In a world where football transcends borders and identity is carried as boldly as a nation’s flag, Aurélien Tchouaméni stands tall, not only as one of the brightest talents in world football but as a powerful symbol of pride, purpose, and possibility for Africans everywhere. From his beginnings in France to the grand stage of the Santiago Bernabéu, his journey is more than a success story, it is a testament to discipline, cultural pride, and unshakable vision.
At just 25, Tchouaméni has already cemented his place among the sport’s elite, playing for Real Madrid and the French national team with a grace and power that captivates fans and inspires a new generation of dreamers. But what makes him exceptional isn’t just his prowess on the pitch, it’s the way he carries his Cameroonian roots with humility, how he uplifts young Afro designers and creatives, how he speaks with clarity about legacy, and how he builds bridges between people, continents and cultures with every move he makes.
In this exclusive conversation with Rolling Stone Africa, Aurélien opens up about football, fashion, family, and the future, and reminds us that greatness rooted in authenticity will always resonate louder. He is not just playing the game, he is rewriting its narrative for Africa and the world.
AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI: THE BRIDGE
Grounded in Purpose. Connecting Greatness. Building a legacy with precision.
Rolling Stone Africa: You’ve played at the highest level for both club and country. What moment in your career has felt the most defining so far?
Aurélien Tchouaméni: It’s tough. I feel like I’m blessed with all the things that I’ve achieved. But I would say definitely my first day at Real Madrid. For me, it’s the biggest club in the world. So to get the opportunity to play for them, to enjoy every single moment, I would say that it’s definitely an important one for me.
Rolling Stone Africa: When did you know you wanted to become a football player?
Tchouaméni: It’s difficult. You know, I got role models. My father, he used to play a little bit, not at a really high level. But in the family, everybody is in love with sports, especially football. So I would say him. But when I was younger, I used to play with my friends in my neighborhood. At an early age, I decided to give my best and get a chance to become a professional player, and here we are today.
Rolling Stone Africa: You’re playing for Real Madrid, which you just described as the biggest club in the world. How has playing for them shaped you compared to your earlier days at Monaco or Bordeaux?
Tchouaméni: It’s a different level. As we said, there is a level to this stuff. Obviously, Monaco and Bordeaux helped me to become the player that I am today. But Real Madrid is just different. The scrutiny, the dedication that you need, the commitment, the fans all around the world. Every single game you play to win, and you play to win titles. It’s just a dream come true.
Rolling Stone Africa: As a midfielder, you’re often the brain of the team. How do you mentally prepare for big games, especially at the international level?
Tchouaméni: I would say that every game has its own story. But definitely, I work with my mental coach before every game to be prepared mentally, because we know that every single game is very challenging emotionally and mentally. So I try to stay locked in and to be great.
Rolling Stone Africa: A lot of footballers grow up admiring other players. Who did you look up to?
Tchouaméni: I could not say my dad was not that good [laughs], but as I said, he was my role model. But definitely, different players when I was little, Samuel Eto’o, for sure, he’s from Cameroon. Didier Drogba. Players like that. Paul Pogba in the midfield. N’Golo Kanté. Makélélé. Yeah, all these guys.
Rolling Stone Africa: How has it been playing with some of the players you once looked up to?
Tchouaméni: As I say, it’s just incredible. I remember my first day with the national team, to get the opportunity to play with top players like Paul [Pogba], Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud. I just try to learn every single day. And now we can say that we are friends, so it’s just amazing.
Rolling Stone Africa: You talked about Clairefontaine, and we know that when you pull up, you pull up. What inspires your style when you show up?
Tchouaméni: I would say Instagram. You know, being in touch with different people helps me create my own style. Every time before international break, each player is thinking about what he’s going to wear. But for me, it comes naturally. Instagram, like everybody. And sometimes I call Naya Roz (@NayaAffords) so she can prepare me like a good outfit. But yeah, I think I got a good style.
Rolling Stone Africa: You could be wearing Louis Vuitton or Zegna, but you also make space for young Afro designers like Naya Rose (@NayaRoz_). Why is that important to you?
Tchouaméni: I would say that we are just trying to uplift everybody. We are all together, helping people from our community to just get a chance to be seen. And as I said, Naya is doing a pretty good job. You can tell right now.
Rolling Stone Africa: You’ve talked about legacy. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Tchouaméni: That’s a good question. You know, I just want to be unique. I feel like everybody got his own purpose in life. Right now, I’m a soccer player and I’m enjoying every single moment of my life. But I just want to be someone successful. My parents used to tell me before, no matter what you do, you have to be the greatest or at least try to be the best version of yourself. If I’m a model, if I’m a journalist, if I’m a soccer player, I’m going to try.
Rolling Stone Africa: You’ve always embraced your Cameroonian roots. How has your African heritage influenced who you are?
Tchouaméni: Yeah, my values for sure. The music that I listen to, the food that I eat. I go to Cameroon every two or three years to hang out with my family. So it’s definitely helped me to be the person that I am today, because I can see what’s going on out there. And as I said previously, I just want to help the community. We got so many things to do out there. And I’m pretty sure with all the African people, we are going to help the continent get better and better.
Rolling Stone Africa: What does “home” mean to you?
Tchouaméni: Just being with my close ones, my family, people that I love. I can be at home anywhere in the world as long as I’m with my own family, people that I know.
Rolling Stone Africa: We’re seeing more and more athletes shaping global culture. How do you carry your identity into your everyday life?
Tchouaméni: Maybe the way I dress. The way I talk about my country when I do interviews or when I hang out with my friends. I feel like I’m just proud to be African, and that’s something that we have to say again and again, and even more.
Rolling Stone Africa: Are there traditions or values from your upbringing that you still carry with you?
Tchouaméni: Absolutely. Respect, discipline, faith, those things are everything. My parents were strict but supportive. If I messed up, they corrected me. They’ve always been my foundation. Even now, they’re part of my team. That keeps me grounded.
Rolling Stone Africa: This edition of Rolling Stone Africa is all about building bridges, between Africa, the diaspora, and the world. You’ve literally created a show called The Bridge. How did that come about?
Tchouaméni: With my agent, we were having deep conversations about life, and one day we thought, why not film these and share them? I wish I had content like that growing up. The Bridge is about connecting people, sharing stories, and hopefully inspiring the next generation.
Rolling Stone Africa: What’s next for The Bridge? Could we see it on Netflix one day?
Tchouaméni: Who knows? That would be amazing. We’re just taking it step by step, having fun, and trying to grow. The goal is always to connect people and make an impact.
Rolling Stone Africa: Let’s talk music. Who’s on your playlist right now?
Tchouaméni: Davido, for sure, he’s my favorite Afrobeat artist, and I know him personally, so I might be biased. [laughs] But I also love mixing things up, Afrobeats, rap, a bit of everything depending on my mood.
Rolling Stone Africa: Do you listen to music before games?
Tchouaméni: Always. The type depends on my mood. Sometimes I need to calm down, sometimes I need to get hyped. It could be Afrobeats, French rap, US hip-hop, whatever gets me in the zone.
Rolling Stone Africa: Where do you see yourself finishing your career?
Tchouaméni: At the top. Always at the top. Hopefully still at Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world.
Rolling Stone Africa: And how do you want to be remembered?
Tchouaméni: As a pioneer. Someone who brought something new, who uplifted others. Not just through football, but through everything I touch, whether it’s The Bridge, my foundation, or just how I live. That’s the legacy I’m building.
Continental Pride
Aurélien Tchouaméni is more than a footballer, he is a bridge between generations, cultures, and continents. Every time he steps onto the pitch, he carries with him not only the dreams of his younger self but the hopes of millions of Africans watching from cities, villages, and diaspora communities across the globe. He represents a new chapter in the African story, one defined by excellence, intention, and heart.
Through his humility, his pride in his Cameroonian heritage, his advocacy for rising Afro designers, and his deep respect for family and faith, Tchouaméni reminds us that greatness is not just about trophies and headlines, it’s about impact. It’s about how you wear your identity, how you uplift others as you rise, and how you use your platform to connect and inspire.
In a world hungry for authenticity and leadership, Tchouaméni offers both. He is proof that you can walk with royalty and never forget your roots, that you can shape the future of sport while honouring the past that shaped you. He is a force in football, a trendsetter in fashion, a voice for unity, and a proud son of Africa.
As this moment in history unfolds, Aurélien Tchouaméni stands not just as a champion for his club and his country, but as a Continental Pride, a reminder to the world that Africa’s brilliance is undeniable, and its time is now.
Article by Gwen Madiba
Editor in Chief
RollingStone Africa
