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Samuel Eto'o - Player of the Week

Samuel Eto'o - Player of the Week

Eto'o and Everton heading in the right direction!

Eto'o celebrates his first goal against Burnley.Samuel Eto'o scored twice as Everton beat Burnley 3-1 at Turf Moor to send the Toffees into the top half of the Premier League table. Eto'o scored with a header, before the home team equalised. Eto'o's strike partner, Romelu Lukaku, put Everton back in front, before Eto'o secured the victory with a curling shot from outside the area. It was the first time Eto'o had scored in an away game in the Premier League, with all his other goals coming at home matches for Everton and his previous club - Chelsea. It was Everton's first win at Turf Moor for 44 years, but the problems increase for Burnley, who are now bottom of the table and are the only club in the top 4 divisions of English football without a win. 

"Eto'o is an incredible professional to have in a young group and dressing room. I was extremely proud of his performance." Roberto Martinez - Everton manager.

Where is he from?

Eto'o scored with a header against Burnley.Samuel Eto'o Fils was born on 10 June 1981 in Douala, Cameroon. Eto'o left Cameroon, for Spain, when he was 16. He signed for Real Madrid. He stayed in Madrid for 3 years, but played only 3 times and was loaned to different clubs. The last of these clubs was Real Mallorca, where he made his name. He scored over 60 goals for Mallorca over four seasons. He also helped Mallorca to win the Spanish Cup, which is the only major honour in the club's history, and scored two goals in a 3-0 victory.

What has he won?

Eto'o won 8 trophies at Barcelona.Eto'o's goals at Mallorca attracted the attention of bigger clubs, and in 2004 he signed for FC Barcelona. Eto'o had a fantastic scoring record at the Nou Camp and scored 129 goals in only 201 matches. While with the Catalan team, he won 3 league titles and the Champions League twice. Barcelona played English opponents in both Champions League Finals, Arsenal in 2006 and Manchester United in 2009, and in both matches Eto'o scored. In July 2009, Eto'o signed for Inter Milan and again was a great success, winning 6 trophies in only 2 seasons. He won the Champions League for a third time in 2010, when Inter beat Bayern Munich.

When did Eto'o arrive in the Premier League?

Eto'o won 6 trophies at Inter Milan.After signing for Russian team, Anzhi Makhachkala, in 2011, Eto'o became the world's highest paid footballer. Unfortunately, Anzhi had to sell most of their star players in 2013 and Eto'o signed for Chelsea. Eto'o was again playing for Jose Mourinho, who had been the manager at Inter when they won the Champions League together. One of his best moments at Chelsea was scoring a hat-trick against Manchester United in a 3-1 victory. When his contract expired at the end of last season Eto'o signed for Premier League rivals - Everton. Eto'o scored on his Everton debut only 5 minutes after coming on as a substitute, against Chelsea!

"The Premier League is very competitive and I want to stay at the top level. Everton convinced me to do that."  Samuel Eto'o. 

What has Eto'o achieved in African football?

Eto'o is Cameroon's all-time leading scorer.Samuel Eto'o has won more honours than any other African footballer. In addition to his club honours, he has been African Footballer of the Year four times, which is more than any other player. He won a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics, when Cameroon beat Spain in the final. He is Cameroon's all-time top scorer with 56 goals and only two other players have played more games for Cameroon. He played in three World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He is the all-time top scorer in the second of these. Eto'o announced his retirement from international football in August 2014. 

Eto'o in action for Everton.

What did you understand?

 
Match the facts and figures to the statement.
Activity 1:  In this activity, think about what you read. Can you match the numbers to the correct statement?

 


 

How much did you understand?

Eto'o and Everton heading in the right direction!

Samuel Eto'o scored twice as Everton beat Burnley 3-1 at Turf Moor to send the Toffees into the top half of the Premier League table. Eto'o scored with a header, before the home team equalised. Eto'o's strike partner, Romelu Lukaku, put Everton back in front, before Eto'o secured the victory with a curling shot from outside the area. It was the first time Eto'o had scored in an away game in the Premier League, with all his other goals coming at home matches for Everton and his previous club - Chelsea. It was Everton's first win at Turf Moor for 44 years, but the problems increase for Burnley, who are now bottom of the table and are the only club in the top 4 divisions of English football without a win. 

Where is he from?

Samuel Eto'o Fils was born on 10 June 1981 in Douala, Cameroon. Eto'o left Cameroon, for Spain, when he was 16. He signed for Real Madrid. He stayed in Madrid for 3 years, but played only 3 times and was loaned to different clubs. The last of these clubs was Real Mallorca, where he made his name. He scored over 60 goals for Mallorca over four seasons. He also helped Mallorca to win the Spanish Cup, which is the only major honour in the club's history, and scored two goals in a 3-0 victory.

What has he won?

Eto'o's goals at Mallorca attracted the attention of bigger clubs, and in 2004 he signed for FC Barcelona. Eto'o had a fantastic scoring record at the Nou Camp and scored 129 goals in only 201 matches. While with the Catalan team, he won 3 league titles and the Champions League twice. Barcelona played English opponents in both Champions League Finals, Arsenal in 2006 and Manchester United in 2009, and in both matches Eto'o scored. In July 2009, Eto'o signed for Inter Milan and again was a great success, winning 6 trophies in only 2 seasons. He won the Champions League for a third time in 2010, when Inter beat Bayern Munich.

When did Eto'o arrive in the Premier League?

After signing for Russian team, Anzhi Makhachkala, in 2011, Eto'o became the world's highest paid footballer. Unfortunately, Anzhi had to sell most of their star players in 2013 and Eto'o signed for Chelsea. Eto'o was again playing for Jose Mourinho, who had been the manager at Inter when they won the Champions League together. One of his best moments at Chelsea was scoring a hat-trick against Manchester United in a 3-1 victory. When his contract expired at the end of last season Eto'o signed for Premier League rivals - Everton. Eto'o scored on his Everton debut only 5 minutes after coming on as a substitute, against Chelsea! 

What has Eto'o achieved in African football?

Samuel Eto'o has won more honours than any other African footballer. In addition to his club honours, he has been African Footballer of the Year four times, which is more than any other player. He won a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics, when Cameroon beat Spain in the final. He is Cameroon's all-time top scorer with 56 goals and only two other players have played more games for Cameroon. He played in three World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He is the all-time top scorer in the second of these. Eto'o announced his retirement from international football in August 2014. 

Activity 2:In this activity, have a go at these more difficult questions. Answer the questions to show how much of the article you understood.

 


 
Match the types of goal with their definitions.
Activity 3: Samuel Eto'o scored with a header and a curling shot. In this activity, look at the types of goals and see if you can match them to the correct definition.
 

 

Did you know.......?

  • Eto'o was 3rd in 2005 for FIFA World Player of the Year. Ronaldinho was the winner with Frank Lampard in second place.
  • Eto'o is the only player to win the Chanpions League, National League and Cup with 2 teams in consecutive seasons.
  • When Real Mallorca reached the Spanish Cup Final, Eto'o spent £30.000 on meals for travelling fans.
  • In 2008/09, Leo Messi (38 goals), Eto'o (36 goals) and Thierry Henry (26 goals) scored exactly 100 goals for Barcelona. 
  • Eto'o was only 15 when he made his debut for Cameroon.
  • At the 1998 World Cup, Eto'o was the youngest player (17 years 3 months).
Eto'o was playing for Chelsea last season.

Quiz

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What do you think?

Eto'o was only 15 years old when he made his debut for Cameroon and only 16 when he left Cameroon for Spain.

Do you think 15 is too young to play for your country? Or do you believe if you are good enough you are old enough?

Do you think players should play in their own country before moving to a different country? 

 

 

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Komentar

hsn's picture
hsn
09/12/2022
TR
5557
points

She was heading in the right direction in the career journey.Having lots of qualifications got her to the top half of the management rank.One of the best moments in her business life was to be awarded as best employee of year over four times.


hsn's picture
hsn
09/12/2022 15:08
Turkey
Tottenham Hotspur
5557

She was heading in the right direction in the career journey.Having lots of qualifications got her to the top half of the management rank.One of the best moments in her business life was to be awarded as best employee of year over four times.

Gabriel Amaral's picture
Gabriel Amaral
10/06/2021
BR
1512
points

I don't think there's a problem on a player starting playing for his country or even his club if he's good enough to do so.


Gabriel Amaral's picture
Gabriel Amaral
10/06/2021 15:56
Brazil
Arsenal
1512

I don't think there's a problem on a player starting playing for his country or even his club if he's good enough to do so.

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020
TR
6536
points

If you are good enough , you are old enough because it's all about quality and age is just a number.


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020 22:26
Turkey
Manchester United
6536

If you are good enough , you are old enough because it's all about quality and age is just a number.

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020
TR
6536
points

Samuel Eto'o is one of the best ever players in African football history.


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/06/2020 22:26
Turkey
Manchester United
6536

Samuel Eto'o is one of the best ever players in African football history.

ldzingirai's picture
ldzingirai
22/04/2019
ZW
1749
points

Every player should have a chance to play for their host countries before they travel abroad.But this is not always true. Loads of players first make a name for themselves in foreign lands,and then, return to play for their national teams.


ldzingirai's picture
ldzingirai
22/04/2019 11:50
Zimbabwe
Chelsea
1749

Every player should have a chance to play for their host countries before they travel abroad.But this is not always true. Loads of players first make a name for themselves in foreign lands,and then, return to play for their national teams.

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
01/07/2016
GH
4779
points

I believe Eto'o has played his part in world football


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
01/07/2016 09:10
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

I believe Eto'o has played his part in world football

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
01/07/2016
GH
4779
points

One of Africa's most decorated players


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
01/07/2016 09:06
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

One of Africa's most decorated players

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
01/07/2016
GH
4779
points

I believe it's good for players to play in their own countries before moving out


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
01/07/2016 09:04
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

I believe it's good for players to play in their own countries before moving out

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
01/07/2016
GH
4779
points

15 isn't too young anot age tof play for ones national team only if one has the competence required


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
01/07/2016 09:02
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

15 isn't too young anot age tof play for ones national team only if one has the competence required

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016
TR
1761
points

I am a big fun of him.


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016 05:03
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

I am a big fun of him.

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016
TR
1761
points

I am not sure about that.


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016 05:02
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

I am not sure about that.

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016
TR
1761
points

But if a player is enough in terms of physical,he can play.


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016 05:02
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

But if a player is enough in terms of physical,he can play.

HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016
TR
1761
points

Of course too young.


HakanUslu1881's picture
HakanUslu1881
26/03/2016 05:01
Turkey
Leicester City
1761

Of course too young.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
22/02/2016
PS
3705
points

It is not important to play outside your country.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
22/02/2016 17:05
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

It is not important to play outside your country.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
22/02/2016
PS
3705
points

yes that is too young,i think you must have a lot of experience.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
22/02/2016 17:04
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

yes that is too young,i think you must have a lot of experience.

aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
01/12/2015
ME
3557
points

It might look like it is too early to play for a country but there are some cases when a play shows more than his generation, like Kallon, Appiah, Odegaard etc.


aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
01/12/2015 16:18
Montenegro
Arsenal
3557

It might look like it is too early to play for a country but there are some cases when a play shows more than his generation, like Kallon, Appiah, Odegaard etc.

nikosonris
13/11/2015
UA
2453
points

A good footballer and a good person.


nikosonris
13/11/2015 13:41
Ukraine
Arsenal
2453

A good footballer and a good person.

aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
02/11/2015
ME
3557
points

That's unbelievable. Only 15!! But he was obviously ready.


aragorn1986's picture
aragorn1986
02/11/2015 20:47
Montenegro
Arsenal
3557

That's unbelievable. Only 15!! But he was obviously ready.

almirpereira's picture
almirpereira
25/10/2015
BR
1339
points

Very good


almirpereira's picture
almirpereira
25/10/2015 20:27
Brazil
Chelsea
1339

Very good

Rema's picture
Rema
29/11/2014
RS
538
points

Great comment- When Real Mallorca reached the Spanish Cup Final, Eto'o spent £30.000 on meals for travelling fans.


Rema's picture
Rema
29/11/2014 21:41
Serbia
West Ham United
538

Great comment- When Real Mallorca reached the Spanish Cup Final, Eto'o spent £30.000 on meals for travelling fans.

almirpereira's picture
almirpereira
25/10/2015
BR
1339
points

Let's to play in the Premier Skills English Fooball.


almirpereira's picture
almirpereira
25/10/2015 20:29
Brazil
Chelsea
1339

Let's to play in the Premier Skills English Fooball.

raugarr
03/11/2014
MX
99
points

I think 15 is a great age for play football with your country, if you are a great player like Samuel Eto'o. The age in the football is important, but is not the most important, the technique and class haven't age.

Not ever, when there is a great player and the league in his country is poor, its waste time play there. The best footballers must be in the greatest leagues, like Premier League, La Liga or Serie A in Italy.


raugarr
03/11/2014 03:36
Mexico
Liverpool
99

I think 15 is a great age for play football with your country, if you are a great player like Samuel Eto'o. The age in the football is important, but is not the most important, the technique and class haven't age.

Not ever, when there is a great player and the league in his country is poor, its waste time play there. The best footballers must be in the greatest leagues, like Premier League, La Liga or Serie A in Italy.

admin's picture
admin
03/11/2014
GB
560
points

Hi Raugarr - It must have been a lot to deal with... When I was 15, I was playing football in the park with friends. Some of my friends were very good and got to try out for local teams and they were like local football superstars. I can't imagine what Samuel Eto'o's school friends must have thought. Thanks for commenting. Jack


admin's picture
admin
03/11/2014 09:33
United Kingdom
Arsenal
560

Hi Raugarr - It must have been a lot to deal with... When I was 15, I was playing football in the park with friends. Some of my friends were very good and got to try out for local teams and they were like local football superstars. I can't imagine what Samuel Eto'o's school friends must have thought. Thanks for commenting. Jack

EngFilipe's picture
EngFilipe
30/10/2014
BR
0
points

He is the best player of Cameroon since his debut, and the team needs his talent.


EngFilipe's picture
EngFilipe
30/10/2014 19:01
Brazil
Liverpool
0

He is the best player of Cameroon since his debut, and the team needs his talent.

admin's picture
admin
03/11/2014
GB
560
points

Hi EngFilipe - Thanks for commenting. He really is a great player.


admin's picture
admin
03/11/2014 09:28
United Kingdom
Arsenal
560

Hi EngFilipe - Thanks for commenting. He really is a great player.

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Average: 4 (1 vote)

Goals

In this article, you will:

Practise reading.

Learn about Samuel Eto'o and learn some new vocabulary.

Tips

Become a better reader

Before you read each paragraph, look at the heading and predict the answer to the question.

Using prediction skills and your knowledge of the topic can often help you understand a text.