Former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has named Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho as the most skilful player he ever played alongside during his illustrious career, describing the former Barcelona star as a genius whose unpredictability mirrored his own style of play.
Okocha made the declaration during an interview with Clutch 9, responding to remarks attributed to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who once shared the pitch with both players at Paris Saint-Germain and admitted he could not decide which of the two was more skilful.
The 52-year-old Nigerian midfielder, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers, did not shy away from expressing confidence in his own abilities, but acknowledged Ronaldinho’s exceptional talent and the unique chemistry they shared during their time together at PSG in the early 2000s.
“I can’t say that anybody is better than me since I’ve accepted the title of chief flair officer. He [Ronaldinho] was a genius when it comes to football. Straight away we saw his talent,” Okocha said, according to the interview.
He added, “He brought something different, and in a way we clicked, because our foundation was the same. We learnt how to play on the street; we were playing because we loved the game, and with smiles on our faces. It’s difficult to compare both of us because we had a good career, even though he took it higher.”
When pressed to name the most skilful player he had played with, Okocha responded without hesitation: “Without any doubt, Ronaldinho.”
Okocha and Ronaldinho were teammates at Paris Saint-Germain between 2001 and 2002, a period during which the Brazilian was still emerging as a global star before his celebrated move to Barcelona in 2003. The pair’s time together at PSG was marked by dazzling displays of technical brilliance and creativity, qualities that defined both players throughout their careers.
Reflecting on what set Ronaldinho apart, Okocha highlighted the Brazilian’s instinctive unpredictability, a trait he recognised in his own game.
“I could see a bit of me in him; I could see that unpredictability. You don’t know what to expect when he gets the ball, and that was my strength too. Playing together, without communicating, we knew what we were going to do and how to ask for the ball, and I think that natural instinct is what you can’t learn or teach any kid, and that’s what I saw in him,” Okocha explained.
Both players rose to prominence through street football, a crucible that shaped their improvisational flair and fearless approach to the game. Okocha grew up playing in the streets of Enugu, Nigeria, while Ronaldinho honed his skills in the informal pitches of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Their shared background and love for the game created a natural understanding on the pitch, even without verbal communication.
Okocha, who enjoyed a distinguished club career across Europe, including spells at Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe, Bolton Wanderers, and Hull City, also spoke candidly about his mindset as a player, emphasising the self-belief that underpinned his success.
“It might sound arrogant, but nobody,” Okocha said when asked to name the toughest opponent he faced during his playing days.
He elaborated, “My strength is when I’ve got the ball, and I have so much confidence that I know whenever I get the ball, I decide what happens, not the opponent. You can be as tough as you can be, but you can’t decide what I can do when I have the ball. So, you can only be lucky to guess right, and that’s what helped me because I wasn’t scared of trying things, of playing the game my way but for the team. I never think about who I’m coming up next to, but the club I’m coming up next to. Of course, you have to respect the defenders, who you’re coming up against, because his strength might be defending, but my strength is attacking. If I can’t challenge him when it comes to defending, I don’t expect him to challenge me when it comes to attacking.”
This philosophy of confidence and creativity defined Okocha’s career. He was renowned for his close ball control, dribbling ability, and audacious skill moves, which made him a fan favourite wherever he played. His performances for Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League between 2002 and 2007 remain particularly memorable, as he helped the club establish itself in the top flight and earned widespread admiration from English football fans.
Okocha also singled out the Premier League as the most physically demanding competition he encountered during his career, citing the relentless pace and intensity of the English game.
“The Premier League, because it’s a brutal league because it’s quite demanding. In some leagues, you might get away with being 70 per cent fit, but in the Premier League, if you’re not fit, you will be exposed because the pace is something else,” Okocha said.
The former midfielder’s remarks underscore the Premier League’s reputation as one of the most competitive and physically taxing leagues in world football, a view shared by many players who have experienced multiple top-flight competitions across Europe.
Okocha’s international career with Nigeria was equally distinguished. He earned 73 caps for the Super Eagles and represented the country at two FIFA World Cup tournaments, in 1994 and 1998. He also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and captained the team that won Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, a historic achievement that remains one of Nigerian football’s proudest moments.
Beyond his technical ability, Okocha’s influence extended to his leadership and sportsmanship. He captained the Super Eagles for several years and was widely respected for his professionalism and humility, qualities that endeared him to teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
His comparison with Ronaldinho, who went on to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice and claim numerous titles with Barcelona and Brazil, reflects the high regard in which the Brazilian is held. Ronaldinho’s career reached greater commercial and competitive heights, including a FIFA World Cup victory in 2002 and Champions League success in 2006, but Okocha’s acknowledgment of his former teammate’s genius speaks to the mutual respect between two players who shared a rare gift for the game.
Okocha’s reflections also offer insight into the mindset that separated elite players from the rest. His emphasis on confidence, self-expression, and fearlessness on the ball remains a guiding principle for aspiring footballers, particularly in Africa, where he continues to be celebrated as a trailblazer and role model.
Now retired from professional football, Okocha remains active in the sport through ambassadorial roles and public appearances. His legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest footballers is secure, and his contributions to the game continue to inspire a new generation of African talent.
