Born on March 10, 1981; Eto'o hails from New-Bell Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, attended the Kadji Sport Academy (KSA) and started his career at UCB Douala. At age 15 he was already too much for defenders in Cameroon's league,  when his goals propelled the 2nd division team to an unlikely place in the quarterfinals of the domestic cup competition.

He was quickly offered a place at Real, who used him in their youth and B team before quick promotion up to the senior squad while still in his teens. He also had loan spells at Leganes and Mallorca before reluctantly moving away from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

:: WHY DID WE CHOOSE HIM ::

At the age of 23, Eto'o has been elected African Footballer of the year outclassing talented players like Jay Jay Okocha (Bolton, Nigeria) and Didier Drogba (Marseille, Cote d'Ivoire), after he has been nominated in the top 3 each of the past two years. He repeated the feat twice to be the three times winner of the award as recognized the African Football Confederation (CAF)

At his young age he has already accomplished things many great footballers only dream of. Two African cup of Nations, an Olympic gold medal, a place in Confederation cup final, two World Cup participations. In fact he was the youngest player at the 1998 Fifa World Cup (age 17) and one of the two all time youngest. He is defenders worst nightmare and his game is a delight to watch, He can also stand up for himself.

:: WHAT TO IMPROVE ::

Eto'o is said to have so much potential that the sky is the limit. He might not score as many goals as we might like, but he still has room to improve. If he just concentrate concentrate on improving his game, it is scary to imagine where he could get. But before he gets there, he has to work on his temper that has caused him to suspended in the past.

:: WHAT HE SHOULD REMEMBER ::

Eto'o likes to refer to the late Marc-Vivien Foe as a source of inspiration. He should look at how Marco lived is life as an example. He also should think about life after Football. It is never too soon to think about it.

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