Why Eto'o Slammed Ronaldinho After Missing Out on FIFA Best Player Award

• Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o once took a dig at his former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho after missing out on the FIFA Best Player of the Year award back then
• Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho was voted the best player of the year in 2005, with Cameroonian legend Eto'o completing the top 3
• Samuel Eto'o, who was not happy to lose out to Ronaldinho, said he would have been crowned the best player if he was a Brazilian

Samuel Eto'o is rated as one of the best strikers to ever play for Spanish giants Barcelona.

The ex-Cameroonian international joined the Catalan giants in 2004 from Spanish club Real Mallorca, where he finished as the club's all-time leading top scorer with 54 goals.

The prolific striker established himself as a fans favourite during his trophy filled time at the Camp Nou, together with Brazilian star Ronaldinho and Portuguese playmaker Deco

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Samuel Eto’o’s time in Barcelona coincided with Ronaldinho, who joined the Blaugranas in 2003. They developed a strong partnership and helped Barcelona to win their first LA Liga title for the first time in six years in 2005.

That year, the pair mounted the FIFA podium, with Ronaldinho finishing first in the FIFA Player of the Year race.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was voted the second best player that year and Eto'o came in third place.

Eto'o, however, did not agree with the outcome of the award ceremony and compelled to point out his belief he would have been crowned the best player if he was a Brazilian.

In an interview with L'Equipe in 2006, as quoted by Tribuna, Eto'o said:

"If I were called Eto'ozinho, I would be a hundred times more recognised."

"I do not complain when they in FIFA say Samuel Eto'o is the third-best player in the world. I still consider myself the best," the Cameroonian added.

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The 2004/05 season was Eto'o's best at Barca. He scored 33 goals and delivered 10 assists that term.

He won three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues for Barcelona between 2004 and 2009, before moving to Inter Milan ahead of the 2009/10 campaign.

2017 AFCON Winner Pays Glowing Tribute to Cameroon Legend Samuel Eto'o

Sports Brief earlier reported that Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui has paid tribute to FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto'o for ensuring a successful hosting of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament which was moved to 2022 due to COVID-19 was plunged with uncertainty, with pressure from FIFA and some footballing governing bodies for the competition to be postponed again.

However, Eto'o who assumed office late last year resisted moves to cancel the tournament as he stood firm by his decision that Cameroon were ready.