Should Cameroon Call Estelle Johnson for the 2027 World Cup?

A Veteran’s Experience Could Be Valuable, but Age Is the Question.

Cameroon’s historic 2026 WAFCON triumph has reopened an intriguing question: should Estelle Johnson be brought back into the Indomitable Lionesses setup for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup? The former Cameroon international has recently been linked with a possible return after celebrating the team’s continental success, although there is still no confirmed announcement that she intends to come out of retirement. Recent reports describe her as retired, with Johnson having stepped away from football in 2025.

Johnson would certainly bring something the current squad cannot easily buy: experience at the highest level. Born in Cameroon and raised in the United States, she represented the Lionesses at the 2019 World Cup, playing every minute of Cameroon’s four matches, including the controversial round-of-16 defeat to England. She also built a long professional career in the United States and Australia before retiring.

Experience Could Strengthen a Young Champion.

Cameroon are now entering a completely different phase. After winning their first WAFCON title, expectations will be considerably higher at the 2027 World Cup. The tournament will demand not only talent but also players capable of handling pressure, difficult opponents and the intensity of knockout football.

That is where Johnson’s experience could become useful. She has already played at a World Cup and understands the demands of international tournament football. Her presence could also provide leadership within a squad that is still developing its identity under the new coaching structure.

But Cameroon Cannot Select Players on Reputation Alone.

The biggest argument against a recall is simple: football is ultimately about current performance. Johnson was born in July 1988, meaning she would be 39 during the 2027 World Cup.

That does not automatically make her selection impossible, particularly for a defender whose experience and positioning can compensate for declining physical speed. But Cameroon would have to assess her fitness, match sharpness and ability to compete at international level before considering her for the squad.

The Lionesses should not disrupt a winning team simply because a respected former international wants another opportunity.

The Real Value Could Be Beyond the Starting XI.

There is also a middle ground. Johnson does not necessarily have to return as an automatic starter. If she proves physically capable, she could compete for a squad place while providing leadership and experience to younger defenders.

That approach would allow Cameroon to benefit from her knowledge without guaranteeing her a position. It would also send an important message that selection is based on merit, regardless of a player’s reputation.

Cameroon Should Keep the Door Open.

Johnson’s international experience remains valuable, and the fact that she has publicly celebrated Cameroon’s WAFCON success shows that her connection with the national team remains strong.

But the decision should ultimately belong to the coaching staff and be based on football rather than emotion. Cameroon have just built a new generation of champions, and the priority must be developing the players who will carry the team for years to come.

So, should Cameroon call Estelle Johnson? Yes, but only for a trial and assessment, not a guaranteed place. If she can demonstrate the fitness and match sharpness required for World Cup football, her experience could be an enormous asset. If she cannot, Cameroon should respectfully move forward with the generation that delivered its historic WAFCON triumph.