World football governing body, FIFA, has announced that Nigerian football legend, Jay-Jay Okocha, still holds the record for the most successful dribbles in a single FIFA World Cup match.
The football governing body said Okocha completed 15 successful dribbles during Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against Italy at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The feat, achieved more than three decades ago by Nigerian football superstar, remains unmatched in the history of the global football tournament despite the emergence of several world-class dribblers over the years.
Okocha delivered the remarkable performance against a strong Italian side that featured some of the best defenders of the era, including Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini.
Nigeria had taken the lead in the encounter through Emmanuel Amunike before Italy staged a comeback to win 2-1 after extra time.
Despite the defeat, Okocha’s individual brilliance became one of the enduring highlights of the tournament and earned him a place in World Cup history.
According to FIFA, Okocha sits at the top of the all-time list for the most successful dribbles in a single World Cup match.
Former Brazilian star Jairzinho is joint second on the list after recording 13 successful dribbles against Uruguay during the 1970 World Cup.
England midfielder Paul Gascoigne also recorded 13 successful dribbles in a match against Cameroon at the 1990 World Cup, matching Jairzinho’s achievement.
FIFA’s recognition comes as part of its countdown to the 2026 World Cup, highlighting some of the tournament’s greatest individual records and performances.
The football body also noted that Argentina captain Lionel Messi holds the record for the highest number of successful dribbles across all World Cup appearances, with 125 completed take-ons.
Meanwhile, the late Argentine icon Diego Maradona remains the player with the most successful dribbles in a single World Cup edition, having recorded 53 during the 1986 tournament.
The latest recognition further reinforces Okocha’s reputation as one of the most skilful footballers to have graced the game and one of Nigeria’s greatest sporting icons.
Widely celebrated for his flair, creativity and close ball control, Okocha remains a revered figure in global football, with his 1994 World Cup performance against Italy continuing to be regarded as one of the finest individual displays in the history of the competition.
