Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy has weighed in on football’s greatest-of-all-time debate, naming former Super Eagles captain Jay Jay Okocha ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking in an interview with ESPN, the Afrobeats star said Okocha remains the finest footballer he has watched, placing the Nigerian legend alongside Brazilian icon Pele.
“I will say Jay Jay Okocha. It is between him and Pele. I am not doing that Ronaldo or Messi stuff,” Burna Boy said.
A Tribute to a Nigerian Football Icon
Okocha is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most skilful footballers. The former midfielder captained Nigeria, won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and helped the country claim Olympic gold in Atlanta in 1996. His flair at clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Fenerbahçe and Bolton Wanderers earned him admiration far beyond Nigeria.
United, Kane and Yamal Make Burna Boy’s List
Beyond the GOAT debate, Burna Boy named England captain Harry Kane as his favourite striker of all time and confirmed he supports Manchester United.
He also identified Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal as the world’s best young player and described Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as his favourite player in the club’s current squad.
The interview highlights football’s growing connection with Afrobeats, as Nigerian artists increasingly feature at major international sporting events while continuing to celebrate African sporting icons who shaped a generation of fans.
