# Samuel Eto'o

> Cameroonian association football player

**Wikidata**: [Q1255625](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1255625)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Eto'o)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/samuel-eto-o

## Summary
Samuel Eto'o is a Cameroonian association football player, widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time. He is known for his prolific career in European leagues, particularly with Barcelona and Inter Milan, and his contributions to Cameroon's national team. Eto'o holds multiple records, including being the all-time top scorer for the Cameroon national team and the African Footballer of the Year.

## Biography
- Born: March 10, 1981, in Douala, Cameroon
- Nationality: Cameroonian
- Education: Unknown (no education details provided in source material)
- Known for: Being one of the most successful African footballers in European leagues and a key figure in Cameroon's national team
- Employer(s): Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Anzhi Makhachkala, and other clubs
- Field(s): Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
Samuel Eto'o's contributions to football include:
- **Club Career:** Played for Barcelona (2004–2009), Inter Milan (2009–2013), Chelsea (2013–2014), and Anzhi Makhachkala (2014–2015). He won multiple league titles, including La Liga with Barcelona and Serie A with Inter Milan.
- **National Team:** Served as captain of the Cameroon national team and is the all-time top scorer with 56 goals.
- **Awards:** Won the African Footballer of the Year (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010), the Golden Foot (2010), and the Pichichi Trophy (2005–06 La Liga season).

## FAQs
**What teams did Samuel Eto'o play for?**
Samuel Eto'o played for several top European clubs, including Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Anzhi Makhachkala. He spent the most time at Barcelona (2004–2009) and Inter Milan (2009–2013).

**What records does Samuel Eto'o hold?**
Samuel Eto'o is the all-time top scorer for the Cameroon national team with 56 goals. He also holds multiple African Footballer of the Year awards.

**What awards has Samuel Eto'o won?**
Samuel Eto'o has won the African Footballer of the Year six times (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010), the Golden Foot (2010), and the Pichichi Trophy (2005–06 La Liga season).

## Why They Matter
Samuel Eto'o is significant in football history due to his success in European leagues and his impact on African football. As the all-time top scorer for Cameroon, he inspired a generation of African players. His career with Barcelona and Inter Milan helped popularize African football globally, and his leadership on the national team elevated Cameroon's status in international soccer. His awards and records make him a legend in African sports.

## Notable For
- All-time top scorer for the Cameroon national team (56 goals)
- Six-time African Footballer of the Year winner (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010)
- Winner of the Golden Foot (2010) and Pichichi Trophy (2005–06 La Liga season)
- Played for top European clubs including Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea
- Known for his leadership and influence on African football

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Samuel Eto'o was born on March 10, 1981, in Douala, Cameroon. He began his professional career with Canon Yaoundé in 1997 before moving to French club Monaco in 2000. His performances at Monaco earned him a move to Spanish club Málaga in 2003, where he quickly became a key player.

### Rise to Prominence
In 2004, Samuel Eto'o joined Barcelona, where he formed a legendary partnership with Lionel Messi. He won multiple La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2006. His time at Barcelona established him as one of the best African players in Europe.

### International Career
Samuel Eto'o represented Cameroon at multiple international tournaments, including the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He served as captain of the national team and is the all-time top scorer with 56 goals. His leadership and goal-scoring ability made him a national hero in Cameroon.

### Later Career and Retirement
After leaving Barcelona in 2009, Samuel Eto'o played for Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Anzhi Makhachkala. He retired from professional football in 2019. His career spanned over 20 years, during which he won numerous titles and awards.

### Legacy and Influence
Samuel Eto'o's career had a significant impact on African football. He inspired a generation of African players and helped raise the profile of African football globally. His records and awards make him one of the greatest African footballers of all time.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. [Eto'o given dual citizenship. Major League Soccer. 2010](http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2010/01/23/etoo-given-dual-citizenship)
3. [Source](https://www.sudinfo.be/art/d-20071018-Y2M4JX)
4. IdRef
5. datos.bne.es
6. [Foot: Samuel Eto’o élu président de la Fédération camerounaise. 2021](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique-foot/20211211-foot-samuel-eto-o-%C3%A9lu-pr%C3%A9sident-de-la-f%C3%A9d%C3%A9ration-camerounaise)
7. [Samuel Eto’o Elected President. 2021](https://fecafoot-officiel.com/actualite/elections-2021/samuel-etoo-elected-president/2021/12/11/)
8. [Source](http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/cameroun-football/samuel-eto-o-10226/coupe-d-afrique-des-nations-2008_a21121/)
9. MLSsoccer.com
10. [Рамазан Абдулатипов вручил Самуэлю Это`О орден "За заслуги перед Республикой Дагестан"](http://www.rgvktv.ru/news/24044)
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. [ESPN](http://www.espnfc.com/player/11718/samuel-etoo)
13. Transfermarkt
14. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
15. BD Gest'
16. FBref
17. Argentine Soccer Database
18. As
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. UEFA.com
21. FIFA.com
22. Library of Congress Control Number
23. Quora