4 African player rivalries that match Messi-Ronaldo

The decision, whichever way it goes will has always split opinions globally as ‘Messians’ and ‘Ronaldinos’ make the case as to who is the better of the two.

We take a look at five of these:

Jay Jay vs Abedi Pelé

So good they named him twice. That saying, describing Nigeria’s midfield talisman never gets old. Okocha dazzled for the world to see and still remains one of the great African play makers of all time. Although one blemish on his career is not having won any major domestic title in France, Germany or England.

The fact that Abedi Ayew was nicknamed ‘Pelé’ should already be an indication as to the type of player he was. He was a pioneer for African players in Europe and was among the Marseille team that defeated AC Milan in the 1993 final. Abedi’s talent also saw him win the African Player of the Year award, as well as the Nations Cup.

Milla vs Weah

Two of Africa’s great names from the early 90s. Many would argue that Weah was the better striker given his exploits with AC Milan, during which he won the Ballon d’Or in 1995. But Weah never made it to a World Cup with Liberia – Roger Milla did, scoring four goals at Italia ’90, revealing his corner flag azonto celebration each time.

Add the cherry on top, Milla is the oldest player to have scored a World Cup goal at age 42, which means his name will continue to be remembered for a long time to come.

Touré vs Essien

Toure (Yaya), the younger of the famous Ivory Coast brothers led the national team, The Elephants to their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title. He ensured that the ‘golden generation’ of Ivory Coast football will not just be remembered for their two failed attempts at winning the title.

On his day, he is a juggernaut, leaving opponents in his wake and scoring stunning goals for fun. If any player could try and match Touré, it would be Essien, the hard-tackling, boomerang-shooting former Chelsea and Ghana midfielder.

Kuffour vs Touré

In their heyday, both of these players were uncompromising in their defending. Kuffour dominated in a Bayern Munich defence that won several Bundesliga titles and will forever be remembered for his tears of agony when Bayern lost to Manchester United in the Champions league in 1999. Touré (Kolo) meanwhile was a member of the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’, the last Arsenal side to win the English Premier League and unlike Kuffour, until now he has not managed to overturn the disappointment of losing a Champions League final match.

Although Kuffour is retired, now a commentator for South African sports channel SuperSports, Touré plays on, with current club Celtic. He is bound to add to his domestic honours by winning the Scottish Premier League title. Kuffour still takes this duel anytime, any day.

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