5 times footballers had to deal with racism 

#4 Samuel Eto’o

Eto'o almost walked off in protest against racism

There are many tags to describe the legendary Cameroonian forward. One of them is 'the most successful player produced by the continent of Africa'. The former Barcelona forward has a cabinet full of trophies that include accolades like three Champions League titles, an Olympic Gold medal, and many more.

Another one of them is 'outspoken'. The former Inter forward isn’t one to shy away from speaking his mind, something which has got him into some trouble. However, it is this nature that sparked him to do something beautiful when he was taunted with racist abuse.

After being constantly harassed by a small section of Zaragoza fans in 2006, Eto’o decided to walk away from the pitch as an act of protest. He was, however, stopped and convinced by the players on both sides – and his then manager, Frank Rijkaard – to continue playing, and he obliged in the end.

"I am a coloured guy, and if somebody pays for a ticket to make a monkey noise at me, then I'll act like a monkey," he stated after the game.

"I used to think that these racist shouts were just a phase, but more and more people are getting involved and it is regrettable.

"Sometimes I think: Is something going to happen to my daughter in school?

"We have to stop this because one day you don't know what might happen away from the pitch.”