Eto’o was one of the best strikers in not just Africa but the world. He’s one of the greatest African players of all time to win the African Player of the Year a record four times; winning the trophy in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010.
Samuel Eto’o Fils (born on the 10th of March 1981), moved to Madrid at the age of 16 but due to intense competition, he went through series of loan spell before signing for Mallorca in the year 2000.
His impressive form at Mallorca (scoring 70 goals) attracted the attention of big clubs across Europe and was signed by Barcelona in 2004. In his Five seasons at Barcelona, Eto’o scored 130 goals to become the record holder for the most number of appearances by an African player in La Liga. He was a key member of the Barcelona frontline attacking prowess and won the league three times. He scored and won the 2006, 2009 UEFA Champions League Final, becoming the second player in history to score in two UEFA Champions League finals.
While at Barcelona, Eto’o came in third for the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2005 and was twice named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI, in 2005 and 2006.
In the summer of 2009, Samuel Eto’o joined Inter Millian and helped the team to reach new heights. He became the first player to win two European continental trebles following his back-to-back achievements with Barcelona and Inter. His CV spoke for itself, his leadership – both in terms of techniques and team morale – He was always looking good on the ball.
He made a total of 102 appearances in an Inter shirt, scoring 53 goals (37 in his second season), winning six trophies including the Coppa Italia in 2011 following his brace in the final.
Eto’o was an integral part of the squad that won the Gold Medal for Cameroon at the 2000 Olympics. He also won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002. In his career, he participated in four World Cup tournaments and six Africa Cup of Nations to become the all-time leading goal scorer in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations with 18 goals, Cameroon’s all-time leading scorer, and the third most capped player with 56 goals in 118 caps.
The Cameroonian legend announced his retirement from international football in August 2014.
And today, 10th of March 2021, the most celebrated African legend, Samuel Eto’o turns 40. Happy Birthday!!!