- Jay Jay Okocha was teammates with Brazilian soccer icon Ronaldinho at the French team Paris Saint-Germain.
- The pair are arguably two of the greatest dribblers football has ever witnessed as they showcased incredible skills on the pitch
- Okocha has revealed his connection to the ex-Barcelona playmaker, stating that he acted as a mentor figure for him.
The former Nigeria national team player Austin Jay-Jay Okocha revealed that the Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldinho regarded him as his elder brother.
Considered among the best dribblers in football history, this duo was teammates at the French club Paris Saint-Germain from 2001 to 2003.
In 1998, Okocha inked a landmark contract with the Parisian team, whereas Ronaldinho joined them in 2001 after playing for the Brazilian side Grêmio.
Because of their comparable playstyles, rumors circulated that Okocha and Ronaldinho trained their signature moves together at PSG.
Back then, the Nigerian icon had been more firmly established, as he had made his move to Europe sooner.
Some devoted supporters took this notion a step ahead, proposing that the Super Eagles player had an impact on Ronaldinho, who seemed to adopt some of his flamboyant style.
Okocha has now shared some insights into his connection with the ex-Barcelona player, describing him as someone of higher rank.
Jay Jay informed Oma Sports:
When he joined PSG, I was already well-known in the household there, as PSG was his inaugural European club or his first one beyond Brazil. He was just 20 years old at that time.
So naturally, it takes time to acclimate and understand different cultures. Indeed, there were moments when I acted somewhat like an older brother, offering guidance and encouragement since his talents were evident to all. However, adjustment requires patience. In this process, I had my part to play, and I'm pleased that he recognized this.
Despite their comparable playing styles, Ronaldinho proved more impactful and ended up representing some of the top teams globally.
Although both players enjoyed remarkable football journeys, Ronaldinho emerged as the more accomplished one, claiming victory at the FIFA World Cup along with the Copa America while representing Brazil.
He reportedly won multiple trophies at the club level, including the UEFA Champions League, according to Soccernet.
Ronaldinho also secured numerous individual honors, such as the FIFA Best Player award, the Ballon d'Or, the UEFA Best Player distinction, and the South American Best Player accolade.
In contrast, despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations title and an Olympic gold medal during his career, Okocha continues to be highly regarded around the world.
Although the unpredictable playmaker didn’t participate for top-tier global teams, he left his imprint at PSG, Fenerbahce, Eintrcht Frankfurt, and Bolton.
Okocha remembers the day he encountered Oliver Kahn.
Diwida >.ng Earlier reports indicated that Nigerian football icon Jay Jay Okocha mentioned having encountered the remarkable Oliver Kahn some years following his memorable humiliation of the German goalkeeper.
Okocha netted one of the most memorable goals in history, effortlessly maneuvering past five defenders and the goalie before coolly slotting it home.
Upon getting a pass in a risky zone, he pretended to shoot before quickly cutting backward, causing Kahn to end up flat on the ground.
