André Ayew has declared Samuel Eto’o as the greatest African footballer, placing the Cameroonian icon ahead of fellow legend Yaya Touré in a candid and unequivocal verdict.
In a recent interview reflecting on the most influential African players of his generation, the Ghanaian forward spoke with deep admiration for both Eto’o and Touré, hailing them as “real players” who defined an era in world football. But when pressed to choose who stood above the rest, Ayew offered no hesitation.
“For me, it’s Samuel Eto’o,” he said plainly. “There’s a game to win, and you know Samuel will solve the problem.”
That simple yet powerful statement captures the essence of Ayew’s respect for the former Indomitable Lions striker, whom he views as a footballer of unmatched consistency, composure and impact in the game’s most decisive moments.
Samuel Eto’o’s career statistics make a compelling case. He lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy three times, twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan, and remains one of the few players to have scored in multiple Champions League finals.
In addition to his European triumphs, Eto’o won back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations titles with Cameroon and was crowned African Footballer of the Year a record four times.
Ayew, who has himself carried the weight of expectation for Ghana across multiple AFCON campaigns and World Cup appearances, understands the magnitude of delivering when it matters most. It is Eto’o’s ability to rise under pressure, time and again, that leaves the deepest impression on him.
“He always stepped up when the stakes were highest,” Ayew said. “That’s something you can’t teach. It’s in your blood.”
Though Yaya Touré is widely celebrated for his own legacy, a dominant midfield presence for Manchester City, winner of the Premier League, the Champions League with Barcelona, and four-time African Footballer of the Year, Ayew’s remarks underscore the enduring influence Eto’o holds over his peers.
The comparison between Eto’o and Touré has long been a topic of debate among African football fans. Both men not only reached the summit of European football but also raised the global profile of African players in top-tier leagues.
However, for Ayew, the distinction lies not in statistics alone, but in the way Eto’o consistently answered the call in football’s grandest moments.
Ayew’s own journey mirrors the spirit of competition and pride he attributes to Eto’o. From his early days at Olympique de Marseille to captaining the Black Stars, Ayew has long carried the legacy of his father, Abedi Pele, while carving his own name into African football history.
Yet even as a leader and veteran of the game, Ayew remains humbled by those he calls the continent’s finest. In Eto’o, he sees not just a prolific striker, but a player who elevated African football with unmatched determination and grace under pressure.
“It’s not just about what he won, it’s about how he did it,” Ayew concluded. “Samuel Eto’o is the greatest.”
