Football legend Samuel Eto’o Fils bid a final farewell to his father, David Eto’o, in a funeral ceremony held today in his native Ngambe, Littoral Region of Cameroon.
The solemn event, attended by thousands, marked the end of a journey of remembrance and tribute to the late patriarch, who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness.
The funeral proceedings were not only a moment of grief but also a celebration of the life and legacy of David Eto’o.
Images taken at the ceremony showed a visibly emotional Samuel Eto’o delivering a tribute to his father, acknowledging his role in shaping his career and instilling values such as determination.
The former Barcelona striker and President of the Cameroon Football Federation had a strong bond with his father, whom he has previously acknowledged for shaping his remarkable soccer career.
The late David Eto’o also received a posthumous decoration from the State of Cameroon, which honored him with the medal of Officer of the Order of Valor.
President Paul Biya’s representative, Oswald Baboke, Deputy Director of Civil Cabinet at the Presidency, presented the commendation in honor of the late patriarch’s contributions and service to the nation.
The funeral drew a notable number of government officials, with several Ministers in attendance to pay their respects.
Among them were the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Célestin Ketcha Courtes; Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Joseph Le; Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji; and Transport Minister, Jean Ernest Bibehe.
Several celebrities and public figures also showed up to comfort Samuel Eto’o during this difficult time.
Notable personalities such as Fally Ipupa, Francis Ngannou, Davido, Grand P, Patrick Mboma, Longue Longue, and Rigobert Song were part of the mourning family.
Prior to the funeral ceremony, a wake keep was held in Douala on Thursday, where friends, family, and dignitaries came together to honor and reminisce about the life of David Eto’o.
This week has been an emotional one for Samuel Eto’o, who said he couldn’t attend the contract signing ceremony of Marc Brys, Cameroon’s new national team football coach, because of his father’s funeral arrangements.
