Eto’o rewards excellence as young stars receive land, cars and cash at FECAFOOT Ballon d’Or

 
By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 

President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto'o, delivered a powerful message of hope and reward on Friday night in Yaounde, as teenage footballers were handed life-changing gifts at the FECAFOOT Ballon d’Or ceremony.

In a moment that underscored his administration’s commitment to youth development, Eto’o revealed that players aged 18 and 19 were going home not just with trophies, but as land and car owners.

“Today, youths aged 18 and 19 are going home as land owners and car owners. We parents know that at times this is the project of a lifetime, buying a piece of land to build,” Eto’o said.

The former African Player of the Year described the gesture as a deliberate move to reward excellence and inspire young talents who may sometimes struggle with doubt.

“We want to reward excellence and encourage the youth that at times have doubts and ask questions,” he stated, emphasizing that football must provide both inspiration and tangible support.

Addressing the Mrs. Chantal Biya, the First Lady during the glamorous ceremony, Eto’o stressed that FECAFOOT’s role goes beyond organizing competitions.

“Our job as well is to help and accompany and to tell them that we are there and we will continue to reward excellence,” he added.

Eto’o also used the platform to reflect on leadership and resilience, pointing to Cameroon’s performance at the last AFCON as an example of overcoming challenges. 

He called on the audience to applaud head coach Mr. David Pagou for what he described as brilliant management during a difficult period.

“It’s not always easy. But leading is knowing how to manage certain situations like the one we managed with brilliance during the last AFCON,” Eto’o said, publicly commending the coach for making the nation proud.

The ceremony not only celebrated footballing achievements but also highlighted FECAFOOT’s renewed focus on empowering young players beyond the pitch and turning promise into property, and talent into tangible reward.
 
THE DIFFERENT DISTINCTIONS

2025 FEMALE BALLON D'OR: 
★ Fraîche Lys Tiwa - Lékié Women's Football, Guinness Super League

MEN'S BALLON D’OR 2025:
★ Serge Daura - Gazelle FA, MTN Elite One

FEMALE TOP SCORER:
★ Fraîche Lys Tiwa - Lékié Football Girls, 22 goals

MEN'S TOP SCORER:
★ Serge Daura - Gazelle FA, 15 goals

BEST FEMALE GOALKEEPER:
★ Ngah Chantal Calixte - Amazone FAP, Guinness Super League

BEST MEN'S GOALKEEPER: 
★ Idrissou Nfor Finia, Colombe du Dja et Lobo, MTN Elite One

BEST FEMALE LEAGUE COACH:
★ Stéphane Ndzana Ngono - Lékié Women's Football, Guinness Super League

BEST MEN'S LEAGUE COACH: Richard Towa - Colombe du Dja et Lobo, MTN Elite One

BEST ASSISTANT REFEREE:
★ Yeppe Prisca, Guinness Super League

BEST ASSISTANT REFEREE: 
★ Tirike Charles, MTN Elite One

BEST REFEREE: 
★ Ntangti Innocentia, Guinness Super League

BEST REFEREE:
★ Mefire Abdou, MTN Elite One

MTN SPECIAL PRIZE FOR DETERMINATION AND COURAGE:
★ David Pagou

BEST CLUB:
★ Lekié Women's Football, Guinness Super League

BEST CLUB:
★ Colombe du Dja et Lobo, MTN Elite One

REVELATION OF THE SEASON:
★ Mylène Yolande Zoua - Lekié Women's Football, Guinness Super League

REVELATION OF THE SEASON: 
★ Serge Daura - Gazelle FA, MTN Elite One

BEST FEMALE GOAL:
★ Ornella Molluh - Vision Foot Academy, Guinness Super League

BEST MEN'S GOAL: 
★ Ulrich Mpeck, MTN Elite One

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