Nigerian football legend Jay Jay Okocha stole the show at the UEFA Champions League final in Munich, where he received a warm embrace from former Premier League stars Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, and Owen Hargreaves. The trio, now pundits for TNT Sports, couldn’t hide their excitement as they posed for photos with the revered ex-midfielder following Paris Saint-Germain’s dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan.
Okocha, who once dazzled fans in a PSG shirt during his professional career, was there to witness history as his former club secured its first-ever Champions League title in commanding fashion. His presence turned heads at the Allianz Arena, with fellow football icons and fans eager to acknowledge his legacy.
A night of recollection and glory
The meeting between these former stars was more than just a photo opportunity; it quickly evolved into a heartfelt conversation. Okocha expressed his delight over PSG’s long-awaited European success, admitting that he expected a much tighter contest and had initially predicted a 2-1 outcome. “Honestly, I didn’t see this coming,” he said. “But who cares? They won! That’s what matters. It’s an incredible achievement for PSG and a beautiful moment for football.”
Social media excitement
A clip from the post-match moment featuring Okocha and the former England internationals has gone viral on social media, eliciting emotional reactions from fans worldwide. One user, @Etim923, commented, “He is a respected footballer. They know him, and they were thrilled to see him. They speak highly of him because they remember his brilliance.” Another user, @nso_3000, added, “You can’t get near Jay Jay… the man is so nice they named him twice.”
Fans highlighted Okocha’s global recognition, sharing a memorable anecdote from @JudeCThaddeus: “A Hungarian officer once asked if I was from Ghana or Kenya. I said Nigeria, and he smiled, saying ‘Jay Jay Okocha!’ He then praised his playing style while checking my ticket.”
The respect for Okocha was clear, with one comment capturing it well: “Greatness sees greatness. Jay Jay really nailed that interview.”
PSG’s Champions League payday
Meanwhile, following their historic victory, PSG is set to earn an estimated €144 million from this season’s Champions League campaign, pending UEFA’s final confirmation. This financial windfall results from UEFA increasing its performance-based prize pool by nearly €400 million this season.
