Samuel Eto’o, the iconic striker of Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, has unveiled his dream lineup in an exclusive interview with French media outlet Foot Mercato. As the four-time African Ballon d’Or winner celebrates his 43rd birthday on Sunday, March 10, he revealed the names of eleven players whom he considers the best in history to form his perfect team.
Drawing from his illustrious career, Eto’o’s dream lineup features several of his former teammates from FC Barcelona, including the legendary Ronaldinho, Puyol, and Xavi, along with the former Ivorian maestro Yaya Touré.
The lineup, structured in a 4-3-3 formation, reflects Eto’o’s affinity for the blaugrana colors and his admiration for the talent he witnessed during his time at Barcelona.
Despite his own stellar achievements, Eto’o chose not to include himself in his dream team out of humility.
However, his selection raised eyebrows with the absence of several prominent figures in African football, such as Didier Drogba, George Weah, Abedi Pelé, El-Hadji Diouf, Jay-Jay Okocha, and his compatriots Roger Milla, Rigobert Song, and Thomas Nkono.
The lineup, heavily focused on offensive prowess, features a formidable array of talent across all positions.
From the legendary goalkeeping skills of Victor Valdes to the midfield mastery of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, Eto’o’s dream team exudes a blend of skill, creativity, and tactical acumen.
In the attacking third, the presence of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho (or Cristiano Ronaldo), and Lionel Messi (or Ronaldo Nazario) offers a glimpse into Eto’o’s vision of an unstoppable offensive force capable of dismantling any defense.
Eto’o’s dream lineup is not only a testament to his admiration for his former teammates and footballing legends but also sparks debate and speculation among fans and pundits alike.
As football enthusiasts dissect and analyze his selections, one thing remains clear: Samuel Eto’o’s profound impact on the beautiful game transcends his own remarkable career and extends to the players he admires and respects.
