MARC VIVIEN FOE

B orn on May 1,1975; the Cameroonian midfielder Marc Vivien Foe dies at the age of 28 of a heart attack on June 26,2003 during a football encounter of Cameroon against Colombia in Lyon, France. Leaving Marie-Louise Foe a widow and three(3) orphans.

It’s been 15 years he left and would have been 43 this year, he was a father, husband, footballer and also an entrepreneur. Moreover, he was known and loved for his kindness and simplicity.

His demise provoked intense emotions all over the world, from Cameroon to Lens , from Lyon to Manchester city and West Ham; his former football clubs. At the RC Lens football club, jersey number 17 is removed from the list of players, a national funeral is organised on his behalf, the country mourns one of its lions killed on the battlefront fighting for his country.

In his memory, an award was created by RFI in 2009 «the Marc Vivien Foe Award» which entails awarding the best African football player evolving in the French champions league. Till date, Karl TOKO EKAMBI, striker of Angers SCO is the only Cameroonian who won this award.

Also, after their victory against Egypt, the Indomitable Lions champions of 2017 African Cup wore jersey number 17 in memory of Marc Vivien Foe.

 « Like a wall, death separated us dear big brother Marco. Your friendship, affection and professionalism forever engraved in our hearts.» declares Samuel ETO’O.