When you watch Frank play for the first time, his impressive athletic physique, dreadlock looks, and natural charisma are immediately noticeable. Today, we’ll focus on the story of this remarkable footballer, often affectionately called “Zambo” by his close friends and family.
As a child, Frank’s passion for soccer was so strong that he would kick anything that resembled a football on the street—whether it was oranges, tennis balls, or plastic balls. His journey from humble Yaoundé beginnings to football stardom is truly fascinating. Frank, a dedicated footballer and the humble son of Juliette Pere De Frank and Louis Pere De Frank, has come a long way from having almost nothing.
Before he made it big, everyone who knew him described him as a shy, reserved, and intelligent young man with a positive outlook on life. Even at a young age, his parents, Louis and Juliette, began to see signs of their son’s potential. They sensed that he was destined to achieve things no one in the Anguissa family had ever accomplished.
Zambo’s story is that of a footballer who came from a poor background, never enjoying the luxuries of childhood. He defied his parents’ wishes for him to focus on school and pursue a more traditional career, choosing instead to follow his passion for football. Welcome to the story of the famous grandson of the great Belibi Anguissa.
A Baller Like Zambo: A Dive at Frank Anguissa’s Humble Beginnings & Rise
Preamble:
Our biography of Frank Anguissa starts by exploring significant events from his childhood. We’ll then delve into his Cameroonian heritage and highlight his early career achievements. Finally, we’ll trace how the Napoli defensive midfielder emerged as one of the best players for both club and country.
We hope this article ignites your interest in autobiographies as we take you through Frank Anguissa’s story, from his early years to his rise to fame. Dive into this gallery that chronicles his journey and see how far he’s come in his remarkable football career.
Frank Anguissa Biography – From his childhood to the moment he became famous.
Yes, it’s well-known that Frank Anguissa is a likeable figure—a box-to-box midfielder who excels at connecting defence with attack rather than scoring goals. While exploring stories about Cameroonian midfielders, we noticed a lack of detailed information about Zambo. The reality is that many fans haven’t had the chance to dive into Frank Anguissa’s intriguing biography. So, let’s get started and explore his story.
Frank Anguissa Childhood Story:
To start, Frank Anguissa, born under the Libra sign, goes by the nickname Anguissa. His full name is Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
He was born on the 16th day of November 1995, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to his parents, Juliette Pere De Frank and Louis Pere De Frank. As one of their children, Frank grew up in a family where wealth wasn’t the focus. Instead, his parents instilled in him a strong sense of respect and humility.
Frank Anguissa’s Parents His father’s name is Louis Pere De Frank, and his mother’s name is Juliette Mere De Frank.
Growing-Up Years:
Frank Anguissa spent his childhood years with his siblings, one of whom is named Carole Anguissa. Early on, Frank developed a passion for sports, especially soccer, thanks to his father’s preference for buying him footballs instead of toys. Playing football was something he naturally enjoyed and excelled at from a young age.
Meet Frank Anguissa’s siblings, people with whom he spent his childhood.
As a child, Frank Anguissa had a charming and innocent appearance. Those who knew him described him as shy, reserved, yet bright and optimistic. His parents, Louis and Juliette, started to see signs of his potential early on.
In Cameroon, many young footballers falter due to a lack of guidance. Anguissa is grateful for his family’s support and proud of the wise decisions he made with the help of his parents, uncle, and coaches.
Frank Anguissa Early Life:
From a young age, Frank Anguissa’s football talent was evident. No one in his family, not even his extended relatives, could have predicted how successful he would become. His parents recognized early on that he had a natural gift for the sport.
As a toddler, Frank loved kicking a football around the house and would kick anything that resembled a ball, whether it was on the street or at the beach. His father always made sure to get him a ball whenever he asked for one, fueling his early passion for the game.
Frank Anguissa’s untold football story – The Hidden Pictures of His Early Years.
Anguissa made football an integral part of his daily life. He played everywhere—whether in front of his classroom, on the school field, on the street, or with his uncles. The Anguissa siblings were very close, often enjoying soccer games together.
According to his mother, Frank always joined his older uncles in their games. His friends and coaches were delighted to have him on their teams, recognizing his innate winning spirit.
Though Frank initially didn’t picture himself as a professional footballer, everyone around him believed in his potential. Cameroon, known for nurturing exceptional footballers like Samuel Eto’o, provided the perfect environment for his growth.
Profile Frank Anguissa Family Background:
Here, we have the following family members. Louis Pere De Frank (Frank Anguissa’s dad), Juliette Mere De Frank (Anguissa’s mum), Frank Anguissa, Anguissa’s younger sister, Carole Anguissa (Anguissa’s elder sister), and his brother.
Growing up in Yaoundé, Frank Anguissa’s childhood was far from luxurious. Unlike some who had expensive toys, Frank had only a soccer ball to play with. His parents, Louis and Juliette, had modest incomes and worked hard to provide for their close-knit family.
Frank’s grandfather, Belibi Anguissa, was a respected community leader, and the local school where Frank played football was named in his honour. Despite his mother’s wishes for him to focus on school rather than football, Frank’s determination to play the sport he loved never wavered. His perseverance eventually led him to success in football.
From a modest background, Frank was raised with strong values, balance, and a deep faith as a devoted Christian.
Frank Anguissa Family Origin:
Frank Anguissa proudly holds Cameroonian nationality, a heritage rooted in both his birth and ancestry. His family hails from Yaoundé, the vibrant capital of Cameroon located in the southern part of the country.
Much like Rome, Yaoundé is set upon seven hills, offering picturesque landscapes and ample space for sports. The city’s hills and open areas provide perfect settings for running and team activities. As the regional capital of Cameroon’s Centre Region, Yaoundé has played a significant role in shaping Frank’s early life and background.
This map helps you understand Yaounde in Cameroon, where the Midfielder comes from.
Frank Anguissa Ethnicity:
In southern Cameroon, where Frank Anguissa is from, French is the primary language, and he speaks it fluently. The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Beti, Bassa, Duala, and Fulani. Among these, the Beti are the largest group in Yaoundé, constituting about 38% of the population.
Frank Anguissa Education:
As Frank Anguissa approached school age, his parents managed to raise the necessary funds for his education. He attended Anguissa Public School in Yaoundé, named after his grandfather, who was the chief of the community.
Growing up, Frank spent his childhood playing for local teams in Yaoundé. His parents, who valued education greatly, ensured he balanced his academic responsibilities with his passion for football.
Career Buildup:
While his parents worked hard to support Frank and his siblings through school, they were less concerned about his early football career.
Juliette, Frank’s mother, initially resisted his soccer ambitions, preferring that he focus on his studies and pursue an education. However, Frank was determined and passionate about football. He continued to play for fun in the streets of Anguissa, on the beach, and on the field, despite his mother’s reluctance. His unwavering commitment to his dreams kept him focused on his goals.
The youngster is showing off his skills on the beach.
Frank often dreamed of playing for major international clubs. He balanced his ambitions with his parents’ expectations by dedicating himself to both his studies and football.
He achieved this by training hard and playing soccer extensively after school. Eventually, his hard work paid off when he joined Coton Sport Football Club de Garoua in Cameroon.
Frank Anguissa Biography – Football Story:
Instead of just playing football with family and friends in his neighbourhood, Frank Anguissa decided to turn his passion into a profession. As a talented midfielder, he consistently helped his team win games and scored many goals, showcasing his eagerness and exceptional skills.
The highlight of Frank Anguissa’s early career came at the age of ten when he demonstrated his potential by qualifying for the G8 event, an annual tournament in Yaounde. He also played for AS Fortuna, one of his first clubs, before making his move to Europe.
The Journey to Coton Sport:
At 17, Frank Anguissa caught the eye of Djibrilla, who had been with Coton Sport for over 19 years. This happened during the G8 talent camp in 2013, where Frank’s potential shone brightly.
For a young talent, having the right environment is crucial for growth. Anguissa’s parents were deeply invested in his education and ensured he stayed focused on his studies. Djibrilla Alain, Frank’s formal trainer, noted that while Zambo’s family initially emphasized education, they eventually recognized and supported his sporting talent.
Once Frank signed with Coton Sport, his parents, who had been cautious at first, fully supported his football career. Their encouragement came as Frank’s discipline and skill became evident, and he began his journey into professional football.
Getting recognized by European Scouts:
During one of Cameroon’s renowned tournaments, the G8, Frank Anguissa was spotted by scouts. The G8 tournament features eight academy teams, roughly 160 players, battling it out in two groups of four.
From these matches, scouts and sports directors from top European clubs—like Porto, Villarreal, Torino, Lyon, and Marseille—select the 22 standout players. These finalists face off twice, showcasing their skills in the national stadium. It was during this final stage that Jean-Philippe Durand recognized Anguissa as the standout player.
The athlete is congratulated and chosen among the 22 players that competed in the face-off.
Road to Fame Story:
Six months after moving to Europe, Zambo Anguissa faced a challenging period. His dream of becoming a professional was at risk. Having joined the French club Reims on loan from Cameroonian side Coton Sport, Anguissa was navigating a steep learning curve. Adapting to a new country, culture, and cuisine proved difficult for a player new to a professional academy environment.
Reims, struggling with patience, found it hard to develop Anguissa, who was lagging behind tactically. Former Reims forward and international teammate Moukandjo shared with Sofoot.com, “In Reims, the trainers thought to themselves…”
“We have young players who are practically ready. We don’t have time to impart particular tactical instructions to a person from the village. He wasn’t given a chance”.
Journey in Marseille:
After facing rejection from Reims, an opportunity arose for Marseille, which had been scouting Anguissa, to step in. Valenciennes showed interest and offered him a four-year contract, but Anguissa chose Marseille.
Securing a spot at Marseille wasn’t enough; Anguissa needed to win over President Vincent Labrune and Coach Marcelo Bielsa. He was hired and spent two extra weeks working intensively with Diego Reyes, one of Bielsa’s assistants. After compiling his file, the Cameroonian was assigned a jersey number.
Durand noted, “He signed a contract with a relatively low wage.” Anguissa and his team had one goal: to train with the first team.
Fortunately for Anguissa, Bielsa agreed to include him in the first-team squad. Over the next few years, he developed into one of the best players in Europe, solidifying his choice and proving his talent.
In this picture, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa shows off his talents in Marseille.
In the 2017–18 season, Anguissa and Luiz Gustavo formed a formidable midfield partnership at Marseille. Their combination of right-footed and left-footed play created a dynamic and balanced midfield duo. Their chemistry on the field contributed significantly to Marseille’s success that year, making it one of the team’s standout seasons.
Fulham and Beyond:
Fulham quickly secured Frank Anguissa on the last day before the 2018–19 Premier League season, spending €24.87 million on the midfielder. His first season was tough, as he had limited chances to adapt and was hampered by an ankle injury in November.
It wasn’t until Scott Parker took charge at the end of the season that Anguissa started to display his talent. His ongoing contributions proved vital in Fulham’s struggle to remain in the Premier League.
Frank Anguissa moved from Fulham to Villarreal, where his reputation flourished. On August 17, he made his debut for Villarreal, playing the entire 90 minutes in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Granada CF. His performances helped Villarreal finish fifth in La Liga and, most importantly, secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League.
Villarreal was keen to make his loan deal permanent, and other European clubs like AC Milan also showed strong interest. However, Fulham managed to keep him, partly due to the huge financial setbacks imposed by the pandemic, which limited other offers.
Anguissa quickly became a crucial player for Fulham and Parker. Many believe he has the quality to excel at a top-four club, either in England or elsewhere.
Rise to Fame Story:
After his return, Frank developed a taste for winning trophies. On August 31, 2021, he went on loan to Napoli. During his loan season in 2021–2022, Anguissa played a key role in helping Napoli secure third place in Serie A.
In his first season with the Blues, he appeared in 25 matches and logged 1,925 minutes on the field. He made the move permanent in May 2022, transferring from Fulham to Napoli for €15 million, especially after the end of season departure of footballers like Kalidou Koulibaly. At Napoli, he joined forces with stars such as Victor Osimhen (whom he shares a great sporting relationship with), the Rising Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Piotr Zielinski.
As I write Frank Anguissa’s biography, it’s clear that he has achieved football celebrity status akin to legends like Roger Milla, Samuel Eto’o, and Vincent Aboubakar. The rest, as they say, is history.
The indomitable Lions are Preparing for their qualifying match in the World Cup.
Who is Frank Anguissa’s Wife:
According to a proverb, every successful Napoli defensive midfielder is supported by a significant other. While Frank Anguissa’s marital status isn’t widely known, he is in a relationship with the mother of his two sons. There is limited information about his partner, as he rarely posts images or details about her on social media.
The photo of Frank, his partner, and his kids during the 2022 Christmas celebration.
Frank Anguissa’s Children:
Research shows that Frank Anguissa has two sons as of January 18, 2023. His first son is named Stile Anguissa. Frank is very attentive to his boys, providing them with all they need. In a photo taken during a vacation with his sons, you might wonder how old Frank Anguissa’s look-alike sons are—perhaps three, four, five, six, or seven years old?
The photos of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and his two sons.
Personal Life:
As you’ve explored Frank’s story, you’ve learned a lot about him. But beyond what he does on the pitch, who is Anguissa really?
First and foremost, Frank Anguissa believes in the principle: “Pray, work, and God will give you a little opportunity.” He feels that the key to success is to pray and work hard. According to Anguissa, when you pray and God gives you a small opportunity, it’s your responsibility to take full advantage of it.
Frank Anguissa Workout:
It is assumed that the athlete frequently exercises in order to maintain proper fitness. In addition to receiving football instruction from his team, Anguissa also works out. He primarily works out via running, rowing, pushups, etc.
Outside of football, the sportsman also loves vacationing with his family. During his off-seasons and breaks, he vacations with his sons and their mother. In addition, he enjoys giving to the poor and helping the less privileged.
Lifestyle:
The Cameroonian superstar is someone who does not show off. Frank also doesn’t boast about his money or his enormous salary and wealth as a professional football player. One thing is for certain, though: Frank Anguissa lavishes money on his wife, children, and family.
Frank Anguissa Car:
COUNT HIM IN when you think of Cameroonian footballers who drive exotic rides. Additionally, the athlete does not voluntarily miss a chance to display them on his social media platforms.
The Indomitable Lion has a Lamborghini Aventador model, priced at more than 400,000 euros, and a Mercedes C-Class coupe.
Anguissa’s car collection.
Anguissa’s garage is undoubtedly smaller than that of Cristiano Ronaldo’s. Most likely because of their varied financial differences.
However, the Cameroonian international player and the Portuguese football player share a passion for gorgeous and speedy cars.
Frank Anguissa Family Life:
When the baller got the opportunity to move abroad to play football, it was difficult for his family to let him go.
They were worried about how the quiet and shy son will cope. This section of Frank Anguissa’s Biography tells you more about his parents and other family members. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Frank Anguissa Father:
Louis Pere De Frank is the father of our superstar Frank. Also, he is the head of his family, not just in words but in action.
Louis is a man who made sure to put his family as his topmost priority. He made sure he provided for his kids and wife.
Meet Frank’s father, Louis Pere De Frank.
The positive parenting he gave has affected how his six children turned out in life. As I write this Bio, Frank Anguissa’s Dad, who is now a fulfilled man.
He has been a great support system for his son’s career journey as a professional footballer. It was one of the reasons Frank decided to build a mansion for his father as an expression of appreciation for all he did.
Frank Anguissa Mother:
For starters, Juliette Mere De Frank did not support her son’s career at the initial stage. She wanted him to go to school and be educated.
Eventually, she gave up her quest when she saw how her talented, calm, and obedient son progressed. Since then, Juliette has supported Frank’s dreams and is very proud of him.
Meet the Midfielder’s first love, Juliette Mere De Frank.
Frank Anguissa Siblings:
Although no documentation exists about his three brothers and two sisters, one thing is sure. The fact that they are among Anguissa’s biggest fans.
Life would have been difficult without Frank’s parents standing next to him. Also, without his siblings watching from the sidelines.
Behold the siblings of Napoli’s defensive midfielder.
The Anguissa siblings may not always be together because of their professional differences. However, one thing is sure: the fact that they support each other.
The athlete’s siblings always glue themselves to the TV to watch their brother whenever he plays, which is super impressive.
Frank Anguissa Grandparents:
The Ballers family is well-known in the suburbs of the capital, Yaounde. This is because his grandfather, Belibi Anguissa, was the chief of their neighbourhood.
Because of his integrity and hard work, the community was named after Frank’s grandfather, Anguissa.
Untold Facts:
In the concluding section of Frank Anguissa’s Biography, we’ll unveil more facts you might not know about him. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Frank Anguissa Salary:
Starting off, the defensive midfielder of the Napoli club is a wealthy man. Now, let’s give you some evidence. Converting €3,460,000 million, which is Frank Anguissa’s salary with the Serial A club, Napoli, we have the sum of 2,269,611,200 francs.
Frank Anguissa’s contract with the Napoli club earns him a whopping sum of €3,460,000 a year. Given his extensive professional background, contract bonuses, and other resources, we estimate Frank Anguissa’s net worth to be 14.5 million euros.
How Rich is Box-to-box Midfielder:
Where Frank Anguissa’s family comes from in Cameroon, the average person makes around 435,240 XAF annually. Do you know? Such a person would need 100 years to earn his weekly salary with Napoli.
Frank Anguissa FIFA Stats:
As of 2023, the ex-Marseille player had everything a modern-day defensive midfielder needed. However, there is only ONE THING Anguissa lacks regarding his footballing abilities on FIFA. That one thing is his FK accuracy rating, as revealed by his SOFIFA card.
The copy of Frank Anguissa’s SOFIFA score.
Frank Anguissa Tattoos:
The Yaounde native has tattoos on different parts of his body (arm, hand, and chest). He joins other soccer stars like Messi, Neymar, Sergio Ramos, and Nahuel Molina with ink tattoos on their bodies. The photo below clearly shows the athlete’s tattoo.
Frank Anguissa Religion:
Frank Anguissa, the Indomitable Lion, is a devout Christian who takes his faith seriously. He explains,
“Though I might not always go to church, I always say my prayers.”
This quote reflects his commitment to both his religion and his practice of prayer, showing how he integrates his faith into his daily life.
EndNote:
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was born on the 16th day of November 1995 to Juliette Mere De Frank (his Mum) and Louis Pere De Frank (his Dad). His birthplace is Yaounde, Southern Cameroon.
The ex-Fulham player has many siblings. Frank is among the six children born to his parents – Mr and Mrs Louis and Juliette De Frank. Regarding his roots, Frank Anguissa’s family is from Anguissa, in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Alongside his brothers, friends, and uncles, Zambo (when he was a child) played football every day. He always played on the street, at the beach, at home, and even in front of his classroom. Also, in the fields of Anguissa community school, which was named after his grandfather.
Frank Anguissa’s destiny as a great footballer began when he was 12. He was very good on the pitch, and many local clubs wanted him. It opened the way for him to join AS Fortuna and, later, Cotton Sport. This was before an opportunity to play in Reims, France, came his way.
As of 2023, Frank Zambo’s career journey has taken him to Marseille, Fulham, Villarreal, and Napoli. The biggest highlight of his career is yet to be seen because we know he has a lot to offer. As I write his Bio, Anguissa is one of Napoli’s forces to be reckoned with.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read Frank Anguissa’s biography. We strive for accuracy and fairness in sharing the stories of African footballers, and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s story is a key part of our collection of Cameroonian footballers.
If you spot any inaccuracies or have thoughts about the article, please leave us a comment. We’d love to hear your opinions on Anguissa’s career and the article itself.
In addition to Frank Anguissa’s story, we have more engaging childhood tales of other football stars like Breel Embolo, Joel Matip, and Bryan Mbeumo. We hope you enjoy these stories as much as you did Anguissa’s.
