Super Eagles legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has predicted Barcelona, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich as the possible winners of the UEFA Champions League, while backing Kylian Mbappe to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or award.
Okocha made his predictions during an interview with French publication JDD ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s trip to Manchester City on Wednesday.
The former Nigerian international acknowledged that the Ballon d’Or race is highly competitive, with several leading players, including Harry Kane, Mbappe, Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain stars, in contention for the prestigious individual award.
However, he believes Mbappe deserves the honour following his impressive scoring record at the World Cup, Champions League and in the Spanish league.
“The suspense is more exciting than ever. There are a good half-dozen contenders: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, the PSG players,” Okocha said to Le Journal du Dimanche.
“I think Mbappé deserves it for having been the top scorer in the World Cup (10 goals), the Champions League (15) and the Spanish league (25).”
The former PSG playmaker named Manchester City, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich among the leading candidates for Champions League glory.
He highlighted Manchester City’s significant investment in the summer, Barcelona’s impressive start to the season, and Bayern Munich’s ability to retain their key players.
“Of course. City are still among the main contenders. They spent a lot of money last summer to strengthen their squad (nearly €500 million),” he revealed.
“I also see FC Barcelona , who are having a remarkable start to the season with the Raphinha-Yamal duo, and Bayern Munich, who came very close last season and have managed to keep their starting eleven intact. With another year under their belts, this team will be difficult to beat.”
The Nigeria icon also singled out Désiré Doué as one of the exciting young talents at PSG, praising the Frenchman’s exceptional technical ability and natural composure on the ball.
“I would say Désiré Doué . I like him a lot. He's incredible technically and everything seems natural as soon as he has the ball at his feet.”
Reflecting on his own spell in Paris, Okocha admitted that failing to win a major trophy with the club was disappointing, but maintained that his team played some of the most attractive football in the French league.
He fondly recalled playing alongside stars such as Ronaldinho, Gabi Heinze, Mikel Arteta and Nicolas Anelka.
“Yes, but we played the most beautiful football in the French league. I had a blast with fantastic teammates like Ronaldinho, Gabi Heinze, Mikel Arteta, and Nicolas Anelka. PSG is a club I hold dear. The city is wonderful, and I loved living there,” he concluded.
Okocha, who spent four years at PSG, added that the Ligue 1 champions remained close to his heart despite failing to win a trophy in Paris.
Adeyemi Adewale
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