Johannesburg – Roger Milla, born Albert Roger Mooh Miller on May 20, 1952, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, is one of the greatest ambassadors of African football. Known not only for his talent on the field but also for his charismatic personality, longevity as an athlete, and social impact, Milla has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Childhood and early life
Milla grew up in a modest family in Douala, Cameroon’s economic hub. From a
young age, he showed an interest in football, playing on the streets and joining local amateur teams.
At just 13 years old, he joined Eclair de Douala, where he began his formal training and gained recognition, which soon led to his first professional contract.
Family and personal life
Milla is married to Evelyne Milla, with whom he has two children. Despite his global fame, he has always valued privacy and kept his family life out of the spotlight.
Beyond football, Milla is actively involved in social causes, particularly in youth development and poverty alleviation in Cameroon. He maintains close ties with local charities and supports initiatives focused on education and sports for underprivileged children.
Career milestones and personal sacrifices
International Debut:
Milla earned his first call-up to Cameroon’s national team in 1973 at the age of 21, debuting at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Marriage and Sacrifices:
During his career in Europe, particularly at Montpellier, Milla faced the challenge of being far from his family. His wife, Evelyne, was instrumental in maintaining their family stability, balancing their private life while Milla pursued football glory.
Retirement and surprise comeback:
Milla retired from the national team in 1987, but Cameroon’s President Paul Biya persuaded him to return for the 1990 FIFA World Cup—a decision that would define his legacy and change African football history forever.
Club Career and International Statistics
Clubs Played: Milla had an illustrious club career across Africa and Europe, including stints at SC Bastia, AS Monaco, Montpellier, and Tonnerre Yaoundé.
Total Goals:
111 goals in 289 matches in Europe.
36 goals in 102 matches for the Cameroon national team.
Titles:
Won the Coupe de France with AS Monaco (1980).
Helped Montpellier gain promotion to Ligue 1.
Two-time AFCON champion (1984 and 1988) with Cameroon.
1990 FIFA World Cup – A Historic Breakthrough
Performance:
At 38 years old, Milla scored four goals in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, all in the knockout stages. His two goals in the 2-1 win against Colombia in extra time sent Cameroon to the quarter-finals—the first African team to reach that stage.
His iconic dance celebration by the corner flag remains one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.
Economic and social impact:
Cameroon’s performance in 1990 boosted global interest in African football, leading to a 40% increase in investment in sports infrastructure across the continent. Sponsorships and broadcasting rights for African leagues and national teams also rose significantly after the tournament.
1994 World Cup and record-breaking achievement
In the 1994 World Cup, Milla, at 42 years old, became the oldest player to score in a World Cup match, netting a goal against Russia. This record still stands today, cementing his place as a football legend.
Legacy and post-Football Life
Milla Foundation: After retiring, Milla established a foundation focused on youth development and sports. The foundation builds football academies and community centers to nurture young talent in Cameroon.
UNICEF Ambassador: As a UNICEF ambassador, Milla has participated in campaigns to combat child poverty and promote education across Africa.
Honors and recognition
CAF’s African Player of the Century (2007).
FIFA Order of Merit (2006).
Roger Milla Stadium: A stadium named in his honor was inaugurated in Cameroon.
Statue in Yaoundé: In 2010, a statue depicting Milla dancing by the corner flag was erected in the capital city.
Legacy in African and global football
Milla is widely credited with changing the perception of African football on the global stage. His 1990 performance inspired increased investments in sports and paved the way for future African players to succeed internationally.
His joyful and unique goal celebrations redefined how footballers express themselves on the field, adding personality and emotion to the sport.
Roger Milla’s legacy extends far beyond his goals and trophies. He proved that age is no barrier to success and became a symbol of resilience, passion, and leadership. His contributions, both on and off the pitch, have inspired generations and fostered the development of football and social initiatives in Africa. Milla’s story is not just one of sporting triumph but also of how one man can use his platform to uplift a continent and shape a brighter future for its people.