Palmeiras signs 18-year-old Cameroonian forward Miguel Bilong with €100m release clause

Updated: July 22, 2026 — 17:59 CEST Author: Eduardo Burgos Rodríguez, Editor at AS América

Palmeiras has once again found talent across the Atlantic. The Verdão has completed the signing of Miguel Bilong, an 18-year-old Cameroonian attacker who previously underwent a trial at the club's Academy. He has signed a three-season contract running through 2029, with a release clause set at €100 million.

Bilong is already registered with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). He will split his time between the second team, the U-20 squad, and the first team under head coach Abel Ferreira, who has been impressed by the young forward.

Trial Period and First-Team Promotion

Bilong earned his place at Palmeiras through a trial period in the second half of the year, training with the U-20 team. However, he was unable to play in official youth matches due to incomplete documentation — as an international transfer, the club had to wait for the transfer window to open.

Abel Ferreira promoted Bilong to the senior squad during the "mini-preseason" following the World Cup, allowing him to "participate in some training sessions and show great potential." Due to the absences of Paulinho, Vitor Roque, Allan, Luighi, and 'Flaco' López, Bilong could make his professional debut against Coritiba, which would make him the first African player to feature professionally for Palmeiras.

Player Profile

• Full Name: Miguel Cinoncelli Bilong
• Nationality: Cameroon
• Age: 18 years old
• Position: Centre-forward
• Height: 1.78 m

Bilong is a tall, powerful player with a strong lower body and room to grow physically. He is explosive off the mark and can operate both as a midfielder and as a forward, with a tendency to drift inside where his finishing ability stands out.

Although he does not yet speak Portuguese, the club is insisting he learn the language quickly to ensure a smooth adaptation. After his first weeks of training, the club's expectations for the player are high, with hopes that he can establish himself in the first team in the medium term.

Part of Palmeiras' African Talent Pipeline

Bilong's arrival is part of Palmeiras' broader talent scouting project in Africa. Other players discovered through this initiative include Ivorian defender Koné Zie, who is part of the first team's coaching staff, and Malian center-back Tiecoura Konaté.

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