Champion of the Field, Cheerleader of Biya’s Ailing Regime: Eto’o’s New Role

Samuel Eto’o Fils, once a world-renowned football champion, remains a name that resonates with football lovers globally. From his early days as a striker for the Cameroon national team, Eto’o rose to international prominence, making his mark on the global stage while playing for several top clubs in Europe and Asia. He remains one of the best strikers the African continent has ever produced.

After retiring from professional football in 2019, Eto’o transitioned into football administration, successfully running for and winning the presidency of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT). His election was celebrated by football enthusiasts in Cameroon, who saw it as a positive step for a country that had long lagged behind in football infrastructure.

However, soon after his election, FECAFOOT became embroiled in controversies, including court cases, internal conflicts, and a power struggle with the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education. As Cameroonians hoped that Eto’o would use his football expertise to reform the country’s football system, he instead began to reveal his political affiliations, aligning himself with the ruling CPDM political party. A party that has failed in every aspect of governance over the last 39 years of its existence at the head of Cameroon politics.

In June of this year, Eto’o surprised many Cameroonians when he declared, “Yes, in 2018, I voted for President Paul Biya. And I continue to give him my unwavering support. I stand by this. And I will not let anyone deprive me of my rights as a citizen.”

Eto’o’s public support for President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 41 years, has become widely known. In August 2024, Eto’o accompanied Housing and Urban Development Minister Celestine Ketcha Courtes to a CPDM rally in Bangangte, Nde Division of the West Region, where he spoke extensively in support of the aging leader.

In a manner reminiscent of the CPDM’s loyalist rhetoric, Eto’o praised President Biya, calling him the “Champion of Champions.” “I am happy to be here to celebrate our champion of champions,” the former football star said, referring to the President. Many Cameroonians, including supporters of Eto’o could not understand how someone like him, who knows the damage Biya’s administration has done to Cameroonian sports in general, can refer to him as a “champion”.

Standing on a dusty pitch, symptomatic of the country’s degradation, and expressing gratitude to Minister Ketcha Courtes for the opportunity to celebrate President Biya, Eto’o even expressed his desire to sponsor similar events in the future and promised to bring his football colleagues to join in the celebrations.

“You are going to have two number nines here next year because I will do everything in my power to bring along His Excellency, Albert Roger Milla,” he promised.

Critics have struggled to reconcile the image of a football legend celebrating a leader who, in their view, has failed to deliver on the priorities of the Cameroonian people, including the development of football infrastructure, during his 41 years in power. The country’s football system, they argue, has deteriorated from top to bottom.

The lack of vision in the current government, reflected in the decline of sporting infrastructure, has led to the regression of many sporting activities, stifling the dreams of young Cameroonians. Many now believe, “It is clear that Eto’o has been derailed, and he is now more interested in seeing President Paul Biya stay in power rather than restoring the lost glories of Cameroonian football.”

Mimi Mefo Info