FIFA confirms Okocha’s historic World Cup dribbling record.

FIFA has confirmed that Nigerian legend Jay‑Jay Okocha still holds the record for the most successful dribbles in a single World Cup match.

The governing body cited Okocha’s 15 successful dribbles during Nigeria’s Round of 16 match against Italy at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, a record that has remained unbeaten for more than thirty years.

Okocha achieved the milestone against a strong Italian side that included stars such as Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini.

FIFA noted that the record endures despite the rise of many world‑class dribblers. Former Brazilian forward Jairzinho and former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne share second place with 13 successful dribbles in a single World Cup match.

Other legendary players recognized among the competition’s greatest dribblers include Eusebio, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and Jamal Musiala.

FIFA also highlighted that Lionel Messi holds the record for the most successful dribbles across all World Cup appearances with 125, while Maradona remains the player with the highest number of successful dribbles in a single tournament, recording 53 during the 1986 World Cup.

The recognition further cements Okocha’s status as one of the most skillful footballers in World Cup history and one of Nigeria’s most celebrated sporting figures.