Eto’o Wins 21-Year Legal Battle in Spain, Clears Tax Case After Two Decades

Former Cameroonian football star Samuel Eto’o has emerged victorious in a legal battle that has stretched over two decades, as Spain’s National Court ruled in his favor regarding tax evasion allegations dating back to 2005.

The case centered on claims that Eto’o failed to declare significant income from image rights as movable capital income during his time at FC Barcelona between 2004 and 2009.

In earlier rulings from 2017 and 2019, two separate courts had ordered him to pay approximately €900,000 to the Spanish Tax Authority.

However, the National Court annulled those decisions, siding with Eto’o’s appeals and finding his arguments justified.

This marks a significant victory for the Cameroonian icon, who has faced scrutiny for more than 21 years over the matter.

While the ruling represents a major breakthrough, it was noted that the decision remains open to appeal before Spain’s Supreme Court.