The Super Eagles legend’s dribbling benchmark from France 1998 is equalled by Spain’s rising star at the 2026 World Cup.
Spain and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has written his name into FIFA World Cup history after equalling a remarkable dribbling record set by Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha during the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
According to statistics published by ESPN, Yamal is averaging 12 successful dribbles per 90 minutes at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, matching the mark Okocha established during Nigeria’s memorable campaign at France ’98. The figure is the highest recorded by any player who has featured for more than 200 minutes at a single World Cup since the Super Eagles icon achieved the same feat 28 years ago.
Okocha remains one of Nigeria’s greatest footballers, and his performances at the 1998 World Cup are still celebrated by fans across the country. The midfield maestro featured in all three of Nigeria’s group-stage matches, including the famous 3-2 victory over Spain and the 1-0 win against Bulgaria, before the Super Eagles were eliminated by Denmark in the Round of 16.
One of Okocha’s finest displays came against Spain in Nantes, where Nigeria produced one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by coming from behind twice to defeat the European giants. Goals from Mutiu Adepoju, an own goal by goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta and a spectacular long-range strike from Sunday Oliseh secured the famous victory.
Match statistics later reviewed by FIFA showed Okocha completed nine successful dribbles, created two goalscoring chances and delivered three crosses in an outstanding all-round performance. Earlier this year, FIFA also presented him with a retrospective Player of the Match award for that memorable display.
Even more impressive was Okocha’s performance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, where he completed 15 successful dribbles against Italy—a record that still stands as the highest number of completed dribbles by any player in a single World Cup match.
Yamal, who has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 tournament, continues to impress for Spain with his creativity, confidence and ability to beat defenders. The teenage winger has played a key role in Spain’s impressive run, with the European side winning every major tournament match he has started.
The Barcelona youngster also made history alongside teammate Pau Cubarsí by becoming one of the first pairs of teenagers to start a FIFA World Cup knockout match together for a European nation in decades.
Having recovered from the hamstring injury that interrupted the closing weeks of his club season, Yamal has quickly become one of Spain’s most influential attacking players as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.
While the young Spaniard’s achievement highlights his extraordinary talent, it also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Jay-Jay Okocha, whose dazzling skills and unforgettable performances continue to inspire new generations of footballers around the world.