Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Burna Boy has named Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha the greatest footballer of all time.

The singer made the declaration during a rapid-fire interview with ESPN UK. His comments reignited debates about football’s greatest player.

Burna Boy backs Okocha

When asked to name the best playmaker, Burna Boy chose the former Super Eagles captain.

“Best playmaker is Jay-Jay Okocha,” he said.

The Afrobeats star also named Okocha as the greatest African footballer of all time.

Asked to pick football’s greatest player, Burna Boy again backed the Nigerian icon.

“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,” he declared.

His response quickly sparked reactions online. Many Nigerians supported the choice. Other football fans questioned the omission of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Other football picks

Burna Boy also shared his views on other football topics.

He named England captain Harry Kane as the best striker of all time. He also selected Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal as the best young player in the game.

The singer picked Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as his favourite player at the club. He said his support for United influenced the decision.

When asked to name the greatest football club, Burna Boy chose Manchester United.

For the best football song, he selected Dai Dai, his recent collaboration with Shakira.

Asked about the sporting event he would most like to perform at, he answered, “FIFA World Cup.”

Okocha’s enduring legacy

Augustine Azuka Okocha, popularly known as Jay-Jay Okocha, remains one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.

He built a reputation for his dribbling skills, creativity and flair. During his career, he played for Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers and Hull City.

Okocha also represented Nigeria at several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cups. He captained the Super Eagles and remains a beloved figure in Nigerian football