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No. 48 Samuel Eto'o, Chelsea/Cameroon
Why he's ranked: Now 33, this former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker is convinced he remains a force at the very highest level of the game, and if his history is anything to go by, the Cameroonian legend deserves to be respected. He may not have been at his consistent best at Chelsea this season, but he delivered vital goals in key games, and his eagerness to give his all confirmed he has not lost his appetite.
Key stat: Eto'o is the only player in the world to ever win consecutive continental trebles (let alone for different clubs).
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caption: Eto'o found minutes hard to come by at Chelsea this season, but he'll be front and center for Cameroon in Brazil.
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What the experts say: "He could be considered the best African footballer ever. His skill, mobility, speed and ability to score consistently make him one of the most complete forwards in the world." -- Carlos Zafra, ESPN Deportes
"Fast and excellent finisher, also has a perfect position in the field. One of the greatest players of the past decade." -- Gustavo Hofman, ESPN Brazil
"One of Africa's greatest strikers in history. Victorious wherever he played, he is responsible for elevating Cameroon on the world stage." -- Leonardo Bertozzi, ESPN Brazil
"He isn't the same Eto'o of Barcelona and Internazionale but he is still the star of Cameroon." -- Gian Oddi, ESPN Brazil
Other articles:
- Salim Masoud Said: The two sides of Samuel Eto'o
- ESPN FC Blogs: Cameroon
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