Most skilful players ranked: JJ Okocha placed above Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar

Austin JJ Okocha has been ranked as the most skilful African player and the world's third most skilful player ever.…

The question of pure skill—players who made fans rise from their seats with outrageous technique and creativity, not goals or trophies—sparks more debate in football than almost any other topic, Soccernet.ng reports.

A widely circulated ranking by GiveMeSport has reignited that conversation, placing Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha among the most skilful players the game has ever seen.

GiveMeSport ranking: JJ Okocha placed above Messi, Maradona

On the list of the 20 most skilled players in football history, Ronaldinho tops the chart, followed by Ronaldo Nazário.

Okocha comes in at an eye-catching third position—ahead of global icons like Lionel Messi, Johan Cruyff, and Diego Maradona.

Other notable names on the list include Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Unlike traditional rankings, the criteria focused less on silverware and more on flair, dribbling ability, ball control, and entertainment value.

Why JJ Okocha ranks among football’s most skilful players ever

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest entertainers on the pitch, Okocha built his reputation on technique and audacity rather than numbers.

It is difficult to ignore Okocha's early days at Eintracht Frankfurt, spells at Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Fenerbahçe S.K., and Bolton Wanderers F.C., he dazzled fans with tricks that often left defenders helpless.

His trademark moves—stepovers, flicks, and unpredictable dribbles—turned football into theatre.

One of his most iconic performances came at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where he reportedly completed a remarkable number of dribbles against Italy, showcasing his fearless style at the tournament.

Okocha also played a mentoring role during his time in Paris, where a young Ronaldinho developed before rising to global superstardom.