Samuel Eto’o’s net worth in 2024 is impressive, reflecting his successful football career and intelligent financial decisions.
He has built a substantial fortune as one of the wealthiest soccer players. Let’s delve into his wealth, income, and more details.
Samuel Eto’o Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Samuel Eto’o Fils |
Popular Name | Samuel Eto’o |
Gender | Male |
Birth Date | March 10, 1981 |
Age | 43 |
Siblings | Two brothers |
Birthplace | Douala, Cameroon |
Nationality | Cameroonian |
Ethnicity | African |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife/Spouse | Georgette Eto’o |
Children | Annie Eto’o, Lynn Eto’o, Siena Eto’o, Maelle Eto’o, Etienne Eto’o |
Net Worth | $95 million |
Source of Wealth | Football, endorsements, investments |
Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
Position(s) | Striker |
Foot | Right |
Player Agent | Vigo Global Sport Services Srl |
Current Club | Retired |
Joined | Sep 6, 2019 |
Contract Expires | – |
Outfitter | Puma |
Market Value | ▪️ Current Market Value: – (Sep 7, 2019) ▪️ Highest market value: €42.00m (Jan 26, 2009) |
Youth Career | ▪️ 1992–1996 Kadji Sports Academy ▪️ 1996–1997 Real Madrid |
Senior Career | ▪️ 1997–2000 Real Madrid (3 Apps, 0 Gls) ▪️ 1997–1998 → Leganés (loan) (28 Apps, 3 Gls) ▪️ 1999 → Espanyol (loan) (0 Apps, 0 Gls) ▪️ 2000 → Mallorca (loan) (13 Apps, 6 Gls) ▪️ 2000–2004 Mallorca (120 Apps, 48 Gls) ▪️ 2004–2009 Barcelona (144 Apps, 108 Gls) ▪️ 2009–2011 Inter Milan (67 Apps, 33 Gls) ▪️ 2011–2013 Anzhi Makhachkala (53 Apps, 25 Gls) ▪️ 2013–2014 Chelsea (21 Apps, 9 Gls) ▪️ 2014–2015 Everton (14 Apps, 3 Gls) ▪️ 2015 Sampdoria (18 Apps, 2 Gls) ▪️ 2015–2018 Antalyaspor (76 Apps, 44 Gls) ▪️ 2018 Konyaspor (13 Apps, 6 Gls) ▪️ 2018–2019 Qatar SC (17 Apps, 6 Gls) |
International Career | ▪️ 2000 Cameroon U23 (6 Apps, 1 Gls) ▪️ 1997–2014 Cameroon (118 Apps, 56 Gls) |
Medal Record | Olympic Gold Medal (2000), Africa Cup of Nations (2000, 2002) |
What is the Net Worth Of Samuel Eto’o in 2024?
Samuel Eto’o’s net worth is estimated at around $95 million in 2024. This places him among the wealthiest soccer players, showcasing the financial rewards of his career and strategic investments. Comparatively, he is on par with other notable figures in the football world, including:
- Mohamed Salah
- Roberto Firmino
- Didier Drogba
- Jordan Henderson
What are Samuel Eto’o’s career earnings?
Samuel Eto’o, a distinguished forward from Cameroon, has left an indelible mark on football. Throughout his illustrious career, Samuel Eto’o has amassed approximately $61,622,490 in gross earnings.
His last professional engagement was with Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig during the 2017-2018 season, marking the end of an era for a player widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his time.
Salary and Career Earnings Breakdown
A closer examination of Eto’o’s salary profile reveals significant seasonal fluctuations. In the 2009-2010 season, Eto’o enjoyed his peak earning period at $416,803 per week, translating to an annual gross income of $21,673,769 while playing for Inter Milan.
His contributions helped the club secure multiple titles, solidifying his reputation in European football.
The following season, 2010-2011, saw a decrease in his weekly salary to $317,534, resulting in a gross annual income of $16,511,755. Despite this dip, Eto’o remained a vital player for Inter Milan.
A notable gap in earnings occurred during the 2011-2012 season when Eto’o did not receive any salary, indicating a transitional phase in his career.
His move to Chelsea in 2013-2014 resulted in a modest weekly wage of $150,544 and an annual gross of $7,828,283.
Eto’o’s tenure at Everton during the 2014-2015 season was financially unremarkable, as he earned no salary. However, a subsequent transfer to Sampdoria allowed him to secure a weekly wage of $43,739, amounting to $2,274,408 for the year.
His final years at Antalyaspor (2015-2018) showcased a gradual decline in his earnings but still reflected his enduring presence on the pitch.
His best gross income during this period was in 2015-2016, where he earned a salary of $84,047 per week, culminating in a yearly total of $4,370,431.
Adjusted Earnings
Considering inflation and the value of earnings over time, Eto’o’s adjusted gross income for 2024 stands at an impressive $98,583,608. This figure underscores the long-term impact of his contributions to football and highlights his financial success post-retirement.
At 36, Samuel Eto’o retired from professional football, leaving a legacy of remarkable talent and financial achievement.
His journey through clubs such as Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Antalyaspor illustrates his prowess on the field and his ability to command significant salaries throughout his career.
Overview of Samuel Eto’o
Samuel Eto’o Fils, born on March 10, 1981, is a distinguished Cameroonian football administrator and former player who currently serves as the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation.
Eto’o is celebrated for his remarkable achievements, winning the African Player of the Year award four times: 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010.
Eto’o began his professional career at Real Madrid at just 16 years old, but after several loan spells, he made a significant impact at Mallorca, scoring 70 goals.
His success led to a transfer to Barcelona in 2004, where he netted 130 goals over five seasons and was pivotal in winning La Liga three times. Eto’o scored in two UEFA Champions League Finals (2006 and 2009), becoming the second player to achieve this feat.
After joining Inter Milan for the 2009–10 season, he became the first player to win two European trebles with different clubs. Internationally, Eto’o contributed to Cameroon’s victories in the 2000 and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and won a Gold Medal at the 2000 Olympics.
He retired from international football in August 2014, leaving a legacy as Cameroon’s all-time leading scorer with 56 goals in 118 caps.
Club career
Real Madrid
Samuel Eto’o’s journey began at the Kadji Sports Academy in Cameroon before he joined Real Madrid’s youth academy in 1997.
Due to his status as a minor, he was restricted to training with Real Madrid B, which faced relegation to the Segunda División B, where non-EU players were prohibited.
Consequently, he was loaned to Leganés for the 1997–98 season, making 30 appearances and scoring only four goals.
After returning to Madrid after the 1998–99 season, he was loaned to Espanyol in January 1999, where he had limited impact, registering just one appearance in the Copa del Rey against Real Valladolid. These early experiences shaped Eto’o’s future success in football.
Mallorca
Samuel Eto’o’s tenure at Mallorca marked a significant chapter in his career. Initially joining on loan, he made an immediate impact by scoring six goals in 19 matches. His impressive performance led to a permanent transfer for a club-record fee of £4.4 million.
In his second season, Eto’o netted 11 goals, earning praise from Mallorca President Mateo Alemany, who noted his unique ability to delight fans.
Eto’o expressed his contentment, stating, “I like it here in Mallorca,” and appreciated the support from fans, even donating €30,000 in meals for traveling supporters during the Copa del Rey final.
He notably scored two crucial goals in the final, contributing to a 3-0 victory over Recreativo de Huelva, further solidifying his legacy at the club.
Barcelona
Samuel Eto’o’s arrival at Barcelona in 2004 was a game-changer. He swiftly proved his worth with a €24 million transfer from Mallorca. His debut in the 2004 season opener against Racing de Santander was just the beginning of his integral role in Barcelona’s success.
In the 2004–05 season, Eto’o played a vital role in helping the team secure the La Liga title. He famously celebrated with fans and made headlines with his controversial remarks about Real Madrid, which resulted in a €12,000 fine from the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Despite this, he committed to the team by signing an improved contract in June 2005.
Eto’o’s prowess was further highlighted when he clinched the Pichichi Trophy for the 2005–06 season, finishing as La Liga’s top scorer with 26 goals.
His contributions were crucial during Barcelona’s successful campaign in the 2005–06 Champions League, where he scored the equalizer in the final against Arsenal, leading to a 2–1 victory. He received the UEFA Best Forward of the Year award for outstanding performance.
The 2006-2007 season started with a setback for Eto’o, as he suffered a severe knee injury during a Champions League match against Werder Bremen on September 27, 2006.
Despite the initial recovery period of two to three months extending to five, Eto’o’s determination saw him return to training in early January 2007.
Ultimately, Eto’o’s legacy at Barcelona is underscored by his three consecutive African Player of the Year awards and a place among the top three candidates for the FIFA World Player of the Year, making him one of history’s most celebrated African footballers.
Numerous accolades, including the historic Treble in 2009, marked Samuel Eto’o’s tenure at FC Barcelona from 2007 to 2009. However, his time was not without controversy, notably when he refused to come on as a substitute during a league match against Racing de Santander in February 2007, leading to criticism from teammates and management.
Despite these challenges, Eto’o showed resilience; after recovering from a meniscus injury, he returned to the pitch in December 2007.
The arrival of Pep Guardiola as manager for the 2008–09 season brought significant changes. While initially facing uncertainty about his place in the team, Eto’o proved his worth by scoring a remarkable 36 goals in the season.
He made headlines by achieving the fastest hat-trick in club history against Almería and netting four goals against Real Valladolid.
Eto’o’s crowning achievement came in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final, where he scored the opening goal against Manchester United, helping Barcelona secure a 2–0 victory and complete their Triple.
His partnership with Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry resulted in an astounding 100 goals, solidifying their legacy as one of football’s most prolific attacking trios.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s 2009–10 season is marked by a historic treble-winning campaign, significantly influenced by the arrival of Samuel Eto’o from Barcelona.
This transfer was part of a more extensive agreement that saw Zlatan Ibrahimović move to Barcelona in exchange for Eto’o and €46 million. Following completing Ibrahimović’s terms, Eto’o traveled to Milan for his medical, which he passed on July 27, 2009, subsequently signing a five-year contract with Inter.
Eto’o quickly impacted the pitch, scoring in his debut during the 2009 Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio. His performance continued to shine as he netted goals in critical matches, including a penalty in the Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
However, off the pitch, tensions arose when Eto’o demanded approximately £2.75 million from Barcelona after his transfer to Inter. This demand represented 15% of the £17.7 million ($29 million) fee that Inter had paid Barcelona.
The request was grounded in a Spanish rule stipulating that players should receive a percentage of transfer fees when moving to another club. The matter could escalate to legal proceedings if an agreement is not reached.
Throughout the season, Eto’o continued to be a vital player for Inter. He achieved his first Serie A brace in a thrilling 5–3 victory over Palermo and finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or voting.
His contributions were crucial in domestic and European competitions, including critical goals in the UEFA Champions League.
Eto’o’s efforts culminated in Inter winning the Coppa Italia on May 5, 2010, and securing a historic treble with a 2–0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on May 22. This triumph made Eto’o the first player to win the treble in consecutive seasons with two teams, solidifying his legacy in football history.
In the 2010–11 season, Samuel Eto’o showcased his remarkable talent while playing for Inter Milan, achieving significant milestones. He began the season on a high note, scoring twice in Inter’s 3–1 victory over Roma to claim the Supercoppa Italiana on 21 August 2010.
Eto’o made headlines with his first hat trick for the club during a 4–0 win against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Champions League on 29 September 2010. His contributions were vital as Inter secured their fifth trophy of the year at the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup, where he also scored in the final against TP Mazembe. Notably, on 16 March 2011,
Eto’o played a crucial role in eliminating Bayern Munich from the Champions League, scoring and assisting in a thrilling 3–2 match. He concluded the season with an impressive total of 37 goals, a personal record, before announcing his departure from Inter Milan on 25 August 2011.
Anzhi Makhachkala
Anzhi Makhachkala made headlines in August 2011 when they signed Samuel Eto’o from Inter Milan, making him the world’s highest-paid player with a staggering salary of €20 million per season. Eto’o debuted on 27 August 2011, scoring an equalizer against Rostov.
Throughout his time with Anzhi, he showcased his talent, notably being named the #1 Right Striker in the Top 33 Players of the Season list for the 2012–13 Russian Premier League.
However, in August 2013, Anzhi’s owner, Suleyman Kerimov, unexpectedly decided to reduce the club’s budget, leading to the availability of many star players for transfer, signaling a significant shift in the club’s ambitions.
Chelsea
Samuel Eto’o joined Chelsea on 29 August 2013, signing a one-year deal. He immediately impacted, scoring his first goal against Cardiff City on 19 October 2013. Eto’o showcased his skill in the Champions League match against Schalke 04 on 6 November, netting two goals in a commanding 3–0 victory.
His notable performance continued with a Premier League hat-trick against Manchester United on 19 January 2014, contributing to a 3–1 triumph. Eto’o also scored in a 4–0 win against Tottenham Hotspur, marking the 300th goal of his club career.
He further solidified his role by scoring against Galatasaray in the Champions League and adding to his tally with an early goal against Arsenal.
Everton
Samuel Eto’o’s contract with Chelsea expired after the 2013–14 season, leading to his signing with Everton on 26 August 2014 for a two-year contract.
He made an immediate impact, scoring a header in his debut during a 3–6 defeat to Chelsea just four days later.
On 26 October, Eto’o showcased his talent by netting a brace against Burnley, contributing to a 3−1 victory. His ambition included winning the UEFA Europa League, a title that had eluded him. However, he departed Everton mid-season, concluding his tenure with four goals in 20 appearances.
Later career and retirement
Samuel Eto’o’s career continued to impress as he returned to the Italian Serie A with Sampdoria on 27 January 2015. He later joined Antalyaspor on 25 June 2015, where he immediately scored two goals in his debut match on 15 August 2015.
Eto’o excelled, netting 13 goals in his first 15 games, and briefly took on the role of interim player-manager. After leaving Antalyaspor in January 2018, he signed with Konyaspor before moving to Qatar SC in August 2018. On 7 September 2019, Eto’o officially announced his retirement from football, concluding a remarkable career that left an indelible mark on the sport.
Transfer
Samuel Eto’o Fils has had a remarkable journey in football, characterized by significant fluctuations in his market value, club affiliations, and age. His career trajectory showcases his status as one of the most prominent strikers of his generation.
Eto’o began his ascent in the football world at Barcelona, where he made a notable impact. On October 4, 2004, his market value was €24.00m at 23. This was just the beginning of a steep rise.
By January 20, 2006, his value had increased to €36.00m, reflecting his growing influence within the team. His peak at Barcelona came on January 26, 2009, when his market value reached an impressive €42.00m at age 27.
However, following his departure from Barcelona, Eto’o transitioned to Inter Milan. His value remained high, hitting €40.00m shortly after his September 6, 2009 move.
By June 21, 2011, he matched his previous peak with another €42.00m valuation while still at Inter Milan. His time in Italy solidified his reputation as a lethal forward, contributing to Inter’s successes during this period.
In contrast, a significant shift occurred when Eto’o joined Anzhi Makhachkala. His market value skyrocketed to an astonishing €100.00m on July 2, 2012, reflecting not just his talent but also the club’s financial power at that time. However, this value was not sustainable; by June 19, 2013, it plummeted to €22.00m.
As Eto’o continued his career, moving to clubs like Chelsea and Everton, his market value steadily declined. By October 5, 2014, it had fallen to €7.00m and decreased to €4.50m by February 12, 2015.
The final stages of Eto’o’s career saw him playing for clubs such as Sampdoria and Antalyaspor, where his market value dwindled further. By May 29, 2018, it had dropped to €1.00m, and he was eventually valued at the same amount while with Qatar SC on May 3, 2019, at age 38.
Samuel Eto’o’s career reflects a remarkable rise to prominence followed by a gradual decline in market value, influenced by age and club changes. His highest recorded market value was €42.00m in January 2009, marking the zenith of a storied career that left an indelible mark on football history.
International career
Samuel Eto’o is a legendary figure in African football. He debuted for Cameroon just a day before his 16th birthday on March 9, 1997. At 17, he became the youngest player in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, playing against Italy.
Eto’o scored his only goal in the 2002 World Cup, securing a victory against Saudi Arabia, which marked Cameroon’s sole win in that tournament.
Eto’o was pivotal in Cameroon’s successes, contributing to their victories in the 2000 and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and earning a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
His remarkable performances continued as he became the joint leading goalscorer in the Africa Cup of Nations history with 14 goals, eventually surpassing that record with 16 goals by the end of the 2008 tournament.
In a notable incident in 2008, Eto’o headbutted a reporter during a press conference, apologizing and offering to cover medical expenses.
He faced ups and downs throughout his international career, including a 15-game suspension in 2011 for refusing to play a friendly match. Despite this, he returned to lead Cameroon to World Cup qualifications in 2014, becoming the third African player to compete in four World Cups.
Eto’o announced his retirement from international football after joining Everton in 2014, leaving an indelible legacy as one of Africa’s greatest footballers.
Style of play
Samuel Eto’o was a fast, strong, and energetic forward known for his stamina, work-rate, and accurate finishing ability. He was recognized as a prolific goalscorer with excellent technique and composure in front of goal, primarily playing as a central striker.
However, during his time at Inter Milan under José Mourinho, he showcased his tactical intelligence and versatility by adapting to various positions, including roles as a winger and attacking midfielder in the 4–2–3–1 formation.
Eto’o significantly contributed to Inter’s 2009–10 treble-winning season, demonstrating his work-rate by tracking back defensively.
His leadership, opportunism, and mentality were also crucial aspects of his career. Regarded as one of the best strikers in the world during his prime, Eto’o is now considered one of the greatest African players of all time, often ranked alongside George Weah and Didier Drogba.
Even as he aged, he maintained a consistent goalscoring rate, showcasing his positioning skills. His celebrations included an ‘old man‘ routine that humorously addressed Mourinho’s comments about his age, which became popularized in the FIFA 18 video game.
President of Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT)
On 11 December 2021, Eto’o was elected President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
World Cup 2022 ambassador
Samuel Eto’o, appointed Ambassador of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, was involved in a controversial incident following the Brazil-South Korea match. He was filmed kneeing a man in the face during a confrontation, which raised questions among reporters regarding the individual’s identity and the motives behind the altercation.
Personal life
Samuel Eto’o, a prominent footballer, hails from Nkon, a suburb of Yaoundé, Cameroon. He has two brothers, both of whom are also in the football world: David and Étienne.
Eto’o is a father of four children: Maelle, Étienne, Siena, and Lynn. He married his longtime partner, Georgette, on July 6, 2007, and they reside in Paris with their daughters, Siena and Lynn.
On November 9, 2020, Eto’o was involved in a severe car accident but fortunately emerged unscathed. The incident occurred when his 4×4 collided head-on with a bus. The bus driver attempted to flee but was later apprehended by the police.
In addition to his football career, Eto’o was appointed as paramount chief in Kaffu Bullom, Sierra Leone, in November 2015 during a visit associated with the FIFA “11 for Health and 11 against Ebola” initiative.
Throughout his career, Eto’o has faced racial abuse, particularly during matches in Spain. A notable incident occurred in February 2005 against Real Zaragoza, where he was subjected to racist taunts. Despite officials’ lack of adequate response at the time, Eto’o has been vocal about the need for change, stating that it is essential for players, leaders, and the media to unite against racism. His experiences highlight the ongoing challenges related to racial discrimination in sports.
Honors
Samuel Eto’o is a legendary footballer known for his remarkable achievements throughout his career. He began making a name at Mallorca, where he won the Copa del Rey in the 2002-03 season.
His most significant successes came during his time at Barcelona. Eto’o won multiple titles, including three La Liga championships (2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09), two Copa del Rey titles (2008-09), and two UEFA Champions League trophies (2005-06, 2008-09). He also secured the Supercopa de España in 2005 and 2006, establishing himself as one of the key players in the team.
After leaving Barcelona, Eto’o excelled at Inter Milan, where he won the Serie A title in the 2009-10 season, two Coppa Italia titles, and the UEFA Champions League in the same season. He also contributed to Inter’s FIFA Club World Cup victory in 2010.
On the international stage, Eto’o shone for Cameroon, winning the African Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002 and claiming an Olympic Gold Medal in 2000. His accolades are equally impressive.
He was named African Player of the Year four times (2003, 2004, 2005, 2010) and won the Young African Player of the Year award in 2000. Eto’o was also recognized in numerous team of the year selections and won the Pichichi Trophy as the top scorer in La Liga for the 2005-06 season.
Eto’o holds several records, including being the all-time top goalscorer in both the African Cup of Nations and for Cameroon. His legacy is further solidified with his induction into the Inter Milan Hall of Fame and recognition as part of IFFHS’s All-time Africa Men’s Dream Team.
Social Media Accounts
Conclusion
Samuel Eto’o’s financial journey reflects his success on and off the field. For more insights into the economic lives of famous athletes, feel free to leave a comment, share this article, or explore more on FC Bayern Net Worth.
I’m Archie Rhind-Tutt, a sports correspondent for ESPN, specializing in German soccer, particularly the Bundesliga. My reporting brings in-depth analysis and engaging storytelling to a global audience. Additionally, I author FC Bayern Net Worth (fcbayernnetworth.com), a website similar to Celebrity Net Worth but focused exclusively on football players. There, I explore and analyze the financial aspects and net worth of football stars, providing insights into their earnings and financial decisions. My expertise in sports finance allows me to deliver detailed and compelling content for readers interested in the economic intricacies of the football world.