Former Celtic midfielder Landry Nguemo has tragically passed away at the age of 38. The Cameroonian star, who spent the 2009/10 season with Celtic, made 43 appearances for the club.
Brought to the Hoops by then-manager Tony Mowbray on a season-long loan from French side Nancy, Nguemo left a lasting impression during his time in Glasgow.
Tragically, news broke on Thursday that Nguemo was involved in a fatal road traffic accident in his home country of Cameroon.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred on the Yaounde-Bafoussam axis, near Obala, though the exact circumstances of the accident remain unclear. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash, which claimed multiple lives.
Tributes have been pouring in for Nguemo. The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) paid homage to their former player in a heartfelt statement.
“The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has just learned the tragic news of the passing of former Indomitable Lion Landry Nguemo in a traffic accident. Nguemo, who was a key player for the Cameroonian national team from 2006 to 2014 and a former member of Girondins de Bordeaux, will be remembered for his contributions to football. FECAFOOT extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community.”
Celtic also expressed their sorrow at Nguemo’s untimely death. In a statement, the club said: “Everyone at Celtic Football Club is shocked and saddened at the news of Landry Nguemo’s passing at the young age of 38. The Cameroonian midfielder joined Celtic on loan from French side Nancy in the summer of 2009. He made over 43 appearances for the Celts before returning to his parent club in 2010. He was also capped over 40 times for Cameroon throughout the course of his career. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with Landry’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Nguemo spent three years at Bordeaux between 2011 and 2014, and the Ligue 2 club took to social media to honour him. “The Club was saddened to learn of the death of Landry Nguemo,” Bordeaux’s statement read. “Victim of a traffic accident in Cameroon, the former Bordeaux native died at the age of 38. FC Girondins de Bordeaux sends its most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Another of his former clubs, St Etienne, also paid tribute: “Landry Nguemo has left us. Far too soon, far too abruptly. ASSE mourns one of its own. To all his loved ones, we send our most sincere condolences.”
Nguemo’s untimely death has left a significant void in the football community, with many mourning the loss of a talented and respected player.