Samuel Eto’o, the Cameroonian football legend, once revealed the only striker he considered superior to himself, dubbing them “the best of them all.” With a remarkable career that saw him net 420 goals for club and country, Eto’o’s trophy cabinet boasts an enviable haul, including two Champions League titles. His journey took him to some of the world’s most iconic teams—Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea—solidifying his reputation as one of the finest number nines of his era. Yet, despite his own brilliance, Eto’o humbly tipped his hat to a player whose greatness he couldn’t rival.
In a 2020 interview with AS, as reported by Sporting News, Eto’o named Ronaldo Nazario—the Brazilian phenomenon and two-time Ballon d’Or winner—as the ultimate striker. Known simply as “O Fenomeno,” Ronaldo’s extraordinary talent left an indelible mark on the game, earning him near-universal acclaim as one of football’s all-time greats. For Eto’o, a man who thrived under pressure and delivered on the grandest stages, acknowledging Ronaldo’s supremacy spoke volumes.
“The best of all was Ronaldo, ‘O Fenomeno,’” Eto’o said. “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.” It’s a testament to Ronaldo’s legacy that even a player of Eto’o’s caliber—now 42 and reflecting on his illustrious career—placed him on a pedestal.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Eto’o’s achievements need no embellishment. His goal-scoring prowess and knack for shining in clutch moments made him a standout figure in football’s golden age. From his early days at Real Madrid to his triumphant spells at Barcelona and Inter Milan, where he clinched Champions League glory, Eto’o proved he could hold his own among the elite. His time at Chelsea further underscored his adaptability and enduring quality. Yet, Ronaldo’s blend of speed, skill, and sheer dominance set a benchmark Eto’o couldn’t deny.
Ronaldo Nazario’s career, though hampered by injuries, remains a masterclass in brilliance. His exploits at Inter Milan, Barcelona, and with Brazil—where he spearheaded their 2002 World Cup triumph—cemented his status as a footballing icon. For Eto’o, who shared the pitch with countless stars, Ronaldo’s name stood alone.
Messi, Mbappé, and the Future
During the same conversation, Eto’o didn’t shy away from weighing in on the sport’s modern titans. Asked to name the world’s best player at the time, he pointed to Lionel Messi, his former Barcelona teammate. Given the interview’s 2020 context, Messi’s selection was hardly a shock—the Argentine was at the peak of his powers, dazzling fans with his genius. But Eto’o also cast an eye toward the future, singling out a then-21-year-old Kylian Mbappé as the next global superstar poised to inherit Messi’s mantle.
“The best current players? I’d have to go with Lionel Messi, who’s more experienced, and Kylian Mbappé, who’s the youngster making the biggest impression,” Eto’o remarked. “I think he’s going to be the chief global star in the years to come.”
Eto’o’s prediction about Mbappé is proving prophetic. Now thriving at Real Madrid after a rocky start under Carlo Ancelotti, the French forward is shedding early doubts and stepping into the spotlight. While the Ballon d’Or has eluded him so far, Mbappé’s trajectory suggests it’s only a matter of time before he claims football’s highest individual honor.
A Legacy of Respect
Eto’o’s nod to Ronaldo Nazario wasn’t just a passing comment—it was a heartfelt recognition of a player whose influence transcended generations. In an era dominated by debates over Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and other modern giants, Eto’o’s choice serves as a reminder of “O Fenomeno’s” enduring impact. For fans and pundits alike, it’s a compelling endorsement from one legend to another, highlighting the timeless qualities that define true greatness in football.