Cameroonian · Yaoundé, Cameroon · Born 20 May 1952The dancing goalscorer who captivated the 1990 World Cup — the first African to truly capture global attention at a World Cup.
Albert Roger Milla was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon on 20 May 1952. He played for clubs across France, including Monaco, Bastia and Montpellier, but it was on the international stage where he made football history. At the 1990 World Cup in Italy — aged 38 and initially retired — President Paul Biya personally requested his inclusion in the Cameroon squad. He scored four goals and performed his famous corner-flag celebration, becoming one of the tournament's defining personalities. Cameroon became the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. He appeared at the 1994 World Cup aged 42 — scoring one goal — becoming the oldest player to score in a World Cup final tournament. He earned 77 caps for Cameroon and won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988. He was named the African Footballer of the Century and remains football's most enduring example of a player reinvented in later life.
Oldest World Cup goalscorer at 42 years old
He came out of retirement to score at the 1994 World Cup at the age of 42 — the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup finals.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clinical finisher with excellent positioning and trademark corner flag celebrations
Lasting Impact
Pioneer who put African football on the global map and inspired generations
Career Honours
- African Player of Year 2x
- 1990 World Cup Quarter-Final (Cameroon)
- 105 Cameroon caps
- African Cup of Nations 1984
- African Cup of Nations 1988
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Éclair | 1970–1974 | — | 33 | #9 |
| Douala | 1974–1977 | — | — | — |
| Valenciennes | 1977–1980 | 90 | 31 | — |
| Montpellier | 1982–1984 | 88 | 35 | — |
| Saint-Étienne | 1984–1986 | 56 | 22 | — |
| Bastia | 1989–1994 | 35 | 18 | — |
| AS Monaco | 1980–1984 | 108 | 52 | — |
 Cameroon | — | 105 | 43 | — |
Cameroonian Athletes