François Omam-Biyik

François Omam-Biyik (born 21 May 1966) is a Cameroonian football manager and former player who works as assistant manager of Cameroon. He etched his name into World Cup history with his electrifying performance during the 1990 FIFA World Cup. Playing a pivotal role for the Indomitable Lions, Omam-Biyik's aerial prowess and unyielding determination were on full display when he scored the unforgettable winning header against Argentina in the tournament opener, stunning the world champions and setting the stage for Cameroon’s legendary run to the quarter-finals. Known for his agility and tenacity, Omam-Biyik played every match with relentless energy, clocking crucial minutes that fueled the team’s spirited journey. His singular goal against Argentina is remembered as one of the iconic moments in World Cup lore, earning him a cherished place in both Cameroonian and football history. Omam-Biyik's aerial ability led to the term "Omam-Biyik" being used as a nickname for a headed goal. While he took part in high jumping at school, he says he was "born" with his heading ability. Widely regarded as one of Cameroon's best forwards of all time.

Club career
Revealed by Pouma FC, he also played for Canon Yaoundé between 1986 and 1987 before pursuing a career in France, where he played for Laval, Rennes, Cannes, Olympique de Marseille and Lens. It was as a Sang et Or athlete that Omam-Biyik won the 1993–94 French League Cup.

The striker also played for Mexico, defending América, Atlético Yucatán, Atlante (he did not play) and Puebla, and also played in 6 games with the Sampdoria (Italy) shirt, without scoring any goals. He returned to France in 2000 to end his professional career at Cháteauroux, playing 3 matches before returning to Mexico, where he took up residence. He returned to the field in 2003 when he signed a contract with Deportivo Sahara, a team that competed in Adecmac (the country's main amateur league), scoring 10 goals.

In January 2005, at the age of 38, he made his final farewell to the pitch, in a festive game held at the Azteca Stadium, which was attended by other players from Cameroon's "Golden Generation", such as goalkeeper Jacques Songo'o, his brother André Kana-Biyik and attacking midfielder Cyril Makanaky, against the 1994 América team. The Cremas won the friendly match 4–3, with 3 goals from Omam-Biyik, who was replaced by wearing a shirt with the "Gracias, Mexico" phase.

International career
Omam-Biyik made his debut for the Cameroonian national team in February 1985, in a friendly against Egypt, and in April he played his first World Cup qualifiers, against Zambia. The Indomitable Lions were eliminated 5-2 on aggregate (4-1 loss in Lusaka and 1-1 draw in Yaoundé). The striker scored his first goal in September of the same year, against Saudi Arabia.

He participated in 4 editions of the African Cup of Nations, being champion in 1988, in addition to having played in 1990, 1992 and 1996.

In World Cups, he stood out in the 1990 edition, scoring the goal in the surprising victory against Argentina, then holders of the title. Anticipating defender Roberto Sensini, Omam-Biyik headed weakly, but Argentine goalkeeper Nery Pumpido fumbled and let the ball pass.

He was also in the 1994 World Cup (he scored a goal against Sweden) and 1998, being the captain of the team. However, Cameroon did not repeat the performance obtained in 1990 and fell in the first round in both. The last of his 73 appearances for the national team was against Chile, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Coaching career
5 years after retiring as a professional athlete, Omam-Biyik made his coaching debut at EGC Touvent Châteauroux, where he stayed for one season and would return in 2010. He also coached Palmeros and Real Colima (teams in the promotion divisions of Mexican football) before returning to France in 2009 to coach Saint-Christophe Châteauroux.

In parallel with his duties at Touvent, he was also assistant coach to the Spaniard Javier Clemente in the Cameroonian national team. His first experience in a professional team was at Gomido (a team in the first division of the Togolese Championship) in 2013, where he stayed for 2 months before being announced as the new coach of US Bitam (Gabon), for which he became national champion in the same year.

After 6 seasons with USB, Omam-Biyik returned to work as an assistant coach of the Cameroonian national team, remaining in the position until 2022.

Personal life
His older brother, André Kana-Biyik, was also his teammate in the Cameroonian national team, while Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik (son of André and nephew of François), Emilio Omam-Biyik (son) and Francis Eliezer Omam (cousin) also pursued careers in football.

Honours

Canon Yaoundé
 MTN Elite One: 1986
 Cameroon Cup: 1986

Lens
 Coupe de la Ligue: 1994

Cameroon
African Cup of Nations: 1988
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations: 1985

References

Category:1966 births
Category:Living people
Category:Cameroonian footballers
Category:Association football forwards
Category:Serie A players
Category:1990 FIFA World Cup players
Category:1994 FIFA World Cup players
Category:1998 FIFA World Cup players