When Samuel Eto’o Named the Only Striker Who Was Better Than Him

When Samuel Eto’o Named the Only Striker Who Was Better Than Him

  • Samuel Eto'o, one of the greatest strikers of his generation, once revealed the only forward he considered better than himself
  • The four-time African Player of the Year scored 420 goals but admitted that this player was simply unmatched
  • Eto'o described the legendary striker as "the best of them all," acknowledging their undeniable dominance

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Cameroonian football icon Samuel Eto'o, renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and decorated career, once admitted that only one striker was better than him.

Despite scoring 420 goals across club and international football, he recognized that someone else stood above him.

When Samuel Eto’o Named the Only Striker Who Was Better Than Him
Samuel Eto'o once named the only striker he believed was better than him, describing them as 'the best of them all. Photos: Valerio Pennicino/Jasper Juinen
Source: Getty Images

Throughout his career, Eto'o won multiple trophies, including two Champions League titles, solidifying his place among the greatest strikers.

However, he humbly acknowledged that this particular forward was in a league of his own.

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Eto'o names the only striker better than him

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea forward, regarded as one of the greatest number nines of his generation, made this revelation in an interview with AS in 2020, as cited by Sporting News.

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When asked who he believed was the best striker in football history, Eto’o did not hesitate to name Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario.

"The best of all was Ronaldo, 'O Fenomeno'. I have such great respect and admiration for him. Then there are a lot of us who come up behind him, and I'd include myself among them."
When Samuel Eto’o Named the Only Striker Who Was Better Than Him
Despite injuries that hampered his career, Ronaldo Nazario remains one of the most beloved strikers in football history. Photo: Etsuo Hara.
Source: Getty Images

Ronaldo Nazario's achievements

Ronaldo, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, is widely regarded as one of the most gifted players ever to grace the pitch.

Known for his explosive pace, clinical finishing, and mesmerising dribbling, he dominated world football in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

He won two Ballon d'Ors, two World Cups, and scored twice in the 2002 World Cup final to secure Brazil’s victory over Germany.

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Eto'o's love for Ronaldo Nazario

Eto'o, despite his own incredible achievements, admitted there was "nothing like Ronaldo," acknowledging the Brazilian's unparalleled brilliance.

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While the AFCON winner remains a legend in African and world football, his respect for Ronaldo highlights the impact the Brazilian had on an entire generation of strikers. For Eto’o, there was no debate—Ronaldo was simply the best.

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Ronaldo expresses his presidential ambitions

Earlier, YEN.com.gh also reported that Ronaldo has expressed his ambition to become the next president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona star has been active in football administration since retiring from the game.

Reports suggest that if elected, he plans to appoint Pep Guardiola as the head coach of the Brazilian national team.

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Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Isaac Darko avatar

Isaac Darko (Sports Editor) Isaac Darko is a Sports Editor at Yen, boasting over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He has produced award-winning TV shows such as "Football 360" and "Sports XTRA" on ViaSat 1/Kwese TV. Isaac began his career as an Assistant Producer at TV3 Ghana Limited (Media General) and also contributed as a Writer and Weekend Editor for Pulse Ghana. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now University of Media, Arts and Communication). Email: isaac.darko@sportsbrief.com.

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