The Observer007
Carrying the name Eto’o in Cameroon is no small feat. Étienne Eto’o, son of the legend Samuel Eto’o, current president of FECAFOOT, fully embraces this heavy legacy while asserting his own identity. In a recent interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca, relayed by 237online.com, the 21-year-old forward revealed his greatest ambition: “My challenge is to win a title with the Lions”. A statement that resonates like a promise made to an entire country waiting to see if the exceptional talent of the father has been passed down to the son.
Currently at Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Étienne Eto’o impresses with his statistics: 21 goals in 23 matches in the Third Federation. Performances that have earned him his first appearances with the first team, notably in La Liga and the Copa del Rey where he has already found the back of the net. A good omen for a player who could soon step onto the pitch of the legendary Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid, a club where his father briefly played.
“This whole year has been a dream”, confides the young striker who does not hide his gratitude towards his coach ÍñigoPérez.“I am very grateful to Íñigo, who saw something in me to give me this opportunity.”
This rapid progression could well accelerate his integration into the Cameroonian national team in view of the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Born in Mallorca, Étienne Eto’o proudly claims his dual identity:“I was born in Mallorca, I am Cameroonian and I feel Cameroonian but also very Spanish”. A cultural mix that does not diminish his determination to shine under the colors of the Indomitable Lions.
In another interview with RadioestadioNoche, he also wanted to clarify his relationship with his famous father, the subject of many rumors:“The relationship with him is now very good. This mental stability has helped me a lot, as it coincided with my best moment.”Far from fleeing the shadow of Samuel Eto’o, he draws inspiration from his journey:“Seeing everything my father has accomplished, starting from nothing… For me, he is a role model and his example helps me to keep going.”
This ambition to make history in Cameroonian football, like his father before him, could well materialize in the coming years if his progression continues on this path.
