Watch Cristiano Ronaldo outshine Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha in throwback clip

A throwback clip capturing Cristiano Ronaldo’s dazzling moment against Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha has resurfaced on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

The video revisits a 2005 Premier League clash where Okocha’s famous tricks were overshadowed by a young Ronaldo’s star turn for Manchester United.

In the footage, Okocha who recently turned 52 attempts his signature skill, but United defenders quickly close him down just around their danger zone.

The Red Devils soon recycled possession, allowing then-teenager Ronaldo to showcase a similar trademark move as he beat his marker and scored. This goal helped seal a memorable 4-1 victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side at Old Trafford.

According to a BBC report from that day, ‘Ferguson enjoyed a stress-free 64th birthday’ as Manchester United comfortably defeated Bolton Wanderers.

Okocha started and finished the match but couldn’t influence the game enough to stop Sam Allardyce’s team from losing.

The match saw an early own goal from Bolton’s Bruno N'Gotty after Kieran Richardson’s cross, followed by a Gary Speed header to equalise.

Louis Saha restored United’s lead before Wayne Rooney, in outstanding form, set up Ronaldo to make it 3-1. The Portuguese winger then wrapped up the win with a brilliant mazy run.

Fan reactions highlight the contrasting legacies of the two players. One fan said, “Jay Jay was already schooling defenders all over Europe before CR7 became a household name. By this time, Ronaldo could only manage a few tricks while Okocha had a full bag of them.”

Another shared a personal moment, “This exact match was the day I became a Man Utd fan.” Meanwhile, some noted the role of team strength, commenting, “Only shows Ronaldo had better defenders to carry him.”

This throwback clip reminds fans how football legends from different generations can shine in their unique ways, with Ronaldo’s early brilliance stealing the spotlight on that day against a Nigerian maestro.