Former Super Eagles captain has stirred debate among football fans after rating six legendary players as better dribblers than Al-Nassr captain , placing the Portuguese star seventh on his list.
Okocha made the remarks during a recent interview in which he was asked to conduct a blind ranking of ten elite dribblers in world football. The exercise was conducted by Nigerian journalist , who challenged the former midfielder to rank the players without initially knowing the full list.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers star spoke ahead of Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled to take place in Morocco. The light-hearted ranking quickly gained attention online, with fans dissecting each placement and reigniting long-standing debates about football’s greatest dribblers.
At the top of Okocha’s list was late Argentine icon , whom he described as a “street footballer” whose style embodied raw creativity, flair, and unpredictability. According to Okocha, Maradona’s close control, balance, and ability to glide past defenders in tight spaces set him apart as the greatest dribbler the game has ever seen.
“Maradona was a street footballer,” Okocha said, explaining that the former Napoli star played with instinct and imagination, often improvising solutions that left defenders helpless. He added that Maradona’s dribbling was not only effective but also entertaining, capturing the essence of football as a game of freedom and expression.
Placed second on the list was Inter Miami superstar , widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted players in modern football. Okocha acknowledged Messi’s exceptional close control, low centre of gravity, and ability to beat multiple opponents with minimal touches.
In third position, Okocha ranked Real Madrid and France legend , praising his elegance on the ball and effortless ability to glide past opponents. Zidane’s dribbling, Okocha suggested, was less about speed and more about timing, body movement, and supreme technical awareness.
Brazilian forward was placed fourth. Okocha highlighted Neymar’s flair, quick feet, and creativity, noting that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star represents the modern embodiment of street football at the highest level. Despite criticism Neymar has faced for injuries and off-field distractions, Okocha maintained that his dribbling ability remains among the best in the world.
In a surprising but confident move, Okocha ranked himself fifth on the list. Known globally for his dazzling footwork and audacious skills during his playing days, Okocha’s self-assessment was met with approval from many fans who remember his performances for Nigeria and in Europe. Nicknamed “Jay-Jay,” he was celebrated for turning football into entertainment, often leaving defenders off balance with feints, stepovers, and sudden changes of direction.
Moroccan midfielder took sixth place. Okocha praised Taarabt’s natural flair and dribbling ability, describing him as one of the most gifted players of his generation, even if his career did not always reach the heights many expected.
Cristiano Ronaldo was ranked seventh, a placement that has generated the most discussion among fans. While Okocha acknowledged Ronaldo’s greatness, he appeared to distinguish between dribbling artistry and overall attacking excellence. Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalscorers in football history, built his legacy on power, athleticism, finishing, and evolution as a forward rather than pure dribbling flair.
Barcelona legend was surprisingly placed eighth. Despite being synonymous with flair and creativity, Ronaldinho’s lower ranking suggests the difficulty of separating greatness when comparing players from different eras and styles.
French playmaker was ranked ninth, with Portugal’s completing the list in tenth position. Both players are renowned for moments of individual brilliance and extraordinary skill, even if consistency sometimes eluded them.
Okocha’s rankings highlight the subjective nature of football debates, particularly when it comes to dribbling, a skill deeply tied to personal taste, cultural influences, and playing philosophy. For Okocha, dribbling is as much about joy and expression as it is about efficiency and results.
The former Super Eagles captain has long been an advocate for flair in football, often lamenting what he sees as the gradual disappearance of street football from the modern game. His list reflects that philosophy, rewarding players who played with freedom and imagination.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, Okocha’s comments have added a dose of nostalgia and debate to the football conversation, reminding fans of the beauty of skill and creativity that transcends generations.
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