His story is the true definition of heroism!
In 1990, Cameroon had just come from a disastrous AFCON bout. It was the team’s first since Milla hung up his boots. Milla was 38 then and in the twilight of his career in the Reunion island. He had retired from international football, and was relishing the delicious carri and sausage rougail in the Indian Ocean.
The World Cup was calling, and there was no way the Lions could afford to disgrace themselves in a second straight tournament, this time on the world stage.
President Paul Biya stepped forward, picked up the phone and called the man , who won the Player of the Tournament award in the AFCON two years before, to join 1990 World Cup team. Milla dusted his boots, made a splash and fortunes changed.
With a super sub status, he schooled defenders and goalkeepers at Italia 90, scoring a total of 4 goals, among which was a phenomenal 2-minute brace in extra-time against Colombia in the round of 16, which took Cameroon to the quarterfinals. Just as phenomenal was his trademark celebration.
In the quarterfinals against England, he was again instrumental in Cameroon’s two goals, winning a penalty and providing an assist. Unfortunately, that was the end of the road for the Lions.
At the end of the tournament, Milla earned a place in the best 11 of the 1990 World Cup, and returned home to win the African Player of the Year Award for the second time in his career.
Milla returned to the World Cup 4 years later in the USA and became the tournament’s oldest ever goal scorer at 42.
In 2004, Brazilian legend Pele named Roger Milla in his list of 125 greatest living footballers.
There may be debates on Milla’s position in the all-time ranking of Cameroon’s and Africa’s greatest players, but there is no debate when it comes to who the continent’s World Cup GOAT is. Albert Roger Milla it is the one.
By Devine Ade
