Burna Boy names Jay-Jay Okocha over Ronaldo and Messi as his football GOAT

Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy has rejected the idea that Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi are the greatest footballers of all time, instead choosing Super Eagles legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha as his leading candidate.

The debate over football’s greatest-ever player has traditionally focused on Messi and Ronaldo among the modern generation. For previous generations, the argument has more often involved Brazil icon Pele and Argentina great Diego Maradona.

Burna Boy, however, said his preference lies with Okocha and Pele rather than the two most celebrated players of the contemporary era.

Asked to name his choice during an interview, the Grammy Award-winning artist said: “I’d say it’s between him, Jay-Jay Okocha, it’s between him and Pele. I’m not doing that Ronaldo and Messi stuff.”

Okocha is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest footballers. Although he did not win a large number of individual awards during his career, the former Nigeria international was renowned for his dazzling technique and ability to entertain supporters.

He was particularly admired for his dribbling, while his quality from set-pieces and range of passing also made him one of the continent’s most gifted players.

Burna Boy also revealed that he is a committed supporter of Manchester United.

The singer named Kobbie Mainoo as his favourite player at the club and selected him as one of his leading young footballers, alongside Lamine Yamal. Mainoo has been a prominent figure for Manchester United, while Lamine Yamal has emerged as one of the most highly rated young players in the game.

Burna Boy added that Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is currently his favourite forward.

The artist and Kane were recently seen together enjoying themselves at a New York lounge after the World Cup final last week.

Burna Boy’s comments come as he has become increasingly involved in football-related events and projects. In recent months, he worked with Shakira on the 2026 World Cup theme song, “Dai Dai.”

He also performed at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the tournament, underlining his growing connection with the global football audience.

His selection of Okocha places the former Nigeria star alongside Pele in an elite group, while leaving Ronaldo and Messi outside his personal choices for the greatest player of all time.