Even though he was older, Eto’o came in with a familiar twinkle in his eye. The lines around his eyes didn’t take away from his energy. Onana, who was tall and calm, received him with awe and warmth. As they started their shopping spree, the awkwardness quickly went away.

They moved through the stalls like seasoned deal hunters, and Eto’o’s playful charm made even the most shady sellers feel welcome. Onana was аmаzed at how calm his hero was, and he saw similarities between him and his mother’s strength in this figҺt that seemed silly.

As they shopped for colorful handmade fabrics, Eto’o told Onana stories about his own adventures in the Douala market. As they picked out spices, the smell of their laughing could be heard over the other sounds. Onana saw an old football tucked away in a dusty area at one point. It was a silent tribute to his own trip that he bought it right away.

When the shopping spree was over, they stood by the canal with their bags full of gifts. The dark water in the canal reflected the city skyline. When the subject turned to football, Eto’o gave Onana advice and support, pointing out both his skill and the responsibility that came with it.

“Remember, Andre,” Eto’o said in a low, serious voice, “you carry the hopes of a nation on your shoulders.” Like how you wear that old ball, wear them with pride. It helps you remember where you came from and gives you the drive to get where you want to go.

I got it, Onana. There was more than just shopping going on. It was a passing of the torch, a reminder of the hopes that were behind every kιck and the sweat and hard work that made the way to glory possible. It was a shared history that started in markets and was taken on to the biggest stages.

As they said goodbye, Onana felt like she had a new purpose in life. He was more than just the goalkeeper for Manchester United. He was a boy from Nkol Ngok who carried Cameroon’s hopes, followed in the footsteps of a legend, and made his own way by going on shopping sprees.