Afrobeats star Burna Boy has declared former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha as the greatest footballer of all time, dismissing the long-running debate over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Grammy-winning singer made the remarks during an interview with ESPN, where he was asked to name his favourites across several football categories.
‘I’m Not Doing That Messi and Ronaldo Stuff’
Asked to identify the best playmaker, Burna Boy had no hesitation in choosing Okocha.
“Best playmaker is Jay-Jay Okocha,” he said.
He also named the Nigerian football icon as the greatest African player in history before going a step further by describing him as the greatest footballer of all time.
“I’ll say Jay-Jay Okocha. See, it’s between him and, like… who else? Pelé. I’m not doing that Ronaldo and Messi stuff,” Burna Boy said.
Other Football Picks
The singer selected Harry Kane as his best-ever striker and named Tshwala Bam (Remix) as his favourite football song.
For the best young player, he picked Lamine Yamal, while also giving a nod to Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
“Just ’cause of Man U,” he said.
Burna Boy also named Manchester United as his favourite football club and Mainoo as his favourite player at the club.
When asked which sporting event he would most like to perform at, the Afrobeats star gave a straightforward response.
“FIFA World Cup,” he said.
His comments have sparked fresh debate among football fans, particularly over his decision to place Okocha ahead of global icons such as Messi and Ronaldo.
“I’m not doing that Ronaldo and Messi stuff” — Singer Burna Boy says as he names Jay-Jay Okocha his greatest player of all time pic.twitter.com/dp3Cou09yt
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) July 30, 2026
