'My heart belongs to Cameroon!' says African gem and denies rumours about choosing to represent Spain

Nowadays, it's not unusual to see players born and raised in Africa by African parents representing European national teams. When an opportunity to play for a giant from the "old continent," such as France, Portugal, or England - among others - arises, African players see it as a perfect chance to promote themselves or secure a better transfer. However, despite such a trend, one of the most talented strikers in the European top five leagues, Karl Etta Eyong, won't follow them.

New Eto’o on the rise - Cameroonian close to Barcelona

Namely, in an interview with SportyTV, Levante player made it clear there was no chance he'd choose to represent Spain over his homeland, Cameroon.

"That would not have happened; my heart belongs to Cameroon. Even if the President of Spain had approached me and said: 'Please, come'... I would have told him that I was sorry, but I would follow my heart," the 22-year-old said via OneFootball.

And while the Spaniards try to lure the Cameroonian to play for them, numerous European sides are knocking on his door, keen on signing him.

First and foremost, both La Liga giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, stand in line, while Man United, Tottenham, and Chelsea didn't remain indifferent to Etta Eyong's terrific displays.

He recorded six goals and three assists in 12 appearances in the Spanish top flight, and only Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe, and Julian Alvarez have been more efficient than him.

Etta Eyong debuted for the Indomitable Lions last month in a win against Mauritius and also played against Angola five days later. He was included in Marc Brys' squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers play-offs, and is expected to lead Cameroon's attack.

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - AFRICA

Play-off semi-finals

Thursday

Nigeria - Gabon 4-1 a.e.t (1-1)

/Adams 78, Ejuke 97, Osimhen 102, 109 - Lemina M. 89/

Cameroon - DR Congo IN PROGRESS