Okocha Places Ronaldo Seventh in Ultimate Dribbling Masterclass Ranking

In a moment of sporting theater that has ignited debate across the global football community, Nigerian icon Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has offered a rare glimpse into how a true artist views the craft of dribbling. Speaking in Morocco ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening clash with Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the former midfield maestro took part in a high-stakes blind ranking of ten of the most gifted ball-handlers to ever grace the pitch. The results were as surprising as one of his trademark step-overs, particularly his decision to place five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo outside the top five.

The exercise, conducted by renowned journalist Kelechi Anyikude, required Okocha to rank ten elite players based solely on their ability to beat an opponent with the ball at their feet. For a man who was once so good they named him twice, Okocha’s criteria focused on flair, soul, and the raw “street” essence of the game. Without hesitation, he reserved the pinnacle of his list for the late Diego Maradona. The Nigerian legend bestowed the number one spot upon the Argentine, describing him as the quintessential “street footballer” whose relationship with the ball transcended modern coaching.

Following closely in the footsteps of the great Maradona was Inter Miami’s talisman, Lionel Messi. Okocha placed the diminutive Argentine at number two, acknowledging a career defined by surgical precision and an almost supernatural ability to retain possession in tight spaces. For Okocha, Messi represents the modern evolution of the street style he admires, a player who can dismantle entire defensive structures with a single drop of the shoulder.

The third spot was handed to the elegant Zinedine Zidane. Though the Frenchman was known for his towering presence and thunderous volleys, Okocha highlighted his balletic grace. Ranking the Real Madrid legend third underscores Okocha’s appreciation for dribblers who use their entire body to deceive, turning a simple turn on the ball into a choreographed piece of art. It was a ranking that favored the “classical” dribbler over the high-speed sprinters of the current era.

In a move that highlighted his appreciation for the modern “Joga Bonito” style, Okocha placed Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. in the fourth position. Despite the debates that often surround Neymar’s career, Okocha clearly recognizes a kindred spirit in the Al-Hilal forward—someone who prioritizes entertainment and the humiliation of defenders as much as the final scoreline.

Perhaps the most fascinating moment of the ranking came when the “Jay-Jay” himself entered the fray. With his characteristic blend of humility and supreme confidence, Okocha ranked himself in fifth position. By placing himself in the top half of a list featuring the greatest names in history, the former Bolton Wanderers captain reminded fans of an era when he was arguably the most feared individual dribbler in the English Premier League, capable of leaving world-class defenders in a state of visible confusion.

The shockwaves of the interview were most felt in the lower half of the list, where Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo was placed seventh. While Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest goal-scorers to ever play the game, Okocha’s ranking suggests that the Portuguese star’s transition from a tricky winger to a lethal poacher has seen him eclipsed by “purist” dribblers. To Okocha, six other players possessed a higher level of raw, unpredictable skill with the ball than the man who once terrorized the wings at Manchester United.

Nestled between Okocha and Ronaldo was the surprise inclusion of Morocco’s Adel Taarabt at number sixth. Taarabt, a cult hero known for his outrageous skills during his time at Queens Park Rangers, clearly made a lasting impression on the Nigerian legend. By placing the Moroccan ahead of Ronaldo, Okocha emphasized that his list was not about trophies or career longevity, but about that specific, fleeting magic that happens when a player decides to take on the world.

In an even more controversial twist, Barcelona legend Ronaldinho found himself in the eighth position. Many fans consider the Brazilian the greatest entertainer of all time, yet in Okocha’s specific “blind” hierarchy, he fell behind Taarabt and Ronaldo. Rounding out the bottom of the elite list were Hatem Ben Arfa at ninth and Portugal’s Ricardo Quaresma at tenth. Both players are celebrated as “mercurial” talents—men whose careers were defined by moments of individual genius that often lacked the consistency of those at the top of the list.

Okocha’s rankings provide a unique window into the mind of a player who viewed the football field as a canvas. As he prepares to support his nation in their quest for AFCON glory, his words serve as a reminder that in the eyes of a master, the beauty of the dribble is measured in soul and audacity, rather than just stats and accolades.