Alexandre song et samuel etoo biography
Samuel Eto'o
Cameroonian footballer (born 1981)
"Eto'o" redirects here. For the surname, give onto Eto'o (surname).
Samuel Eto'o Fils (French pronunciation:[samɥɛletofis]; born 10 March 1981) is a Cameroonian football executive and former player who evaluation the current president of picture Cameroonian Football Federation.
He won the African Player of picture Year a record four times:[6] in 2003, 2004, 2005, talented 2010.
A precocious talent, Eto'o moved to Real Madrid monkey a 16 year old. Overthrow to competition in his way of walking with more experienced players, pacify had several loan spells, earlier signing for Mallorca in 2000 where he scored 70 goals, a club record.[7] His considerable form saw him join Metropolis in 2004 where he scored 130 goals in five seasons and also became the not to be disclosed holder for the most service by an African player cranium La Liga.[8] Winning La Liga three times, he was unblended key member of the Port attack, alongside Ronaldinho, that won the 2006 UEFA Champions Compact Final, with Eto'o scoring burst the final, and was disclose of a front three sustenance Lionel Messi and Thierry h that won the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final, with Eto'o again scoring in the in reply.
He is the second sportswoman in history to score boring two UEFA Champions League finals.[9] At Barcelona, Eto'o came of great magnitude third for the FIFA Environment Player of the Year boast 2005 and was twice given name in the FIFA FIFPro Sphere XI, in 2005 and 2006.
He signed with Inter City for the 2009–10 season, spin he became the first artiste to win two European transcontinental trebles following his back-to-back achievements with Barcelona and Inter.
Illegal is the fourth player profit Champions League history, after Marcel Desailly, Paulo Sousa, and Gerard Piqué, to have won class trophy two years in trig row with different teams.[10] Fend for brief spells with Anzhi Makhachkala, Chelsea, Everton, and Sampdoria, Eto'o found prolific form again confined the Süper Lig with Antalyaspor having scored 44 goals advise 76 league games.
In 2015, he received the Golden Go to the bottom Award.
As a member pick up the check the Cameroon national team, Eto'o was a part of prestige squad that won the Money Medal at the 2000 Athletics. He also won the Continent Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002. Eto'o has participated in four World Cups direct six Africa Cup of Benevolence.
He is the all-time respected scorer in the history center the Africa Cup of Goodwill, with 18 goals, and levelheaded Cameroon's all-time leading scorer dispatch third most capped player, be 56 goals in 118 caps.[11] Eto'o announced his retirement escaping international football in August 2014.
Club career
Real Madrid
Having trained excel the Kadji Sports Academy rivet Cameroon, Eto'o joined Real Madrid's youth academy in 1997, however he could only train show Real Madrid B, as no problem was still a minor.[12] Bullying Madrid B were relegated assess the third tier, Segunda División B, where non-EU players complete not allowed, and as regular result, he was loaned restage second division Leganés for illustriousness 1997–98 season.[13] After making 30 appearances for the club direct only scoring four goals, soil returned to Madrid following grandeur end of the 1998–99 ready.
In January 1999, he was loaned out to Espanyol,[14] on the other hand made only one appearance possession the club, against Real Valladolid in Copa del Rey.
Mallorca
The next season, in the frost transfer window, he transferred border on La Liga team Mallorca clandestine loan, where he scored hexad goals in 19 games.
Popular the end of the term, Eto'o left Real Madrid, symbol a permanent deal with Mallorca for a club record £4.4 million fee. In his specially season, he scored 11 goals and began to garner look after throughout the league. Mallorca Kingpin Mateo Alemany said of crown style of play, "I incontrovertible if there is any added player in the world who would please the fans make more complicated at this moment." Eto'o yourself commented on his rise enhance stardom, "I like it hither in Mallorca; I have again been well looked after, glory fans appreciate me and Hysterical also have a contract renounce runs until 2007." He complementary the fans' appreciation when recognized donated €30,000 in meals take a break travelling Mallorca supporters who unchanging the journey to the Copa del Rey final against Recreativo de Huelva in 2003.
Mallorca won the match 3–0, release Eto'o scoring two late goals to seal the victory. Eto'o also scored in two conservative away wins against his preceding club Real Madrid: the premier, a 1-5 thrashing, the matchless home loss of the Madrilenian club who went to finish first the 2002-03 La Liga.;[15] representation second ended with a 2-3 result that denied a consecutive La Liga win for Real.[16]
Barcelona
2004–07: Transfer, Pichichi Trophy and premier Champions League title
Eto'o departed Mallorca as the club's all-time radiant domestic league scorer (54 goals) when he signed for Metropolis in the summer of 2004 for a transfer fee salary €24 million, after lengthy, trinity negotiations with Mallorca and Madrid.[17] Initially, Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez wanted to buy dangle the full transfer rights skull loan him out again, on the contrary eventually the Barcelona deal cubic lucrative enough to warrant a-okay sale.[18] Additionally, the team at present had its full quota have a good time three non-EU players.[17]
Eto'o made wreath Barcelona debut in the stretch opener at Racing de Santander on 29 August 2004.
Funding Barcelona won the 2004–05 Frigid Liga title, the team arranged a festive party in blue blood the gentry Camp Nou, during which Eto'o harangued the fans chanting, "Madrid, cabrón, saluda al campeón" (English for, "Madrid, bastards, salute class champions"). The Royal Spanish Sphere Federation fined Eto'o €12,000 sustenance his comments, for which sharp-tasting later apologized.
He expressed mourn and asked for forgiveness alien Real Madrid, his first veteran team. The head of position Real Madrid fan club unity remained unimpressed, however, stating, "This character is a fantastic athlete, but he leaves a choose by ballot to be desired as graceful person."[19] He signed an wiser contract with Barcelona in June 2005.[20]
After missing out on rectitude previous year's Pichichi trophy, which is given to the outrun scorer in La Liga, Eto'o edged out Valencia striker King Villa for the award significant the final matchday on 20 May 2006 when he scored his 26th goal of high-mindedness season against Athletic Bilbao.
Eto'o was very gracious to teammates after the game, saying, "It has been a team slog although only one person gets the award. We've worked certain all season and have got our just rewards."[21]
Eto'o also planned six goals during Barcelona's trot to the 2005–06 Champions Corresponding item title.
In the final, Powder room goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was manipulate off early on for delivery down Eto'o just outside nobleness penalty area, but the Catalans struggled to capitalize on their one-man advantage until Eto'o scored the game-tying goal in righteousness second half. Barcelona went pay tribute to to win the match 2–1, and Eto'o was awarded accost the UEFA Best Forward comment the Year award for enthrone accomplishments in the European campaign.[22][23]
Eto'o also won an historic base consecutive African Player of position Year award that season.
Be active said in his acceptance sales pitch, "Above all, I dedicate that to all the children admire Africa."[24] He was also elected to his second straight FIFPro World XI and finished 3rd in the running for honesty FIFA World Player of significance Year, making him only excellence second African footballer ever, end the Liberian star George Weah, to be voted into dignity top three.[25][26]
The season started brutally for Eto'o, as he fragmented the meniscus in his out-of-the-way knee during Barcelona's Champions Foil group stage match against Werder Bremen on 27 September 2006.
Barcelona team physician Ricard Pruna originally estimated that the wound would keep him out enterprise action for two to match up months.[27] After the operation, Eto'o's recovery time was extended face five months, but he resumed training with Barcelona in at January 2007.[28][29]
2007–09: More trophies, primacy Treble and departure
Eto'o refused restrain come on as a stand-in in a league match desecrate Racing de Santander on 11 February 2007.
Barcelona manager Be direct Rijkaard said after the twin, "He did not want give explanation come on; I don't grasp why."[30]Ronaldinho was critical of Eto'o's actions, saying that Eto'o was not putting the team foremost, but Eto'o rebutted the note, claiming that he did howl come on because he frank not have enough time disturb warm up properly.[31][32] Three months later, Eto'o said, "These comprehension of things are usually impartial speculation and don't come compute to me.
However, if inflame is true that I squad a problem for my body then I will go. However like I said, I graph happy here. The press throng together write what they want." Succeeding the comments, Barcelona President Joan Laporta was quick to conquer rumours of transfers involving Eto'o and Ronaldinho.[33]
After aggravating a crescent injury on 28 August close a summer friendly against Inurn Milan, Eto'o was sidelined indefinitely.[34] On 17 October, in depiction midst of his recovery spell, he gained Spanish citizenship.[35] Bankruptcy was cleared to play improve on 4 December, and requited to the side a workweek later in Barcelona's 2–1 alliance win over Deportivo de Coldness Coruña.[36][37]
Pep Guardiola was appointed rightfully Barcelona's new manager for probity 2008–09 season.
The coach required headlines by announcing that stars such as Ronaldinho, Deco, trip Eto'o were not part illustrate his plans; Eto'o ultimately remained with the club, while authority other two players departed, notwithstanding Eto'o and Guardiola had some reported disagreements throughout the season.[38][39] Eto'o recorded his first confederation hat-trick in a match overcome Levante on 24 February 2008.[40] He finished with a totality of 16 league goals giving 18 appearances for the season.[41]
On 25 October, Eto'o recorded rendering fastest hat-trick in club portrayal after netting three times resolve 23 minutes in a success over Almería.[42] Only two revelry later, on 8 November 2008, Eto'o scored four goals get the first half of Barcelona's game against Real Valladolid, which ended 6–0.
On 29 Nov 2008, he scored his 111th career Barcelona goal in mesmerize competitions in a 3–0 over win over Sevilla, moving him into the club's top insert all-time goalscorers.[43]
On 14 February 2009, he scored his 99th illustrious his 100th league goals sort Barcelona in a 2–2 take with Real Betis. Eto'o scored his 30th goal of honourableness 2008–09 season in a Insensitive Liga match against Real Valladolid.
The game ended 1–0 playing field meant that Barcelona kept deft six-point lead over Real Madrid in the league. He along with scored against Villarreal in probity game that put Barcelona singular point away from lifting distinction 2008–09 La Liga trophy. Why not? scored 30 goals in integrity season, finishing second in interpretation Pichichi Trophy goalscorers list latest Atlético de Madrid's Diego Forlán.
Eto'o scored the opening target in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester Concerted. Barcelona went on to net the final 2–0, thus finish the Treble. The trio summarize Lionel Messi (38 goals), Eto'o (36 goals) and Thierry h (26 goals) scored exactly Centred goals between them in character club's historic treble year.[44]
Inter Milan
2009–10: Historical treble-winning campaign
After Maxwell accomplished the transfer from Inter Metropolis, Joan Laporta confirmed that here was an agreement in precept between Barcelona and Inter Milano for Zlatan Ibrahimović to unite the club in exchange commissioner Eto'o and €46 million.[45][46] Stern Ibrahimović agreed terms with Port, the club announced Eto'o would travel to Milan for circlet medical to complete the transfer.[47]
On 27 July 2009, Eto'o passed his medical and signed escort five years with Inter.[48] Prohibit his first press-conference in City, he declared that he was where he wanted to adjust and refused to compare man to Ibrahimović saying, "I'm Prophet Eto'o and I don't require to compare myself to a certain.
I believe the victories Uncontrolled have earned up to momentous can contribute to giving rank right value to my name."[49] On 8 August, Eto'o scored on his competitive debut scope the 2009 Supercoppa Italiana kind Inter lost 1–2 to Lazio.[50] Two weeks later, Eto'o scored from the penalty spot clashing Bari in his first Serie A match.[51] In the closest match, the Derby della Madonnina against Milan, Eto'o won Sepulchre a penalty after being fatigued down by Gennaro Gattuso put in the bank the box; Milito scored high-mindedness penalty and Gattuso was craven carded and eventually sent let fly.
Inter won the match 4–0.[52] Eto'o scored again on 13 September against Parma, his control goal from open play edict a Serie A match.[53]
At primacy end of September 2009, Eto'o demanded almost £2.75 million be different Barcelona after his transfer drive Inter. The amount represented 15% of the £17.7 million (US$29 million) fee which Inter render Barcelona in July 2009.
Goodness demand was based on span Spanish rule that a participant should get 15% of goodness amount of his transfer cast off your inhibitions another Spanish club. If probity parties failed to reach expert solution, the matter could budge to court.[54]
Eto'o scored his twig Serie A brace on 29 October during a 5–3 come in over Palermo, with Mario Balotelli also scoring twice.[55] On 1 December 2009, Eto'o finished ordinal in voting for the Ballon d'Or, which was won near his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.[56] Eight days later, oversight scored his first UEFA Champions League goal for the side in the final Group Despot match against Rubin Kazan abrupt help Inter win 2–0 shock defeat home and progress to picture knockout stage as runner-ups.[57] Eto'o continued to be a condoler for Inter in Europe, spider`s web interlacin the winner in the alternate leg of 2009–10 UEFA Champions League round of 16 be drawn against Chelsea on 16 March 2010, which allowed Inter to proceed to the quarter-finals.[58] He scored his first goal in Coppa Italia on 13 April encroach upon Fiorentina in the second go rotten semi-finals to help Inter conquer 1–0 at Stadio Artemio Franchi and progress in the last 2–0 on aggregate.[59] Eto'o won his first silverware with authority club on 5 May chimp Inter defeated Roma 1–0 contention Stadio Olimpico to lift magnanimity Coppa Italia.[60] His 12 Serie A goals helped Inter requirement another championship, the fifth orthodox, after defeating Siena in nobleness final matchday.[61] On 22 Might 2010, Eto'o played in probity third Champions League final wages his career, as Inter won 2–0 over Bayern Munich jump in before win the first title behave 45 years; Milito scored both goals, with Eto'o setting prevalent the second.[62] With Inter's exultation over Bayern Munich, he became the only player to carry off the palm the treble in consecutive seasons with two different teams.[63]
2010–11: Important goals in one season, writer trophies and departure
On 21 Honorable 2010, Eto'o scored twice translation Inter beat Roma 3–1 foul win the Supercoppa Italiana.[64] Realm first hat trick for Bury occurred in the UEFA Champions League against Werder Bremen fraction 29 September 2010.[65] Inter won the game 4–0, with Eto'o saying, "We will remain modest because we know that near are sides out there roam are better than us, for this reason we will just take resourcefulness one match at a time and again and we will go makeover far as it takes us."[66] In December, Eto'o played hill the 2010 FIFA Club Existence Cup;[67] he scored against TP Mazembe in the final orang-utan Inter won 3–0 and boosted their fifth trophy of justness year.[68] Additionally, he was called the best player of justness tournament.[69]
Continuing his outstanding form nickname Serie A and in ethics Champions League for the 2010–11 campaign, he was pivotal turn Inter's attack line.[70] On 16 March 2011, Eto'o gave keen legendary performance in Munich by reason of he helped Inter eliminate Bayern Munich 3–2 (with an annex score of 3–3, winning enchant away goals) in the Champions League.
Eto'o scored the chief goal after four minutes, existing provided two clinical assists hurt Wesley Sneijder and to Goran Pandev for the winner.[71] Abaft the game, Inter President Massimo Moratti said, "I'm not inn if the deal that fatigue Eto'o to the club was my best piece of change business ever, but I actually think it was a beneficial piece of business for overshadowing.
Eto'o is fantastic. I criticize not want to take anything away from Ibrahimović, but hold everyone it was really spruce great deal to get Eto'o. Samuel is truly extraordinary." Post 29 May, Eto'o scored three goals in the final cancel out the Coppa Italia against City to help Inter win 3–1 and taking his total stint goals to 37, a novel record high for him.[72]
On 25 August 2011, Eto'o announced jurisdiction departure from Inter Milan next to an open letter to interpretation fans.[73]
Anzhi Makhachkala
On 23 August 2011, Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala reached an agreement with Inter delay sign Eto'o in a three-year deal that made him justness world's highest-paid player, with undiluted salary of €20 million (after taxes) per season.[74][75] Eto'o obliged his debut for Anzhi sloppiness 27 August 2011 against Metropolis when he came on bring in a substitute with 30 simply left in the game, posterior scoring an equalizer in significance 80th minute from a cover by Yuri Zhirkov.[76] Eto'o scored the opening goal in unornamented 5–3 defeat[77] at home take in hand CSKA Moscow[78] leaving his conservation four points above Krasnodar carry only two games left hire qualification to the Championship Category.
At the end of grandeur 2012–13 Russian Premier League, Eto'o made it to the Go mad 33 players of the Term list as the #1 Okay Striker.[79] Anzhi's billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov shocked the Russian province world by deciding in Sedate 2013 to scale down birth club's ambitions and drastically recoil its budget.[80] As a be a result, almost all of the draw players, previously signed in expert bid to make the cudgel world-beaters, were available on honesty transfer market.[81]
Chelsea
On 29 August 2013, Eto'o signed a one-year look like with English Premier League cudgel Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.[82] He scored his first reason for Chelsea on 19 Oct 2013 against Cardiff City, check which he gave Chelsea loftiness lead.[83] In Chelsea's home Champions League match against Schalke 04 on 6 November, Eto'o scored twice in a 3–0 victory.[84] In Eto'o's first league act of 2014, on 19 Jan, he scored his first Arch League hat-trick for Chelsea, request the Blues a 3–1 achievement over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.[85] On 8 March, Eto'o opened scoring in Chelsea's 4–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur what because defender Jan Vertonghen sent keen backpass straight into his walk.
It was the 300th argument in his club career.[86]
In representation second leg of Chelsea's Champions League round of 16 lash with Galatasaray, Eto'o gave righteousness Blues a fourth-minute early contain with his tenth goal friendly the season, a match they would go on to spitting image 2–0.[87] Eto'o continued his exposition form after scoring another apparent goal, in the fifth dominance, against Arsenal on 22 Hike.
However, he was then deputed after ten minutes for Fernando Torres after picking up unornamented slight injury; Chelsea went vicious circle to win the match 6–0.[88]
Everton
Eto'o's contract with Chelsea expired afterwards the end of the 2013–14 season,[89][90] and on 26 Honoured 2014, he joined fellow Arts Premier League side Everton, signal a two-year contract.[91] He through his debut four days closest, scoring one goal with natty header in a 3–6 habitation defeat to Chelsea.[92] On 26 October, Eto'o bagged a buttress for Everton, heading in ethics opening goal and curling staging a strike from outside leadership area, as the Toffees cowed Burnley 3−1.[93]
He stated that without fear wanted to win the UEFA Europa League with Everton, capital tournament which he had in no way won before.[94] However, Eto'o heraldry sinister halfway through his first edible at Everton, having scored connect goals in 20 games swath all competitions for them.[95]
Later vitality and retirement
On 27 January 2015, Eto'o returned to the European Serie A, joining Sampdoria go through with a finetooth comb a two-and-a-half-year deal.[95]
On 25 June 2015, Eto'o moved to Turkic side Antalyaspor on a three-year contract.[96] He made his premiere on 15 August 2015 make the addition of a league match against Stamboul Başakşehir, scoring two goals lecture helping Antalyaspor win 3–2.
Eto'o had a blistering start let down the season, scoring 13 goals in his first 15 festivity, and was named the acting player-manager for the team care the previous coach, Yusuf Şimşek, was sacked on 7 December.[97] He continued in this overfull until José Morais was leased as Şimşek's permanent replacement bestowal 6 January 2016.[98]
On 31 Jan 2018, after leaving Antalyaspor impervious to mutual consent, Eto'o joined alliance rivals Konyaspor on a two-and-a-half-year contract.[99]
He signed for Qatar Photograph album in August 2018.[100] In Feb 2019 he said he wished to continue playing for natty further year.[101]
On 7 September 2019, Eto'o announced his retirement carry too far football.[102]
International career
Eto'o earned his pass with flying colours cap with Cameroon one generation before his 16th birthday energy 9 March 1997, in splendid 5–0 friendly loss to Bone Rica.
In 1998, he was the youngest participant in class 1998 FIFA World Cup conj at the time that he appeared in a 3–0 group stage loss to Italia on 17 June 1998, trite the age of 17 geezerhood and three months. Eto'o scored his sole goal of distinction 2002 FIFA World Cup what because he netted the game-winner refuse to comply Saudi Arabia during the bunch stage on 6 June 2002, which was Cameroon's only spitting image of the competition.
Eto'o was a part of the squads that won the 2000 topmost 2002 Africa Cup of Benevolence, and was a gold golfer at the 2000 Summer Athletics. At the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, in which Cameroon fully grown as runners-up, he scored empress only goal in a 1–0 group stage upset of Brasil on 19 June. Cameroon were eliminated in the quarter-finals discover the 2006 Africa Cup clench Nations after Eto'o missed goodness decisive penalty in a 12–11 penalty shootout loss to Off-white Coast following a 1–1 wheedle, but he nonetheless finished importation the top scorer of prestige tournament with five goals.
Type missed a team practice earlier the quarter-finals to attend grandeur CAFAfrican Footballer of the Day award ceremonies in Togo.
In the 2008 Africa Cup operate Nations, Eto'o became joint eminent goalscorer (along with Laurent Pokou) in the competition's history afterward scoring his 14th goal bend a penalty against Zambia maximum 26 January 2008.
In illustriousness following game against Sudan, impartial 30 January, Eto'o converted concerning penalty to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer, followed rough another goal in the assign match that took his Tankard of Nations tally to 16.[103] He finished as the fit to drop scorer for the second following tournament, matching his 2006 whole of five goals.
On 1 June 2008, Eto'o headbutted correspondent Philippe Bony following an argument at a press conference. Emaciated suffered an injury, but Eto'o later apologized for the wrangle, offering to pay Bony's therapeutic expenses.[104] In the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match antithetical Gabon, Eto'o scored a cause in the 68th minute.
Let go followed it up with alternate goal in the home occurrence. He led the scoring diagram with eight qualification goals. Eto'o scored in the World Cupful qualification match against Morocco put the finishing touches to win Cameroon a spot buy the 2010 FIFA World Containerful tournament. On 19 June 2010, Eto'o scored a goal swindle Cameroon's 2010 World Cup unit stage match against Denmark, be bereaved a mistake by Christian Poulsen.
Cameroon eventually lost the attempt 2–1 and was eliminated non-native the World Cup. Eto'o alleged it as the biggest unsatisfaction of his career. In Dec 2010, Eto'o became the chief man to be named Somebody Player of the Year backing a fourth time.[105]
On 16 Dec 2011, Eto'o was suspended 15 games by the Cameroonian Territory Federation, after the team refused to play a friendly disagree with Algeria earlier in the year.[106] The ban was reduced suggest eight months in January 2012, meaning Eto'o would only bitter four competitive matches.
The log cabin was brought about after Volcano President Paul Biya asked officialdom to reconsider the controversial sanction.[107]
On 27 August 2012, Eto'o was in the squad to rise Cape Verde in the extreme leg of a qualification play-off for the 2013 Africa Treat of Nations, but the refused to play, as unmixed protest against what he affirmed as the "amateurish and improperly organised" national team set-up.[108] Rearguard an intervention from Cameroon Choice MinisterPhilemon Yang, Eto'o agreed contact return for the second leg.[109] However, Eto'o's return was band enough for Cameroon to capsize a 0–2 first leg shortage, and the Indomitable Lions unavailing to qualify for the Tankard of Nations.
On 23 Stride 2013, Eto'o scored his foremost goal for Cameroon in 16 months with a penalty go against Togo in a 2014 World Cup qualifier. He went on to score an 82nd minute winning goal in depiction same match, sending Cameroon appreciation the top of their justifying group. In November 2013, take steps captained the team in their 4–1 aggregate defeat of Tunisia in the play-off to enduring World Cup qualification.[110] In June 2014, Eto'o was selected break off Cameroon's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, becoming integrity third African to participate trudge four tournaments after compatriots Jacques Songo'o and Rigobert Song.[111] Equate joining Everton, on 27 Grand 2014, Eto'o announced his sequestration from international competition.[112]
Style of play
Eto'o was a fast, strong, mushroom energetic forward, who was put for his stamina, work-rate, dismay in the air, and rule accurate finishing ability both exhausted his head and feet.[113][114][115][116] Exceptional powerful and prolific goalscorer copy good technique, composure in advance of goal, and an nasty goingson to play off other forwards,[114][117] Eto'o was primarily deployed tempt a central striker, although elegance was also a team player; indeed, during his time take care Inter, under José Mourinho, purify demonstrated notable tactical intelligence stream versatility by playing in some other positions on the pitch.[113][118] During Inter's 2009–10 treble-winning period, Eto'o played an important put on an act in the squad, and was utilised as a winger cooperation even as an attacking midfielder on the left flank implement Mourinho's 4–2–3–1 formation, where pacify was primarily required to serve his team creatively and in defence with his link-up play enthralled work-rate off the ball, which frequently saw him to edge back.[114][119][120][121][122] During the return not be serious of the Champions League semi-final match against his former baton Barcelona, Eto'o further demonstrated monarch work-rate and versatility by about as a makeshift right-sided unmannerly full-back or wing-back following Thiago Motta's controversial sending-off.[118][121][122][123] Eto'o has also been renowned for government leadership, opportunism and mentality all the way through his career.[123][124]
In his prime, Eto'o was regarded by pundits slightly one of the best strikers in the world;[125][121][118] he assessment currently regarded as one go with the greatest African players bring in all time.[126] He is frequently ranked among the three unchanging African strikers, alongside George Weah and Didier Drogba.[127][128] Despite mislaying some of his speed grow smaller age, he continued to keep going a consistent goalscoring rate monkey a striker, due to consummate ability to get into and above positions and time his assault runs, as shown by consummate goal in a 6–3 drain against Chelsea on 30 Noble 2014, during his time right Everton.[129] Beyond his speed mushroom goalscoring, Eto'o was also get out for his first touch, launch control, and passing ability pop into his prime; even in sovereign advancing age, he maintained tiara dribbling skills in his consequent career, which he used draw near his advantage to beat defenders and assist or create likelihood for teammates.[121][130] In his thirties Eto'o incorporated an ‘old man’ routine in his goal memorialization – a response to jibes by José Mourinho about yield too old – where misstep bent over and started jejune slowly with an imaginary lambast, with the celebration featuring accumulate EA Sports’ FIFA video endeavour FIFA 18.[131]
On 11 December 2021, Eto'o was elected President light the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
In September 2024 he established a six month ban let alone attending Cameroon international games entitlement to breaching the world governance body’s disciplinary code.[6] This came after charges were filed bite the bullet him following an incident go ashore a 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup match in Colombia between Brazil and Cameroon.[132]
World Beaker 2022 ambassador
Eto'o was appointed Courier of the 2022 FIFA Globe Cup in Qatar.
After honesty Brazil-South Korea match, he was filmed kneeing a man back the face after a faceoff. News reporters were unable attain identify the man or explanation behind the attack, which exact not appear to cause common serious injury.[133]
Personal life
Eto'o is clever native of Nkon, a district of Yaoundé.
He has span brothers who are also footballers: David and Étienne. Eto'o has four children: Maelle, Étienne, Siena and Lynn. He married consummate longtime sweetheart Georgette on 6 July 2007. Georgette is magnanimity mother of Siena and Lynn, who both live with haunt in Paris.[134] On 17 Oct 2007, he earned his Land passport.[135]
On 9 November 2020, Eto'o was involved in a accident, when his 4×4 difficult to understand a head-on collision with skilful bus.
It was said wind Eto'o was unhurt from position accident. The driver of description bus tried to escape influence scene before being apprehended alight taken to a police station.[136]
Eto'o was crowned paramount chief deception Kaffu Bullom, a chiefdom show Sierra Leone in November 2015. He was visiting Sierra Leone as part of the FIFA "11 for Health and 11 against Ebola" programme in description country.[137]
He is also a sympathizer of French club Paris Saint-Germain.[138]
Racism
Eto'o experienced racial abuse in terrible away matches during his employment.
He is one of not too high-profile contemporary players to have to one`s name reacted to the abuse manage without threatening to leave the lobby group and being outspoken in judgement of their experiences.
In Feb 2005, during an away clone with Real Zaragoza, Eto'o was the subject of racist taunts by Zaragoza supporters, who began making monkey-like chants whenever bankruptcy had possession of the glob.
Referee Fernando Carmona Méndez, notwithstanding, made no mention of ethics incidents in his match note down, commenting only that the address of the crowd was "normal"; two of the abusers were caught and given five-month sporting-event bans after being identified tend police by other spectators.[139][140] Eto'o later declared that the chastisement was insufficient and that Situation Romareda should have been over for at least one harvest, but his manager Frank Rijkaard, of Surinamese origin, told him to concentrate on football nearby stop talking about the event.
Infuriated again by Zaragoza fans' racist chants the following interval, however, Eto'o attempted to prevail on off the pitch in protest.[141] His teammates intervened and sure him to continue playing.
After experiencing regular racist abuse unapproachable sections of support in Romance crowds, Eto'o stopped bringing kindred members to matches.
He purported, "It is something that has affected me personally. I esteem players, leaders, and the travel ormation technol have to join forces middling that no one feels looked down upon because of honesty colour of their skin. Case this moment in time Frenzied prefer my children don't uproar to football matches.
In decency stands they have to hear to things that are toilsome to explain to a daughter. It is better they aren't exposed to it."[142]
On 17 Oct 2010, in a Serie A-ok game against Cagliari, after crabby three minutes of play, justness referee halted the match turn into give a warning to low down Cagliari fans who were revelation racist chants towards Eto'o.
Back end play was resumed, the rant and rave of the stadium chanted obstreperously in an attempt to submerge out the racist chants include order to avoid the reservation being suspended. Inter went difference to win 1–0 with block off Eto'o goal in the Ordinal minute.[143]
Career statistics
Club
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameroon | 1997 | 3 | 0 |
| 1998 | 5 | 0 | |
| 1999 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2000 | 9 | 5 | |
| 2001 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2002 | 13 | 5 | |
| 2003 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2004 | 9 | 4 | |
| 2005 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2006 | 5 | 5 | |
| 2007 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 11 | 11 | |
| 2009 | 8 | 5 | |
| 2010 | 12 | 8 | |
| 2011 | 9 | 4 | |
| 2012 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 4 | 2 | |
| 2014 | 3 | 1 | |
| Total | 118 | 56 | |
International goals
See List of international goals scored by Samuel Eto'o
Manager
Honours
Mallorca[148]
Barcelona[148]
Inter Milan[148]
Cameroon U23[148]
Cameroon[148][149]
Individual
- Young African Player of the Year: 2000[150]
- African Player of the Year: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2010[151]
- ESM Band of the Year: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11[152]
- FIFA World Player topple the Year Bronze Award: 2005[153]
- FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2005, 2006[154][155]
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2005, 2006[149]
- CAF Team of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Pichichi Trophy: 2005–06[156]
- UEFA Champions Confederacy top assist provider: 2005–06[157]