Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes Samuel Eto’o should have won the Ballon d’Or during his active career
The 38-year-old retired from professional football after a 22-year trophy-laden career, winning two Africa Cup of Nations, and three Champions League trophies among other diadems.
Eto’o was named Africa’s best player four times and finished third in the Fifa World Player of the Year award in 2005.
“It’s difficult to understand how Samuel Eto’o never won the Ballon d’Or with the impressive career he had,” Mourinho told Cameroon Radio, as reported by BBC Sports.
“He played three champions league finals, winning two with Barcelona and scoring in both finals. He also won one champions league at Inter and won many league titles.
“He was the best striker in the world for several years and I think he deserved a Ballon d’Or but these are things out of our control.”
Mourinho, who praised the discipline and the impressive career of the former Barcelona and Mallorca striker, believes he will be a great success after retirement.
“Samuel’s career was very impressive and he was one of the best strikers in the world for many years,” he continued.
“I have no doubts Eto’o will be successful after retirement.”