A long-standing record held by Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o has been broken in Spain, marking the end of a 22-year milestone at RCD Mallorca.
Kosovo international Vedat Muriqi became Mallorca’s all-time leading scorer in La Liga after netting twice in a match against Rayo Vallecano.
His brace took his tally to 55 league goals for the club, surpassing Eto’o’s previous record of 54.
The achievement came during matchday 31 of the Spanish top flight, bringing to a close a record that had stood since the early 2000s.
For more than two decades, Eto’o’s tally remained unmatched, underlining the significance of his impact during his time at the club.
While Eto’o is widely associated with his successes at FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, it was at Mallorca that he first established himself as a top-level striker in European football.
The Cameroonian joined the club on loan from Real Madrid in 2000 and quickly made an impression, scoring six goals in 13 appearances.
His performances convinced Mallorca to make the move permanent, a decision that would prove pivotal for both player and club.
Over the following four seasons, Eto’o developed into one of the most dangerous forwards in La Liga, scoring a total of 64 goals across all competitions, including 54 in the league.
His pace, movement and finishing ability made him a standout figure and helped shape his rise to global prominence.
Those performances ultimately earned him a move to Barcelona in 2004, where he would go on to achieve some of the greatest successes of his career. However, his legacy at Mallorca remained intact, until now.
Since joining Mallorca in 2022, Muriqi has steadily built his own legacy.
The 31-year-old has become the focal point of the club’s attack, delivering consistent performances and goals.
His latest brace not only secured a personal milestone but also etched his name into the club’s history books.
Despite the record, comparisons between the two players remain inevitable.
Eto’o’s achievements laid the foundation for his future success at the highest level, while Muriqi’s accomplishment reflects his importance to the current Mallorca side.
The moment represents both the end of a historic chapter and a reminder of Eto’o’s enduring influence in European football.
His record, which stood for over two decades, remains a testament to his impact during his formative years.
As Mallorca continue their La Liga campaign, Muriqi’s focus will now shift to extending his record further.
