Turkish newspaper Zaman honoured FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto`o with a special Player of the Year award on Monday.
The award came two days after the Cameroon international nearly walked off the field following a barrage of racial taunts during a Spanish league game at Zaragoza.
Turkish wrestler Hamza Yerlikaya was given Zaman`s Sportsman of the Year award during the ceremony.
Alex de Souza of Fenerbahce, Fatih Tekke of Trabzonspor and Nuri Sahin of Germany`s Borussia
Dortmund also were given player of the year awards.
Eto`o, a three-time African Player of the Year, refused to discuss the weekend`s events which rekindled a debate over racism in soccer.
On Saturday Eto`o began walking off the field in the 77th minute at Zaragoza, but was persuaded to remain by teammates, coaches and referees.
Eto`o is one of several black players who have been taunted by crowds in Europe, sparking calls for harsh sanctions against the clubs whose fans engage in the acts. (AP)
