Women’s football: Who is Lys Tiwa, the best player in Cameroon?

In football stadiums in Cameroon, her name is now obvious. At only 18 years old, Lys Tiwa has established herself as a decisive striker, capable of tipping a match by a goal or a pass. "As an attacker, my role is to score," she sums up soberly, claiming a game focused on efficiency but also on the team.

Voted "Ballon d'Or 2025", this individual distinction that makes her the best footballer in the country, comes to consecrate a rapid progression. And that, she considers it as a "well-deserved reward for all the work accomplished," while seeing in it an additional lever to raise her level. In an environment where women’s football remains in search of a structure, this recognition gives it new visibility, but also increased expectations.

From neighborhood plots to the national elite
The journey of Lys Tiwa is part of a classic but demanding trajectory. At first, there are simply these improvised matches in his neighborhood, to play with his brothers, with no other ambition than pleasure. Then, gradually, one of them perceives something different. It was he who, first of all, suggested to her that she take the next step, leave this informal setting and join a real club. He then accompanied him to her first attempts at AS Jeunesse Pro, a local team.

That’s when everything starts to take shape. She discovers a more structured environment, regular training sessions, and a new requirement. Her game is getting better, her sense of placement is improving, and above all, she is becoming aware of her potential. This first experience acts as a trigger: football stops being just a game to become a project.

The sequel is written in AS Cite Verte, where she spends two decisive seasons. She gains in maturity, intensity, and consistency. But it was especially during his second year that his career really turned. In the playoffs, his team faced AS Fortuna. The match was close, and ended with a 1-2 defeat. On paper, nothing exceptional. Yet, that day, something is played out outside the score.

Because in the stands, a look lingers: that of Lekie FF’s coach. At the end of the match, he comes directly to meet her. The tone is simple, almost spontaneous, but the words are clear: her enjoyed his performance and wants to bring her into his club. A few months later, at the time of the recovery, the promise takes shape. The contact is renewed, the steps follow one after another, and she actually joins Lekie FF.

Between resilience and international ambitions
The progression of the young player, however, has not been linear. One of the most striking episodes in his career is his injury during the U20 preparation camp for the World Cup in Colombia. Despite good performance in training, she is forced to give up competition. "It was very painful, but I did not give up," she explains, evoking a founding moment in her mental construction.

Image unavailable.

This type of event helped to forge a discipline that she claims today as essential. A commitment that has resulted in strong personal choices, notably the abandonment of his education to devote himself fully to football. A decision initially difficult to get his family to accept, but gradually validated by his performance, especially in the national team.

Atlético Madrid in the crosshairs
In the medium term, Lys Tiwa plans his career beyond the borders of Cameroon. Like many African talents, she aims for a transfer to Europe, citing in particular England, France or Spain. She even mentions a specific goal: to one day play for Atlético de Madrid.

This ambition is however accompanied by an awareness of the challenges related to its early notoriety. Media exposure can be difficult to manage at her age, she admits, while emphasizing that it is only a step in a journey still under construction. Today erected as a model, Lys Tiwa sends a clear message to young girls: discipline, rigor and perseverance.