On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), announced that Rigobert Song has stepped down from his position as the head coach of Cameroon.
In January, Cameroon’s journey in the Africa Cup of Nations came to an end in the last 16 stages, as they were defeated by Nigeria, who eventually became the runners-up.
“We have not achieved our objectives, and our executive committee and I do not see ourselves renewing the contract (with Song),” Eto’o told France 24.
Song, who used to play alongside Eto’o at the international level, was named as the head coach of Cameroon in February 2022.
Under his guidance, the Indomitable Lions secured a thrilling play-off win against Algeria in extra time to secure their spot in the Qatar World Cup. However, despite a surprising victory over Brazil in their last match, the five-time African champions were eliminated in the group stage.
“Song brought a lot to this team,” added Eto’o. “Now we have to think about the future.”
Song, renowned for his defensive abilities, primarily featured as a centre-back, although he was also capable of playing as a right-back.
On the international stage, he participated in a remarkable eight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, captaining the team in five of them (excluding South Africa 1996, Burkina Faso 1998, and Angola 2010). Song holds the impressive record for the most consecutive appearances in the tournament, with 35 first-team games.
He clinched two CAF Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002. In 2009, Song was replaced as the captain of the Cameroon national team by the new coach, Paul Le Guen, who appointed Samuel Eto’o as the new skipper.
This decision raised concerns, given that Song had been a consistent presence on the field for over eleven years. With 137 caps, Song stands as the most-capped player in the history of the Cameroon national team and has participated in four World Cups – 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2010. Song kicked off his professional career with Metz, contributing to their Coupe de la Ligue victory in 1996.
Following his appearance in the 1998 World Cup, he made a move to Salernitana in the Serie A. Despite subsequent spells with Liverpool, West Ham United, and 1. FC Köln, Song struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup, prompting his return to France to play for Lens.
After a successful stint in Turkey with Galatasaray, where he clinched two Süper Lig titles and the Turkish Cup, Song signed with Trabzonspor in 2008, winning another Turkish Cup before departing in 2010.
