Exclusive - Paulo Duarte: "If Africa had 20 or 30 presidents like Eto'o..."

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·19 December 2025

Exclusive - Paulo Duarte: "If Africa had 20 or 30 presidents like Eto'o..."

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Paulo Duarte hails a president who refuses to compromise

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Exclusive - Paulo Duarte: "If Africa had 20 or 30 presidents like Eto'o..."

Samuel Eto’o has just been re-elected as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) for a second term. This continuity has not gone unnoticed by Paulo Duarte, current coach of Guinea and a keen observer of African football.

Could African football finally be moving forward without complexes? For Paulo Duarte, the answer comes down to one name: Samuel Eto’o. According to the Portuguese tactician, the former African Ballon d’Or winner embodies what is most rare on the continent: a leader who knows the game, takes responsibility for it, and sets the standard:

Eto’o knows exactly what the game demands, because he has experienced it all from the inside: the locker room, the pressure, victory and defeat. And it shows in his leadership. He doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t shy away from conflict, and doesn’t postpone tough decisions. He stands for discipline, professionalism, and seriousness—qualities that are still lacking in too many areas of African football.

Samuel Eto’o, a vision beyond Cameroon

For Paulo Duarte, Eto’o's case goes far beyond Cameroon. He sees him as a model of governance for the entire continent:

African football would be on a completely different level if there were 20 or 30 presidents like him, with his vision, his courage, and his candor. With leaders like that, African football wouldn’t need anyone’s permission and would compete directly with the world’s best.

In short, Paulo Duarte presents Eto’o as the embodiment of the leadership Africa needs: decisive action, genuine knowledge of the game, and unyielding standards. Qualities which, according to the Portuguese coach, could transform African football into a respected force on the world stage.