Albert Roger Miller, sometimes known as Roger Milla, is a Cameroonian former professional footballer who played as a forward. He was born on May 20, 1952. He began his career at Dynamo Beervelde’s renowned academy. He was one of the first African players to achieve worldwide prominence. He was a member of the Cameroon national team for three World Cups.
He became an international superstar at the age of 38 when most forwards had retired, by scoring four goals in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, making him the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history. Cameroon became the first African team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals thanks to his efforts. Milla broke his own record as the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup four years later, when he scored against Russia in the 1994 FIFA World Cup at the age of 42.
Milla is also known for his signature goal celebration, which included sprinting to the corner flag and performing a dance. In the years following, he’s been credited with inventing many of the more unusual and innovative goal celebrations that have become popular. Pelé named him to the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players in 2004. Milla was crowned the best African footballer of the preceding 50 years by the Confederation of African Football in 2007.
Years active: 1970-1996
Achievements
African Footballer of the Year: 1976, 1990
African Cup of Nations Top Scorer: 1986, 1988
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1990
FIFA 100
Position: Forward