the captain’s role.”
🛑 Alors que la liste des capitaines des Lions Indomptables pour la prochaine compétition avait été très attendue, un choix a surpris les observateurs. #lequipe237 🇨🇲🦁
Selon nos confrères de Sport premier, L’attaquant de Manchester United, Bryan Mbeumo, a décliné le brassard de… pic.twitter.com/11wqDPkLMS
— L’equipe237 (@LEquipe237) December 17, 2025
It’s easy to understand Mbeumo’s decision to decline the captaincy. Amid a bitter feud that has thrown Cameroon’s AFCON preparations into chaos, the United star seemingly wants no part of it.
Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images
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