In this blog post, we will delve into the life and career of Joseph-Marie Minala, a talented Cameroonian professional footballer who has been making a name for himself in the Italian football scene. From his early beginnings in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to his rise as a midfielder for Olbia Calcio 1905 in the Italian Serie C Group B, Minala’s journey is filled with passion and dedication for the sport he loves.
Born and raised in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Joseph Minala developed a deep passion for football from a young age. With unwavering support from his parents, he honed his skills and played street football until he caught the attention of a professional football club in his homeland.
In 2013, Minala’s talent was noticed by Napoli, and he was offered a two-month trial with the club. Later that year, he signed with Lazio, marking a significant turning point in his career. Despite facing age-related controversies, both the player and Lazio refuted the allegations, and the Italian FA confirmed the veracity of his age, allowing him to continue his football journey.
On March 16, 2014, Joseph Minala made his debut for Lazio’s senior team, and on April 6, he made his complete Serie A debut. He later spent the 2014-15 season on loan to Serie B team Bari, where he showcased his skills and even scored crucial goals.
Minala also had the opportunity to represent Cameroon in the under-23 qualification for the 2015 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations. Despite his efforts, the team faced elimination in the next round.
As of now, Joseph Minala’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. The focused and dedicated midfielder has not yet married and remains single, choosing to concentrate on his football career and aspiring to win trophies.
Conclusion
Joseph Minala’s story is one of determination, talent, and overcoming challenges. From the streets of Yaoundé to the Italian Serie C, he has shown the world his love for football and his remarkable abilities as a midfielder. As he continues to make his mark in the footballing world, fans eagerly await his future achievements on the field. To stay updated with his journey, you can follow him on Instagram at @minalajosephmarie.
FAQs
Who is Joseph Minala?
Joseph Marie Minala is a Cameroonian professional footballer born on August 24, 1996, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. He plays as a midfielder and is currently signed with Gżira United in the Maltese Premier League. Minala began his youth career at Vigor Perconti before joining Lazio’s youth system in 2013. He made his Serie A debut with Lazio in 2014 and has since played for various clubs across Italy, China, Latvia, and Malta.
What is Joseph Minala’s net worth?
As of recent estimates, Joseph Minala’s net worth is approximately £6,084,000. This figure accounts for his earnings during his tenure with clubs like Lazio, where he reportedly earned £13,000 per week, amounting to £676,000 annually. These earnings were primarily during his contract with Lazio, which expired in June 2021.
What was the controversy surrounding Joseph Minala’s age?
In 2014, Joseph Minala faced widespread media scrutiny when allegations surfaced claiming he was significantly older than his stated age of 17. The controversy gained traction due to his mature appearance. However, both Lazio and the Italian Football Federation conducted investigations and confirmed that his age was accurately reported, clearing him of any wrongdoing.
What has been Joseph Minala’s career trajectory?
Minala’s professional journey began with Lazio, where he made his Serie A debut. He experienced several loan spells with clubs like Bari, Latina, and Salernitana in Italy’s Serie B. In 2020, he ventured abroad to play for Qingdao Huanghai in the Chinese Super League. Subsequent moves saw him join clubs in Latvia and Malta, including FK Liepāja and Sliema Wanderers. As of 2024, he plays for Gżira United in Malta, continuing his career as a seasoned midfielder.
Also Read: Bayanni’s Biography and Net Worth
