Jay Jay Okocha Breaks Silence on the Truth Behind His Football Career

Jay-Jay Okocha Opens Up on the Harsh Realities of Football Life During and After Retirement

Former Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha has shed light on the realities of a footballer’s life—both during their active years and after retirement.

Speaking on a long-form podcast, Okocha noted that football, while glamorous, is ultimately a short career with no pension. Many players, he said, struggle to maintain their lifestyle once the fame and perks fade, with some even unable to pay hospital bills in retirement.

“I realised at 23 that real life begins after retirement, when the glamour and free perks end,” Okocha said. “It hit me when I bought my first property in Nigeria and later in England. The rental income wasn’t much compared to what I earned as a player. I understood I needed to invest wisely, stay focused, and avoid greed. That’s why I never went into businesses I didn’t understand.”

The former midfielder revealed that safe investments, particularly in property, sustained him after football. Unlike many of his peers, he avoided risky ventures that often leave players bankrupt.

Okocha, widely regarded as one of the most skillful midfielders in Nigerian football history, remains one of the most celebrated Super Eagles players of all time.