The only African player who wore jersey number 10 for 4 different European teams

One of the most iconic Jersey number in the world of football, is the number 10. This number is given to players who are considered as the most exceptional in a team. Only on rare occasion is this iconic number given to defenders because in most cases, it’s either a creative midfielder or an outstanding winger that gets to wear the Jersey.

Over the years, we have seen many great European players like, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, many to mention but few, wearing this Jersey for their club, but it is only on rare occasion you find an African player being awarded the number 10 Jersey in any European club.

One of the few African players who wore this particular Jersey in the past is our very own Jay-Jay Okocha. The former super eagles playmaker wore this Jersey number for four different clubs during his playing days.

Okocha at Eintracht Frankfurt, 1994.

After wearing six different Jersey number for four years at German club, Eintracht Frankfurt, he was awarded with the iconic number in 1994. His exceptional performances for the club saw him wearing the Jersey for two consecutive years before joining Fenerbahçe SK in 1996.

Okocha in Fenerbahçe

He was immediately given the same number after signing for the Turkish club, but after wearing the number between 1996-1997, it was taken away from him and replaced with the number 13 Jersey.

From Fenerbahçe SK, he moved took his career to the next phase by joining Ligue 1 side, PSG in 1998. At the Parc des Princes, Okocha was given the iconic Jersey, and he went on to wear it for four years. After spending four awesome years in France, he joined English side, Bolton in 2002.

Jay-Jay Okocha at Bolton in 2004

Wearing the number 10, his talent was witnessed by the Wanderers on several occasions. Because of his skill, he was considered as a nightmare to play against. His best performance for Bolton was in the match against Aston Villa in 2004. In that match, he scored two stunning free-kicks and regularly tormented the opposition with some of his fancy tricks.

Jay-Jay Okocha’s memory in Europe is one which is written in the sands of time.