The Cameroon national football team, known as the Indomitable Lions, represents one of Africa's most storied footballing nations. Operating under the Fédération Camerounaise de Football, the team competes within the CAF (Confederation of African Football) framework and has long been considered a flagship of the African game on the world stage.
Cameroon's international reputation was forged most decisively at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, where the Lions became the first African side to reach the quarter-finals of the competition. That campaign, driven by the legendary Roger Milla, captivated a global audience and redefined expectations for African football. Milla's dancing goal celebrations became iconic symbols of the tournament itself.
On the continental stage, Cameroon has claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title five times, with victories spread across several decades, cementing a reputation for consistency and competitive depth. The team has also claimed back-to-back Olympic gold medals at the 1998 and 2000 Games, the latter secured in dramatic fashion via a penalty shootout against Spain at Sydney.
The squad has historically produced world-class talent, with players such as Samuel Eto'o — among the most decorated African footballers ever — embodying the country's ability to develop elite-level individuals. The domestic football pyramid, anchored by the Elite One and Elite Two divisions, feeds into this national identity, with clubs like Canon Yaoundé, Coton Sport de Garoua, and Tonnerre Yaoundé forming the backbone of the local game.
In the current decade, Cameroon has continued to qualify for major tournaments while working to bridge the gap between its storied past and evolving continental competition.