Grammy Award-winning Nigerian Afrobeats star, Burna Boy, has surprised football fans worldwide with his all-time greats list, leaving out Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Instead, Burna Boy placed Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, Ronaldinho, and Victor Osimhen at the top of his choices.
The ‘African Giant’ made the revelation during an appearance on GOAT Talk, a YouTube series by Complex, where celebrities debate their best and worst across different topics.
Asked to name his three Greatest footballers of All Time, Burna Boy instantly mentioned Okocha, the legendary Super Eagles retired player, Brazil’s Ronaldinho, and current Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
His selection has stirred conversations, especially since Messi and Ronaldo have defined an era of football dominance, winning a combined 13 Ballon d’Or titles over nearly two decades.
The Afrobeats star was joined on the show by tennis legend Roger Federer, who added a light-hearted moment by asking about Nigeria’s national team nickname.
“The Super Eagles,” Burna Boy replied confidently. “Can they fly?” Federer joked.
“They can’t fly, but they can win some games… and lose some too,” Burna Boy said with a laugh.
Federer later gave his own GOAT picks, naming Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Diego Maradona, Messi, and Ronaldo.
For many Nigerians, Burna Boy’s nod to Okocha comes as no surprise. The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was widely celebrated for his dazzling dribbles, flair, and creativity on the ball. Ronaldinho, another magician of the game, remains a global icon whose joyful style inspired millions.
Osimhen’s inclusion reflects his meteoric rise as Nigeria’s biggest football export. At just 26, the striker has already been named African Player of the Year and secured a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2023.
Currently playing at Galatasaray, Osimhen is central to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes and continues to carry the weight of fans’ expectations.
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