Grammy-winning Nigerian music star Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has shared his picks for some of football’s greatest players, placing Nigerian legend Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha among the all-time best to grace the sport.
Speaking during a recent interview with ESPN, the Afrobeats superstar discussed his love for football, revealing his favourite players, club, and thoughts on the long-running debate over the greatest footballer in history.
Rather than choosing between football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Burna Boy declined to take sides, insisting that the debate does not interest him.
Instead, he named Jay Jay Okocha and Brazilian football icon Pele as his top choices.
“I will say Jay Jay Okocha. It is between him and Pele. I am not doing that Ronaldo or Messi stuff,” Burna Boy said.
The singer also praised Bayern Munich and England captain Harry Kane, describing him as his favourite striker of all time. Kane has built an impressive career, earning recognition as one of England’s most prolific goalscorers through his performances in both the Premier League and the Bundesliga.
Burna Boy further disclosed that he is a loyal supporter of Manchester United. Among the current players at Old Trafford, he singled out midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as his favourite, applauding the youngster’s rise from the club’s academy to becoming a key figure in the first team.
Looking beyond England, the Afrobeats star also hailed Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal as the finest young footballer in the world, adding another rising talent to his list of favourites.
The interview offered fans a glimpse into Burna Boy’s passion for football, showing that his admiration for the game extends well beyond music.
