Roger Milla built a respected football career in Cameroon and France through the 1970s and 1980s, winning the African Footballer of the Year award before what appeared to be a winding-down retirement from international football.
In 1990, at 38 years old and reportedly persuaded out of international retirement by the President of Cameroon himself, Milla was called up for the World Cup in Italy, where Cameroon became the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Milla's exuberant goal celebrations, dancing around the corner flag after each of his four goals at the tournament, became one of the most iconic and joyful images of the 1990 World Cup, and helped popularise a new, expressive style of goal celebration across world football.
Milla returned again at the 1994 World Cup at age 42, scoring against Russia to become the oldest goal-scorer in World Cup history, a record that stood for decades, cementing his status as one of African football's most beloved and influential figures.
- Became the oldest goal-scorer in World Cup history at age 42
- Led Cameroon to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup quarter-final
- His corner-flag goal celebrations became one of football's most iconic images
- Won the African Footballer of the Year award
- Widely regarded as one of the most beloved figures in African football history
- Age need not be a barrier to extraordinary achievement. His most iconic World Cup performances came at 38 and 42 years old.
- Joy and expression can become as memorable as the achievement itself. His goal celebrations remain as celebrated as his goals.
- Individual brilliance can elevate an entire nation's footballing reputation. His performances helped establish Cameroon as a genuine footballing force internationally.
- Late-career contributions can define a legacy as much as early achievements. His most famous moments came well after his career appeared to be winding down.