The experienced frontman got quite a shock when celebrations at current club Antalyaspor took a rather messy turn on the training ground
It may feel as though Samuel Eto’o has been around forever, but the much-travelled striker only just turned 36 on Friday.
Some 20 years have passed since the Cameroonian stepped out of the academy ranks at Real Madrid and took the first steps in a professional career that has carried him to the very top of the game.
Success has never been far away for Eto’o, with a glittering spell at Barcelona delivering three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.
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He would go on to conquer Europe again with Inter, as well as enjoying triumphs in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Club World Cup.
Eto’o has also won the Africa Cup of Nations on two occasions and been named African Player of the Year four times.
Now in the twilight of his career, the experienced frontman is turning out for Turkish side Antalyaspor.
They decided to honour his birthday on Friday, with plenty of celebratory hugs followed by the presentation of a cake that ended up causing quite a scene.
Eto’o has netted six times for Antalyaspor this season in 15 appearances, with his tally of club efforts taken to 3376 – to go with the 56 he also managed in 118 outings for Cameroon.