FIFA has confirmed that Nigerian football legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha remains the holder of the record for the most successful dribbles in a single FIFA World Cup match, further cementing his reputation as one of the most gifted dribblers in football history.

According to statistics highlighted by the world football governing body as part of its countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 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 remains unmatched more than three decades later. (

The former Super Eagles midfielder achieved the record against an Italian side widely regarded as one of the strongest defensive teams of its era, featuring players such as Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Demetrio Albertini.

FIFA’s records show that Okocha tops the all-time list for successful dribbles in a single World Cup match. Brazil’s Jairzinho and England’s Paul Gascoigne jointly occupy second place with 13 successful dribbles each, recorded during the 1970 and 1990 tournaments respectively.

The governing body also noted that several football greats, including Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Eusébio, Sandro Mazzola, and Jamal Musiala, have recorded 12 successful dribbles in a World Cup match, but none have surpassed Okocha’s mark.

Okocha, widely celebrated for his creativity, flair, and technical ability, was one of the standout performers for Nigeria during the country’s debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1994. His display against Italy remains one of the most memorable individual performances by an African player on football’s biggest stage.

FIFA’s latest recognition has reignited praise for the former midfielder, who enjoyed a distinguished career with clubs including Eintracht Frankfurt, Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers, and Fenerbahçe, while also becoming one of Nigeria’s most iconic football figures.

While Okocha holds the record for the most successful dribbles in a single World Cup match, FIFA notes that Argentina captain Lionel Messi holds the overall record for the highest number of successful dribbles across World Cup appearances, with 125 completed take-ons during his tournament career.