African football legend Samuel Eto'o has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Lyon Business School in France.
The Cameroon all-time record goalscorer travelled to Europe last week to receive the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa in recognition for his business and social endeavours in his home nation and Africa.
Herve Diaz, the President of the Lyon Business School, awarded him this distinction in recognition of his extraordinary sports career and the quality of his social leadership.
"I am happy with this distinction from the Lyon Business School. I am more so because this establishment aims to show Africans that their destiny is in their hands and that knowledge is universal," he told AfricaNews.
"The sports school opened by the Lyon Business School must provide the keys to the blossoming, development and total independence of African sport."
Scroll through the gallery below to see 12 other famous footballers with degrees
But why Eto'o?
Created 103 years ago, the title of Doctor Honoris Causa is the highest distinction awarded by French Universities to 'honour foreign personalities' due t the services rendered to science, art or social work.
Living legend and true role model
Having won four African Football of the Year titles, the 40-year-old who starred for the likes of FC Barcelona and Internazionale over his glittering career is widely considered as the greatest the continent has ever produced.
And since officially hanging up his boots in September 2019 after 22 years at the highest level, he's since taken to the field of business and football administration.
The latest honour rewarded by the Lyon Business School is set to open up several new doors for the African icon as it expands his already decorated CV achieved during his professional football career.
Did you know?
Eto'o won the UEFA Champions League three times.
Your thoughts, please?
Should more legendary footballers be honoured with university recognised qualifications if they invest time in social projects?