Andre Onana: Why Man United Shot Stopper Uses Vaseline on his Goalkeeper Gloves
- Andre Onana has been seen applying a substance to his gloves before matches, though it's not Vaseline but a grip-enhancing product made specifically for goalkeepers
- His recent performance in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Lyon drew attention after a late mistake led to the equaliser
- While Onana prefers a tailored solution, other goalkeepers like Joe Hart have used Vaseline to improve grip in wet conditions—a trend gaining popularity despite mixed opinions
Andre Onana is one of several goalkeepers who have been seen applying Vaseline-like substances to their gloves before matches—but what’s the reason behind this unusual practice?
The 29-year-old was under the spotlight on Thursday night following a shaky performance in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final in France.
Source: Getty Images
Onana was at fault for two costly errors, one of which came deep into second-half stoppage time. His mistakes ultimately denied United a memorable victory, leaving the tie evenly poised.
Lyon opened the scoring through Thiago Almada after 25 minutes, but the Red Devils equalised just before half-time with Leny Yoro's first goal for the club.
Late in the game, Joshua Zirkzee gave United a 2-1 lead, only for Onana to parry a shot into the path of Rayan Cherki, who scored to level the tie heading into the return leg at Old Trafford.
Does Onana actually use Vaseline?
According to Goal, the former Inter Milan shot-stopper was first spotted applying Vaseline to his gloves during Manchester United's match against Liverpool in April last year.
While Onana has often been seen applying a substance to his gloves before games, it's unclear if he did so during Thursday’s match.
According to The Athletic, Onana doesn’t use Vaseline specifically.
Instead, he uses a product “designed specifically to improve grip.”
Other goalkeepers do use Vaseline
Though Onana opts for a specialized grip enhancer, other goalkeepers are known to use Vaseline, a petroleum jelly product, to gain better control in wet or challenging conditions.
Speaking on the Fozcast podcast hosted by former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, Coventry City’s Ben Wilson opened up about the trend.
“A lot of goalkeepers these days are wearing Vaseline on their gloves, and I won’t let myself do it,” Wilson said in 2024.
Source: Getty Images
The origins of the Vaseline technique
Foster recalled the first time he saw it in action.
“I remember the first player I saw do that was Joe Hart at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He put Vaseline on his gloves and told me, ‘Fozzy, honestly, it is a game changer!’”
Wilson agreed, adding:
“It is. But I won’t allow myself to do it. No matter how wet or damaged my gloves are, I just can’t. But the difference it makes is unbelievable.”
Onana has managed just 10 clean sheets in 56 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United, raising concerns about his consistency.
His form has come under increasing scrutiny. As a result, doubts continue to grow over his long-term future at the club.
Onana among worst Man United goalkeepers in history
Manchester United may be home to some of football’s greatest legends, but not every player has lived up to the club’s high standards.
Goalkeepers like Andre Onana struggled to replicate the form they showed before arriving at Old Trafford.
YEN.com.gh looks at six of the worst goalkeepers to ever wear the Manchester United shirt.
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