Samuel Eto’o is one of the most influential African players in soccer history, playing a pivotal role in one of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/barcelona" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FC Barcelona</a>’s most successful eras. A standout performer under Frank Rijkaard, he shared the field with Ronaldinho and solidified his status as an elite forward. Having played alongside some of the game’s greatest legends, Eto’o weighed in on who he believes is the best soccer player of all time.



In a 2020 interview with Diario Marca, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/samuel-etoo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samuel Eto’o</a> was asked about FC Barcelona’s reliance on Lionel Messi that season. The African legend responded: ”It’s normal. Leo is the best player in the world and the best of all time. I’d always pick the team asking Messi who he wanted next to him, in his team. Every team in the world wants Messi. Then, you have to give him support. He can’t run like a 25-year-old kid anymore, although he does sometimes.”



Samuel Eto’o had the opportunity to play with players like Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta, Frank Lampard and Thierry Henry but still decided to choose Lionel Messi as the best player of all time. Samuel Eto’o thrived even under Pep Guardiola, despite it being his final season at Barcelona before the Catalan coach requested his transfer.



The African legend had the opportunity to play alongside <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a>, delivering an outstanding season with 36 goals and 8 assists in 52 appearances. After departing Barcelona, he continued to shine at Inter Milan, where he accomplished the extraordinary feat of winning the treble. In doing so, he became the only player in history to achieve this milestone with two different clubs in consecutive seasons.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250203_BUS_327276_lionel-messi-samuel-etoo-1024x559_d45ebce5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="lionel-messi-samuel-etoo" class="wp-image-327290" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03130050/lionel-messi-samuel-etoo-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03130050/lionel-messi-samuel-etoo-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03130050/lionel-messi-samuel-etoo-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03130050/lionel-messi-samuel-etoo-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/03130050/lionel-messi-samuel-etoo.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi (L) of Barcelona celebrates with Samuel Eto’o after scoring Barcelona’s first goal during the Primera Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Nou Camp stadium on March 10, 2007 in Barcelona, Spain. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Despite his historic run at FC Barcelona, Samuel Eto’o also played for Real Madrid</h2>



Samuel Eto’o took his first step into European soccer through <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a>, joining the club in the 1996-97 season from Kadji SA of the Cameroonian league. However, he initially played for Real Madrid B, the club’s second team, and was subsequently loaned out three times, to CD Leganes, RCD Espanyol, and RCD Mallorca.


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Before being permanently transferred to Mallorca in 2004, Eto’o managed to make just seven appearances for Real Madrid’s first team but never had the chance to complete a full season with the club.



“I don’t have any problem with Real Madrid, they gave me the opportunity to dream of being a footballer, I didn’t have the chance to play at Real Madrid. I had success elsewhere and the Cule feeling came through,” stated Samuel Eto’o to Diario Marca.



Even though he did not have the chance to play for Real Madrid’s first team, Eto’o expressed gratitude to the club for giving him the opportunity to begin his career in European soccer. However, despite this appreciation, he openly declared himself a “Cule,” as he found success at FC Barcelona, where he was given the platform to showcase his pure talent on one of the best teams in the world.

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Former FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o reveals the greatest soccer player of all time - Bolavip US

Former FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o reveals the greatest soccer player of all time

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri took home the 2024 Ballon d’Or in a ceremony that notably lacked appearances from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two players who dominated the award over the past decade. But former Real Madrid manager <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jose-mourinho">Jose Mourinho</a> highlighted an overlooked striker who, in his opinion, deserved to win the Ballon d’Or but was never in serious contention.



Now coaching at Fenerbahçe, Mourinho named an African forward he believes deserved the honor—though it wasn’t Chelsea legend Didier Drogba or Liverpool star Mo Salah. Mourinho’s pick is former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o.



“It’s hard to understand how Samuel Eto’o never won the Ballon d’Or, given his remarkable career,” Mourinho told Cameroon Radio in an interview. “Samuel played for top teams in the world’s best leagues. He scored a massive amount of goals and succeeded across different leagues,” he added.



“He played in three Champions League finals, won two with Barcelona, scoring in both, and then won another with Inter Milan along with several league titles,” Mourinho continued. “He was the best forward in the world for many years, and I believe he deserved a Ballon d’Or. But it’s beyond our control.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241112_BUS_271151_jose-mourinho-1-1024x576_66104b98.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-271177" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jose-mourinho-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jose-mourinho-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jose-mourinho-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jose-mourinho-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jose-mourinho-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jose-mourinho-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jose-mourinho-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/jose-mourinho-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho speaks to Samuel Eto’o during a UEFA Champions League match. IMAGO / Gribaudi/ImagePhoto</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Mourinho’s admiration for Samuel Eto’o</h2>



Samuel Eto’o retired from professional soccer in 2019 and now serves as President of the Cameroon Football Federation. Reflecting on the Cameroonian’s illustrious career, Mourinho spoke highly of Eto’o’s character both on and off the field.


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Mourinho and Eto’o crossed paths at Inter Milan, where they famously won the treble, and again briefly at Chelsea. Mourinho’s impression of Eto’o is enduring: “He was nearly unstoppable on the field, but his qualities as a man are just as important. He was a great teammate and would do whatever it took for his team to win,” Mourinho said.



“Samuel was a phenomenal player. The most important thing for any player is how they contribute to their team’s victories, and Samuel was an outstanding individual talent who always put the team first,” Mourinho added. “He always gave everything for his team’s success. He’s a trophy winner. He won it all and had a phenomenal career.”



<h2>Eto’o’s remarkable career</h2>



The remarkable career of Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o truly supports Mourinho’s statements. Eto’o’s list of accolades is impressive, headlined by four UEFA Champions League titles, a feat made even more remarkable because he won with three different clubs: Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan.



At Barcelona, Eto’o also captured three La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey, adding another Spanish Cup title during his tenure with Mallorca. Eto’o’s international success with Cameroon was equally impressive, with two Africa Cup of Nations victories and a gold medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics showcasing his contributions on the global stage.

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In a shocking scene following the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar2022/Brazil-vs-South-Korea-TV-Channel-how-and-where-to-watch-or-live-stream-online-free-Qatar-2022-World-Cup-in-your-country--20221204-0039.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4-1 round of 16 victory by Brazil</a> over South Korea, Cameroon and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Barcelona-coach-Xavi-predicts-2022-23-UEFA-Champions-League-final-20221205-0047.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona</a> legend Samuel Eto’o got into an altercation with a fan. Eto’o was taking selfies with various fans at the Stadium 974, while trying to get to his destination when a young man arrived, and a fight broke out.
The 41-year-old former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/Former-Brazil-star-Adriano-could-get-a-divorce-after-only-24-days-of-marriage-because-of-World-Cup-binge-20221205-0013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inter Milan</a> striker got in the face of a young man who held a camera in his hand. Eto’o was filmed saying something as the young man backtracked and Eto’o was restrained by a group of people.
Eventually Eto’o broke away and violently pushed and kicked the man in the chest making him fall back. Eto’o has yet to explain what happened.
<h2>Why did Eto’o kick fan at World Cup?</h2>
At the moment all Eto’o has stated about the incident is that he “was out of his mind”. Eto’o is an ambassador of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and is currently in charge of the Cameroonian soccer federation.

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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
�� Samuel Eto’o attacked a young man last night before the match between Brazil and South Korea. ��
 (�� <a href="https://twitter.com/partidazocope?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@partidazocope</a>)
 <a href="https://t.co/Q8YNbV9spu">pic.twitter.com/Q8YNbV9spu</a>
 — Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeadlineDayLive/status/1600027288849944577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2022</a> </blockquote></div>
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At the national team level Eto’o played 118 times for Cameroon scoring 56 goals. Eto’o is a veteran of the 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
 
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Video: Samuel Eto'o attacks fan after World Cup clash between Brazil and South Korea

Video: Samuel Eto'o attacks fan after World Cup clash between Brazil and South Korea - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/la-liga-t48" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Liga</a> is one of the most prestigious soccer leagues on the planet, and every season often comes down to its most attractive game: <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/el-clasico-2021-when-did-the-rivalry-between-fc-barcelona-and-real-madrid-start-20211018-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">El Clasico</a>. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/barcelona-t11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/real-madrid-t23" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real Madrid</a> are two of the biggest clubs in the world and anytime they face is <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-date-time-and-tv-channel-la-liga-20211021-0008.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a must-watch</a>.
<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-when-will-el-clasico-be-played-for-la-liga-2021-22-20211014-0022.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This weekend</a>, Los Cules and Los Blancos will add <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/el-clasico-most-wins-of-all-time-20211017-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">another chapter to their rivalry</a> when they face off at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-history-head-to-head-of-el-clasico-at-camp-nou-20211021-0018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Camp Nou</a>. To watch the game in the US, tune in to <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/2743850/1161082/9070" rel="sponsored,nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ESPN+</a>. It looks like one of the most <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/the-first-barcelona-vs-real-madrid-after-messi-and-ramos-one-of-the-most-even-clasicos-in-recent-memory-20211014-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">evenly-matched Clasicos</a> in a long time.
But, even though we’re talking about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/river-plate-vs-boca-juniors-superclasico-and-the-top-rivalries-in-soccer-20211001-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of the most intense rivalries on Earth</a>, the strong antagonism hasn’t prevented players from wearing both jerseys. Here, let’s break down some of the best to have worn both uniforms.
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<h2>Ronaldo</h2>
The Brazilian legend has spent only a season in Barcelona but it was one to remember, as he scored an impressive 34 goals in 37 league matches. Ronaldo, who also <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/hakan-calhanoglu-joins-rivals-best-players-to-play-for-inter-and-milan-20210623-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">played both</a> for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/inter-t127" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inter</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/ac-milan-t27122" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AC Milan</a>, joined Real Madrid in 2002. He won four titles and racked up 104 goals in 177 appearancesin his fiveseasonsinthe Spanish capital.
<h2>Luis Figo</h2>
Joining the rivals could be seen as a betrayal and fans may never forgive you for that. If not, ask Luis Figo, whose <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/messi-joins-psg-13-superstars-who-have-left-barcelona-on-bad-terms-20210811-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">controversial departure</a> from Barca to sign for Real Madridmade him lose all the love from Los Cules. He went on to be part of Los Galacticos, winning the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/champions-league-t24" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UEFA Champions League</a>.
<h2>Bernd Schuster</h2>
But Figo wasn’t the only one who joined the rivals directly from Barcelona. Bernd Schuster did it before him in 1988. His career was full of controversial situations but also of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/who-is-more-successful-barcelona-or-real-madrid-20211017-0016.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">success</a>, as he enjoyed great results both with Barca and El Merengue.
 
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<h2>Luis Enrique</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211022_BUS_177718_luis_enrique_barcelona_player.jpg_22993414_49fd07d6.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Luis Enrique playing for Barcelona. (Nuno Correia/Allsport UK/Allsport) </figcaption></figure>
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Beforemaking his way into Barcelona’s history books, Luis Enrique played for Real Madrid between 1991 and 1996. He won three titles and scored23 times in 241appearances, but those numbers would get much better in Barca. Five trophies and<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/el-clasico-all-time-top-goalscorer-20211017-0013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">115 goals</a> in 333 matchesmade him a fan favorite, a love he renewed many years later as manager. At the helm of a team with the likes of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/lionel-messi-t13" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lionel Messi</a>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/neymar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neymar</a>, and Luis Suarez (the famous MSN) he delivered nine trophies.
<h2>Samuel Eto’o</h2>
His spell in Real Madrid may have gone unnoticed, but Samuel Eto’o played in the Spanish capital before shining at Barcelona. He played only seven games without scoring, and many years later, after a fantastic rise in Mallorca, he chose Los Cules over Madrid.
<h2>Michael Laudrup</h2>
Another player who switched Barca for Real Madrid, Michael Laudrup thrived at Camp Nou buthis bad relationship with Johan Cruyff made him leave the club in 1994, five years later after joining Los Cules from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/juventus-t12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juventus</a>.
<h2>Javier Saviola</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211022_BUS_177718_javier_saviola_real_madrid.jpg_22993414_7bd7c825.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Javier Saviola played for both sides but he had a much better spell in Barcelona. (Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) </figcaption></figure>
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Following a promising breakthroughin <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/river" target="_blank" rel="noopener">River Plate</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/argentina-t30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Argentina</a>‘s U20s, Barcelona acquired Javier Saviola, who amassed 74 goals in 172 appearances in his four seasons at the club. But, after loan spells in Monaco and Sevilla, he didn’t renew with Barca and joined Real Madrid, where he spentonly two seasons and scored five goals in 31 appearances.
Gheorghe Hagi, Julen Lopetegui, Robert Prosinecki, Alfonso Perez, Nando Muñoz, Luis Milla, Albert Celades, Daniel Garcia, and Ricardo Zamora were other players who worn both shirts. A current Real Madrid star was close to joining Barcelona as well, but that didn’t happen and he will face them this weekend in a game that will be broadcast by <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/2743850/1161082/9070" rel="sponsored,nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ESPN+</a> in the US.
 
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