The Cameroonian political scene is currently buzzing with a rather surprising suggestion: that Samuel Eto'o, an emblematic figure in national football, should become the country's vice-president. This hypothesis was put forward by David Eboutou, a political analyst, during the Canal Presse program broadcast on Canal 2.
Eboutou highlighted what he calls a "legitimacy of hearts", arguing that Eto'o's popularity with Cameroonians could be a considerable asset in holding this position. According to him, beyond the political legitimacy stemming from the ballot box, there is a popular legitimacy, a people's attachment to certain personalities. He declared: "Who do Cameroonians like today? If you do a big vox pop, who do they endorse? Don't you see a Samuel Eto'o, for example?".
This proposal comes in a particular context, as Cameroon is still awaiting the appointment of a vice-president to assist President Paul Biya, who is 93 years old. The question of succession and the criteria for designation are therefore at the heart of concerns.
It is important to note that Samuel Eto'o, the current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has never publicly expressed political ambitions. In an interview with RFI before the 2025 presidential election, he declared: "I think you receive a lot of politicians, and you know very well that I cannot run for election. Where am I going to find MPs? I don't even have a political party". He also reaffirmed his support for President Biya.
Although he has denied any direct political ambition, Eto'o has stressed his political position by supporting President Biya. David Eboutou's statement therefore reignites the debate on the qualities required to hold the vice-presidency, and on the place of popularity in the choice of such a profile. In October 2025, Samuel Eto'o was appointed Vice President of FIFA's Laws of the Game Commission, another milestone in his career. The former captain of the Indomitable Lions was also suspended from all football-related activity for six months in September 2024.
