No Ronaldo, no Messi: Burna Boy names Okocha, two others as his football GOATs

Nigerian Grammy Award-winning superstar Damini Ogulu, popularly known as 1/category/news” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Burna Boy, has stirred debate in the football world after leaving out Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from his list of all-time greats, Soccernet.ng reports.

Speaking on GOAT Talk — a YouTube series by Complex where celebrities debate the best and worst of various topics — Burna Boy was asked to name his three football Greatest of All Time (GOATs).

Without hesitation, he selected Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, Brazil’s Ronaldinho, and Super Eagles of Nigeria’s all-time goalscorer Victor Osimhen.

The choice has raised eyebrows, given that Messi and Ronaldo have dominated world football for nearly two decades, both of whom share 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them.

Okocha, Osimhen, Ronaldinho: Why These Three?

Perhaps, his choices might be linked to Okocha being from his country. But no doubt, the former Paris Saint-Germain player was regarded as one of Africa’s most skilful players.

Meanwhile, for Ronaldinho, his creativity, tricks, and happiness on the pitch. Even in retirement, he remains a global favourite.

At just 26, Victor Osimhen has become Nigeria’s poster boy in Europe after winning the African Player of the Year and being nominated for the 2023 Ballon d'Or award.

He now leads the line at Galatasaray, where he recently won the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot with 26 goals. With his goal-scoring prowess, Osimhen remains central to Nigeria’s hopes for World Cup qualification.

Burna Boy’s Growing Football Ties

This isn’t Burna Boy’s first foray into football conversations. The “African Giant” recently launched the Burna Boy Football Academy in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, aiming to nurture grassroots talent.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: BURNABOY FOOTBALL ACADEMY

We are proud to announce the official launch of the BURNABOY FOOTBALL ACADEMY dedicated to nurturing the next generation of football talent. Our academy offers world-class coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, pic.twitter.com/L0xw4oQ7xk

— Burna boy Football Show/Academy (@burnaboyfs) August 14, 2024

The academy has already sent some players on trials in Europe, which is strengthening its bond with the sport.

Beyond that, he has performed at major football events, including a surprise show at the England Lionesses’ trophy parade, where coach Sarina Wiegman admitted she was stunned by his appearance.