Super Eagles star snubs Ronaldo, names Brazilian and French greats as GOATS

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has shared his personal list of the greatest footballers of all time and it has a couple of surprises, Afrik-Foot reports.

In an era ruled by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, most people expect one or both legends to top any GOAT debate.

Messi is often praised for his skill, vision and complete style of play, while Ronaldo is admired for his strength, goals and long-lasting success at the highest level. Together, they have dominated world football for nearly two decades.

But Boniface sees things differently. The Super Eagles forward has instead chosen two players known for flair, creativity and magical moments: Brazil’s Neymar and former France star Hatem Ben Arfa.

My goat
Right 🦶-Neymar
Left 🦶 -Ben arfa

— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) February 17, 2026

For Boniface, these two are the finest footballers he has ever watched.

Super Eagles’ Boniface: Neymar and Ben Arfa are magic

Neymar, now back at Santos, first rose to global fame in Brazil before shining in Europe with Barcelona and PSG. Boniface believes the Brazilian has the best right foot he has ever seen; a player capable of scoring, assisting and entertaining in equal measure.

Neymar’s career numbers support that view. He has scored more than 400 senior goals and delivered over 250 assists for club and country. He is also one of the most productive players in Champions League history and among South America’s top international scorers.

His mix of speed, tricks and finishing has made him one of football’s most exciting stars.

Boniface’s second choice, Ben Arfa, is known as one of football’s greatest dribblers.

The Frenchman thrilled fans during spells at clubs such as Marseille, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain.

While he never won major trophies with France, Ben Arfa built a reputation for beating defenders with ease and scoring stunning solo goals.

Boniface says the former winger had the sweetest left foot in the game, a bold pick ahead of Messi, but one that highlights the Nigerian striker’s love for flair and creativity.

In choosing Neymar and Ben Arfa over football’s most famous names, Boniface has shown that greatness, for him, is about magic as much as medals.