View source for Roger Milla

{{Short description|Cameroonian footballer (born 1952)}}
{{Similar names|Roger Miller (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Roger Milla
| image = Milla2008cropped.jpg
| caption = Milla in 2008
| full_name = Albert Roger Miller<ref name=Legion>{{cite journal |date=16 April 2006 |title=Décret du 14 avril 2006 portant promotion et nomination |trans-title=Decree of 14 April 2006 on promotion and appointment |url=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000000607329 |journal=Official Journal of the French Republic |volume=2006 |issue=91 |id=PREX0609207D |access-date=15 March 2025 |language=fr}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1952|5|20|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Yaoundé]], Cameroon
| height = 1.76 m
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Forward]]
| youthyears1 = 1965–1967
| youthclubs1 = Eclair de Douala
| years1 = 1967–1970
| clubs1 = Eclair de Douala
| caps1 = 
| goals1 = 
| years2 = 1970–1974
| clubs2 = [[Léopard Douala]]
| caps2 = 116
| goals2 = 89
| years3 = 1974–1977
| clubs3 = [[Tonnerre Yaoundé|Tonnerre]]
| caps3 = 87
| goals3 = 69
| years4 = 1977–1979
| clubs4 = [[Valenciennes FC|Valenciennes]]
| caps4 = 28
| goals4 = 6
| years5 = 1979–1980
| clubs5 = [[AS Monaco FC|Monaco]]
| caps5 = 17
| goals5 = 2
| years6 = 1980–1984
| clubs6 = [[SC Bastia|Bastia]]
| caps6 = 113
| goals6 = 35
| years7 = 1984–1986
| clubs7 = [[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne]]
| caps7 = 59
| goals7 = 31
| years8 = 1986–1989
| clubs8 = [[Montpellier HSC|Montpellier]]
| caps8 = 95
| goals8 = 37
| years9 = 1989–1990
| clubs9 = [[JS Saint-Pierroise|Saint-Pierroise]]
| caps9 = 23
| goals9 = 8
| years10 = 1990–1994
| clubs10 = [[Tonnerre Yaoundé|Tonnerre]]
| caps10 = 116
| goals10 = 89
| years11 = 1994–1995
| clubs11 = [[Pelita Jaya]]
| caps11 = 23
| goals11 = 23
| years12 = 1995–1996
| clubs12 = [[Bali United F.C.|Putra Samarinda]]
| caps12 = 12
| goals12 = 18
| totalcaps = 666+
| totalgoals = 405+
| nationalyears1 = 1973–1994
| nationalteam1 = [[Cameroon national football team|Cameroon]]
| nationalcaps1 = 77
| nationalgoals1 = 43
| manageryears1 = 2001–2007
| managerclubs1 = [[Montpellier HSC|Montpellier]] (coaching staff)
| manageryears2 = 2007–2011
| managerclubs2 = [[Tonnerre Yaoundé|Tonnerre]]
| manageryears3 = 2011–2012
| managerclubs3 = [[Tonnerre Yaoundé|Tonnerre]] (director of football)
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[association football|football]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|CMR}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Africa Cup of Nations]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[1984 African Cup of Nations|1984 Ivory Coast]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[1988 African Cup of Nations|1988 Morocco]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[1986 Africa Cup of Nations|1986 Egypt]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Afro-Asian Cup of Nations]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[1985 Afro-Asian Cup of Nations|1985 Cameroon]]|}}
}}
'''Albert Roger Miller''' (born 20 May 1952), known as '''Roger Milla''', is a Cameroonian former professional [[association football|footballer]] who played as a [[forward (association football)|forward]]. He was one of the first African players to be a major star on the international stage. He played in three [[FIFA World Cup|World Cups]] for the [[Cameroon national football team|Cameroon national team]].

He achieved international stardom at 38 years old, an age at which most forwards have retired, by scoring four goals at the [[1990 FIFA World Cup]], becoming the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history at the time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/roger-milla-interview-cameroon-indomitable-lions-fifa-world-cup-record|title=Milla: My record will be very difficult to beat|publisher=FIFA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183651/https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/roger-milla-interview-cameroon-indomitable-lions-fifa-world-cup-record|archive-date=17 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=AFP |title=Meet the man who put African football on world map |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/sports/meet-the-man-who-put-african-football-on-world-map |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183656/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/sports/meet-the-man-who-put-african-football-on-world-map |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cameroon great Roger Milla remembers FIFA World Cup magic as history beckons for Africa |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/football/fifa-world-cup-2018/fifa-worldcup-2018-news/2018/jun/11/cameroon-great-roger-milla-remembers-fifa-world-cup-magic-as-history-beckons-for-africa-1826731.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102232525/http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/football/fifa-world-cup-2018/fifa-worldcup-2018-news/2018/jun/11/cameroon-great-roger-milla-remembers-fifa-world-cup-magic-as-history-beckons-for-africa-1826731.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 November 2019 |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Johannesburg |first=Tom Dart |title=Roger Milla says of African toil: I told you so |newspaper=[[The Times]] |language=en |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/roger-milla-says-of-african-toil-i-told-you-so-l0635wb36f8 |access-date=2022-12-17 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183656/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/roger-milla-says-of-african-toil-i-told-you-so-l0635wb36f8 |url-status=live }}</ref> He helped Cameroon become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. Four years later, at the age of 42, Milla broke his own record as the oldest goalscorer in World Cup by scoring against [[Russia national football team|Russia]] in the [[1994 FIFA World Cup]].<ref name=classic>{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=79318/profile.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152407/http://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=79318/profile.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Roger Milla, the pride of the Indomitable Lions|access-date=5 September 2015|publisher=FIFA}}</ref>

Milla frequently [[goal celebration|celebrated goals]] by running to the corner flag and performing a dance similar to the [[lambada]].<ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story?id=790168&cc=5739&ver=global |title=First XI: World Cup celebrations |author=Jon Carter |journal=[[ESPN]] |date=26 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603233147/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story?id=790168&cc=5739&ver=global |archive-date=3 June 2010}}</ref> In 2004 he was named by [[Pelé]] in the [[FIFA 100]] list of the world's greatest living players.<ref name=classic/> In 2007, the [[Confederation of African Football]] named Milla the best African player of the previous 50 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/6261335.stm|title=Milla is Caf's best from 50 years|date=15 January 2007|access-date=1 June 2014|department=[[BBC Sport]]|archive-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201213/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/6261335.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time of his retirement, he was regarded as the all-time topscorer from African region in FIFA World Cup finals with five goals and his record was eventually surpassed by Ghana's [[Asamoah Gyan]].

== Biography ==
His [[birth certificate]] as well as his [[passport]] implies his name as Roger Miller due to a clerical error and misunderstanding. His parents wanted to give him the surname of his uncle 'Milla' by the time he was born. He was often referred to as Miller whenever he featured in high-profile international matches with World Cup statistical sheets referring to him as Miller speaks volume of how far his name had been mispronounced and wrongly heard in international community. His family moved to [[Douala]] when he was 11.<ref name="auto">{{cite book|title=Feet of the Chameleon: The Story of African Football|author=Ian Hawkey|publisher=Portico|year=2010|page=149}}</ref>

His father worked on the railroads and Milla had the fortune of travelling all over the nation on many occasions in his childhood. He was raised up in the streets of [[Yaoundé]] and he hailed from a typical middle-class family so that his parents were able to provide him a satisfactory [[education]]. However, his parents were unhappy when they noticed that Milla was going after football and they were initially reluctant to accept their son playing the sport of football.<ref name=":0" />

He learnt the art of playing football by playing barefoot with fellow kids on dirt streets and roads and in most of the occasions he played with an [[Orange (fruit)|orange]] or a tin can as an alternative option for a ball. He also had the habit of kicking lemons and rags tied together into balls.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Brian |date=2022-09-07 |title=Roger Milla, the Indomitable Lion Who Changed World Cup History |url=https://www.theringer.com/2022/9/7/23340054/22-goals-roger-milla-1990-cameroon-world-cup |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=The Ringer |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183651/https://www.theringer.com/2022/9/7/23340054/22-goals-roger-milla-1990-cameroon-world-cup |url-status=live }}</ref> He along with other children had to play in dusty courts since Cameroon had not yet established children soccer academies at that time and Cameroon did not have the luxury of well maintained fields nor did they afford to have licensed coaches. It was revealed that Milla played football solely for leisure, fun and entertainment purposes and did not think seriously of making it as his career and he went onto polish his football skills during school vacations.<ref name=":1" />

Roger Milla himself said that he had finished high school but his claim has been refuted by some Cameroonian writers.<ref name=":1" /> He has three brothers with different surnames such as Joseph Debouba, Jacques Edjanque and Alexandre Diboussi. He nearly quit the sport after his mother's untimely death at home during the time when he played soccer in a distant arena and also due to his wife had become pregnant as the couple were awaiting for their second child.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vecsey |first=George |date=1990-06-24 |title=SPORTS OF THE TIMES; The Old Man Waited for the Shadows |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/24/sports/sports-of-the-times-the-old-man-waited-for-the-shadows.html |access-date=2022-12-17 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183650/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/24/sports/sports-of-the-times-the-old-man-waited-for-the-shadows.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Club career==
===Early years===
He played for Eclair de Douala's junior team at the age of 13 and engaged exclusively in school tournaments. He later convinced his parents following his impressive performances in age group category matches.

He made his debut for [[Eclair de Douala]]'s senior team in the second division of the Cameroonian championship at the age of 15.<ref name="auto"/> Two years later, aged 17, he became the Cameroonian schools high jump champion.<ref name="auto"/> He signed up for the top division club [[Léopard Douala]] in 1970 at the age of 18 and eventually went onto win three Cameroonian championship titles with the club. He also scored a tally of 89 goals in 116 appearances for Léopard Douala during a tenure of four years. He subsequently moved to [[Tonnerre Yaoundé]] in 1974 four years after the successful stint with Léopard Douala. He won the African Cup Winners' Cup with Tonnerre Yaoundé and for Tonnerre Yaoundé club he scored 69 goals in 87 games.

===Moving to France===
He moved to France at the age of 25 in 1977 where he spent 12 years of his career playing for various clubs. In 1977, he was lured to Europe by the French club [[Valenciennes FC|Valenciennes]]. There he scored 6 goals in 28 league games over two seasons. In 1979, he joined [[AS Monaco FC|AS Monaco]], where he won the 1980 French Cup and scored 5 goals in 25 league and cup games.<ref name=":0" /> He had endured multiple injury concerns during his short stay and his team management decided to release him at the end of the season. The next year, he joined Bastia, where he spent four seasons. Milla scored 42 goals in 133 competitive matches and was instrumental in assisting the club to win the 1981 French Cup.

He next moved to [[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Etienne]] in 1984 and became a crucial member of the club, which was recovering from the aftermath of a massive bribery scandal in 1982 and the subsequent relegation to Division 2, having had to sell out most of its first-choice players. He overall played 69 matches for the club scoring 36 goals and played a part in helping the club to re-enter the first division. He then starred for [[Montpellier Hérault SC|Montpellier]] from 1986 to 1989, where Milla later went on to become a member of the club's coaching staff after retiring from French football.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}  In his first season, Milla scored 18 goals in 33 regular season matches, which ultimately helped the Montpellier to return to Division 1. Overall, he scored 41 goals in 103 appearances for the Montpellier.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Mix |first=Pulse |date=2022-12-09 |title=Roger Milla: The lion, the magician, and the magic play |url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/roger-milla-the-lion-the-magician-and-the-magic-play/8dkjs73 |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=Pulse Ghana |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217190659/https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/roger-milla-the-lion-the-magician-and-the-magic-play/8dkjs73 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Later years===
Milla left French football at the age of 37 in 1989 and moved to [[Réunion]] in the [[Indian Ocean]] where he played for [[JS Saint-Pierroise]]. After his World Cup success, he returned to Tonnerre in Cameroon for four seasons. He closed out his playing days with two clubs in Indonesia after the 1994 World Cup, retiring from the sport at the end of the 1996 season. The number of goals he had scored in the Indonesian local championship surpassed the number of matches he had even played in the competition, with 41 goals coming in just 35 matches over a period of two years.

==International career==
Milla was capped 77 times for the national team, scoring 43 goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/rogermilla-intlg.html |title=Albert Roger Mooh Miller "Milla" – Goals in International Matches |first=Roberto |last=Mamrud |date=9 March 2017 |website=[[RSSSF]] |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-date=10 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710163345/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/rogermilla-intlg.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Milla made his first appearance for [[Cameroon national football team|Cameroon]] in 1973 versus [[Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team|Zaire]] in a World Cup qualifier.<ref name=rsssf>[https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/oldest-youngest.html Men - Longest 'Career' Span] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726065645/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/oldest-youngest.html |date=26 July 2022 }} RSSSF. Retrieved 27 May 2015.</ref>

He made his World Cup debut in also what is considered to be the maiden World Cup appearance for Cameroon when they qualified for the [[1982 FIFA World Cup]] after winning both their final round matches against Morocco at the [[1982 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|1982 FIFA World Cup qualification for the African Zone]]. Milla played an instrumental role in helping Cameroon to qualify for the 1982 World Cup by top scoring in the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification for the African Zone competition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/cameroon-legend-roger-milla-turns-70|title=Roger Milla at 70|publisher=FIFA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183651/https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/cameroon-legend-roger-milla-turns-70|archive-date=17 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> He endured mixed emotions at 1982 FIFA World Cup having a goal disallowed against Peru in their first match. Cameroon went out with three draws from their three first-round games. Two years later, he was part of the squad competing at the [[1984 Summer Olympics]] in [[Los Angeles, California]].{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

Milla was also an integral member of the Cameroonian squad which won the [[1984 African Cup of Nations]] where Cameroon defeated Nigeria [[1984 African Cup of Nations Final|3-1 in the final]] to secure Cameroon's first ever continental title.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Milla backs Cameroon to retain Afcon title |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48574322 |access-date=2022-12-17 |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183704/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48574322 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was a key member of the Cameroonian side which emerged as runners-up to Egypt in [[1986 African Cup of Nations Final|the final]] of the [[1986 African Cup of Nations]] and he received the best player award in the tournament for being the top goal scorer with 4. He was also named in 1986 African Cup of Nations team of the tournament. He was also the joint top goalscorer in the 1988 African Cup of Nations with 2 goals alongside Algeria's [[Lakhdar Belloumi]], [[Abdoulaye Traoré (footballer, born 1967)|Abdoulaye Traoré]] of Ivory Coast and [[Gamal Abdelhamid]] of Egypt. He once again  played a vital role in Cameroon's trumph at the [[1988 African Cup of Nations]] and for his noteworthy performances throughout the tournament, he was adjudged as the player of the tournament and was also included in the 1988 African Cup of Nations team of the tournament.

In 1988, at the age of 36, Milla celebrated his early retirement from international football with a jubilee in Cameroon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.slateafrique.com/677363/roger-milla-pogba-celebration|title=Et Roger Milla inventa la célébration de but|website=Slate Afrique|date=5 July 2016|language=fr-FR|access-date=1 April 2020|archive-date=18 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618093657/http://www.slateafrique.com/677363/roger-milla-pogba-celebration|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in 1990, he received a phone call from the President of Cameroon [[Paul Biya]], who pleaded with him to come out of international retirement and rejoin the national team. He agreed, and went to [[Italy]] with the ''Indomitable Lions'' for the [[Football World Cup 1990|1990 World Cup]], where he would cause a sensation. It was revealed that Paul Biya wanted Milla to play in the World Cup after watching Milla play in an exhibition charity match which was played at [[Douala]] where Milla went on to score two goals.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://olympics.com/en/news/oldest-goal-scorer-fifa-world-cup-football|title=Who is the oldest goal-scorer in the World Cup?|publisher=Olympics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207170004/https://olympics.com/en/news/oldest-goal-scorer-fifa-world-cup-football|archive-date=7 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the insistence of the Cameroonian President, Milla decided to make a comeback to international football by making an official announcement in May 1990.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1990/06/24/milla-shoots-cameroon-into-history-quarterfinal/6983884c-4706-4f01-9e89-ebe7e125c071/|title=MILLA SHOOTS CAMEROON INTO HISTORY, QUARTERFINAL|date=24 June 1990|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=17 December 2022|archive-date=8 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908084647/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1990/06/24/milla-shoots-cameroon-into-history-quarterfinal/6983884c-4706-4f01-9e89-ebe7e125c071/|url-status=live}}</ref>

It is also reported that most of the Cameroonian teammates and the national head coach [[Valery Nepomnyashchy]] who is a Russian did not want Milla to be part of the 1990 FIFA World Cup.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/100-great-world-cup-moments-qatar-2022-42-roger-milla-cameroon-1990|title=Old lion roars for Cameroon (42) {{!}} 100 great World Cup moments|publisher=FIFA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183650/https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/100-great-world-cup-moments-qatar-2022-42-roger-milla-cameroon-1990|archive-date=17 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Biya issued a decree summoning him to return to the national side and Biya officially signed the decree requesting and compelling the coach to pick him for the World Cup squad. It was also reported that the renowned sportswriters in Cameroon along with fans began a campaign to recall Milla back to the national team following Cameroon's embarrassing display during the [[1990 African Cup of Nations]] in Algeria where Cameroon crashed out from the group stage with defeats to The Gambia and Senegal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1990/07/01/with-milla-as-leader-of-pack-young-lions-pride-has-soared/478dffa0-bb42-478a-b762-dc1b22caab94/|title=WITH MILLA AS LEADER OF PACK, YOUNG LIONS' PRIDE HAS SOARED|date=1 July 1990|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=17 December 2022|archive-date=9 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209193044/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1990/07/01/with-milla-as-leader-of-pack-young-lions-pride-has-soared/478dffa0-bb42-478a-b762-dc1b22caab94/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Milla the making of Africa at the World Cup |url=https://supersport.com/football/fifa-world-cup-2022/news/b9a12b4a-89a5-4a9c-889c-f2ef21cbd2b6/milla-the-making-of-africa-at-the-world-cup |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=SuperSport |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183652/https://supersport.com/football/fifa-world-cup-2022/news/b9a12b4a-89a5-4a9c-889c-f2ef21cbd2b6/milla-the-making-of-africa-at-the-world-cup |url-status=live }}</ref>

===1990 World Cup===
Milla scored all his four goals in the tournament as a substitute as he started every game of the tournament on the bench. He started in the second half in four out of five World Cup matches and appeared in the first half once. His two crucial goals came in the second half of the match against Romania within just two minutes in extra time where he once again appeared as a substitute and following his heroics, he was hailed as a hero in Cameroon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-19 |title=1990: When Cameroon rocked the world |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/cameroon-crm/656/blog/post/3859286/1990-when-cameroon-rocked-the-world |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183650/https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/cameroon-crm/656/blog/post/3859286/1990-when-cameroon-rocked-the-world |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Anirudh |title=40 Greatest Goals in World Cup History: #37 Roger Milla - Cameroon vs Romania ('90) |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/40-greatest-goals-in-world-cup-history-roger-milla-cameroon-vs-romania-90 |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |date=8 May 2018 |language=en-us |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183651/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/40-greatest-goals-in-world-cup-history-roger-milla-cameroon-vs-romania-90 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the coach Valery Nepomnyashchy who decided to bring in Milla a bit earlier in the game against Romania knowing full well that a victory would secure Cameroon's spot in the knockout stages and the coach later acknowledged the importance of Milla after his important late cameo in Cameroon's remarkable upset victory over defending world champions Argentina. He was the oldest outfield player to feature in the 1990 FIFA World Cup and was the second oldest player during the tournament after England's [[Peter Shilton]].

The 38-year-old Milla emerged as one of the tournament's major stars. He scored four goals in Italy, celebrating each one with a dance around the corner flag that has become a popular [[goal celebration]] ever since. Two of his goals came against [[Romania national football team|Romania]] in Cameroon's second game, and two more came in extra time against [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] in the last 16 to carry Cameroon to the quarter-finals,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Philémon |last2=Philémon |date=2022-06-24 |title=World Cup 90: The day Roger Milla took Cameroon to the quarter-finals |url=https://sportnewsafrica.com/en/at-a-glance/world-cup-90-the-day-roger-milla-took-cameroon-to-the-quarter-finals/ |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=Sport News Africa |language=en-US |archive-date=24 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124095109/https://sportnewsafrica.com/en/at-a-glance/world-cup-90-the-day-roger-milla-took-cameroon-to-the-quarter-finals/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the furthest an African team had ever advanced at the World Cup ([[Senegal national football team|Senegal]] and [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]] matched this feat in [[2002 FIFA World Cup|2002]] and [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]] respectively, whilst [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] surpassed it by reaching the semi-finals in [[2022 FIFA World Cup|2022]]). In the quarter-final match against England, Milla confirmed his super-sub legend by entering in the second half with Cameroon trailing 1–0 and drawing a penalty and then setting up a goal for Ekeke to give Cameroon a 2–1 lead, before England later scored two penalties, to win 3–2 after extra time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-03 |title=How England 'pulled it out of the fire' against Milla's Cameroon at Italia 90 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/03/how-england-pulled-it-out-of-the-fire-against-millas-cameroon-at-italia-90 |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210225547/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/03/how-england-pulled-it-out-of-the-fire-against-millas-cameroon-at-italia-90 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-14 |title=On Second Thoughts: Italia 90 {{!}} Rob Smyth |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/oct/14/on-second-thoughts-italia-90 |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207050747/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/oct/14/on-second-thoughts-italia-90 |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to his performances in Italy, he was once again named African Footballer of the Year.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

His second goal celebration against Colombia became iconic across the world, and was used by Coca-Cola as seen in ads like the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]] [[Coca-Cola]] advertisement.<ref>{{YouTube|5bUfz7UgPDw|Roger Milla World Cup Coca-Cola Commercial}}</ref>

===1994 World Cup===
Milla returned to the [[1994 FIFA World Cup]] at the age of 42, being the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup until the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 tournament]] when [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]]'s [[Faryd Mondragón]] entered in a [[2014 FIFA World Cup Group C|group stage]] match versus [[Japan national football team|Japan]] when 43 years and 3 days old. Mondragon's record in turn was beaten by [[Essam El Hadary]] in [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/lists/milla-zoff-the-oldest-players-in-world-cup-history/1wau0ekie341x15h2qpa5px43d|title=Milla, Zoff & the oldest players in World Cup history|publisher=Goal.com|date=15 June 2018|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621042853/http://www.goal.com/en/lists/milla-zoff-the-oldest-players-in-world-cup-history/1wau0ekie341x15h2qpa5px43d|url-status=live}}</ref> Cameroon were knocked out in the group stages; however, Milla scored a goal against [[Russia national football team|Russia]], setting a record as the [[FIFA World Cup records|oldest goalscorer]] in a World Cup tournament, breaking the record he had set in 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/on-this-day-in-world-cup-history-russia-6-cameroon-1-28-june-1994-2012166.html|title=On this day in world cup history: Russia 6 Cameroon 1, 28 June 1994|publisher=Independent|date=28 June 2010|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621045845/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/on-this-day-in-world-cup-history-russia-6-cameroon-1-28-june-1994-2012166.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His final international appearance came in a friendly against [[South Africa national soccer team|South Africa]] in December 1994.<ref name=rsssf/>

==Post-playing career==
He is now an itinerant ambassador for African causes. He also works as a volunteer for various groups including the [[World Wide Fund for Nature]]. He also opened two companies for recycling plastic into paving slabs. In 2004, he was named to the [[FIFA 100]], a list of the 125 greatest living footballers selected by [[Pelé]] in conjunction with [[FIFA]]'s centenary celebrations.

He coached Montpellier from 2001 to 2007. He also went onto serve as the manager of the Tonnerre for a tenure of four years between 2007 and 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The eight lesser-known football World Cup heroes |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2022/11/18/lesser-known-world-cup-heroes |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |archive-date=19 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219055918/https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2022/11/18/lesser-known-world-cup-heroes |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Legacy ==
[[File:Finales CAN 2021 (31).jpg|thumb|Milla with the Africa Cup of nations trophy in 2022.]]
He was appointed as honorary president of the [[Cameroonian Football Federation]] in March 2008. However, he was removed from the position as honorary president in May 2012 after criticising the top officials of the Cameroon Football Federation with regards to the lengthy ban imposed on [[Samuel Eto'o]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Cameroon federation ditches Milla |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/18103491 |access-date=2022-12-17 |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183652/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/18103491 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IANS |title=Roger Milla dismissed as honorary president |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/roger-milla-dismissed-as-honorary-president |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |date=18 May 2012 |language=en-us |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183650/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/roger-milla-dismissed-as-honorary-president |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 24 November 2022, he was honoured by the FIFA for his achievements as the FIFA President [[Gianni Infantino]] presented him a plaque just prior to the start of the group stage match between Cameroon and Switzerland during the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]] at [[Al Janoub Stadium]] and Milla was also officially invited as a special guest by FIFA President to watch the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mumuni |first=Lukman |date=2022-11-25 |title=FIFA celebrate Roger Milla for being the oldest player to score at the World Cup |url=https://sportsbrief.com/football/28703-african-football-legend-roger-milla-celebrated-by-fifa-2022-fifa-world-cup/ |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=SportsBrief - Sport news. |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183651/https://sportsbrief.com/football/28703-african-football-legend-roger-milla-celebrated-by-fifa-2022-fifa-world-cup/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Milla: Some might say football is more important than politics |url=https://www.fifa.com/social-impact/campaigns/football-unites-the-world/news/origin1904-p.cxm.fifa.commilla-some-might-say-football-is-more-important-than-politics |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=www.fifa.com |language=en}}</ref>

His wily celebration in a kind of [[Makossa]] dance at corner flag area during the 1990 FIFA World Cup changed the perceptions of how people started to see African football in a positive manner. His celebrations were deemed as instant hit and triggered positive energy to the viewers during the World Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borg |first=Chris |date=2015-06-23 |title=Roger Milla: How Italia 90 changed the way the world saw African football |url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/23/football/roger-milla-cameroon-african-football-world-cup-1990/index.html |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183651/https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/23/football/roger-milla-cameroon-african-football-world-cup-1990/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He became the talk of the town and tournament sensation during the 1990 FIFA World Cup mainly for his skill sets on the field, dance celebrations and for his technique. He was later dubbed as "King of the Corner Flag".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fifa world cup Brazinga 2014: Cup Legend Roger Milla |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-fifa-world-cup-brazinga-2014-cup-legend-roger-milla-1993694 |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=DNA India |language=en |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183652/https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-fifa-world-cup-brazinga-2014-cup-legend-roger-milla-1993694 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2020, he along with the Cameroonian teammates received three bedroom bungalows as gifts in recognition of their stellar run during the 1990 FIFA World Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-28 |title=After 30 years wait, Roger Milla, oda Cameroon 1990 teammates receive Biya e house gift |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/sport-53946312 |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=BBC News Pidgin |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183650/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/sport-53946312 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, they had to wait for 30 years to receive the gift despite early promise by President Paul Biya in 1990. The project was long delayed following the concerns with regards to corruption and malpractices relating to the submitted list of 44 beneficiaries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kobo |first=Kingsley |date=2020-08-09 |title=Cameroon: Roger Milla & Co get 1990 WC gift houses |url=https://www.aclsports.com/cameroon-roger-milla-co-get-1990-wc-gift-houses/ |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=ACLSports |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217183654/https://www.aclsports.com/cameroon-roger-milla-co-get-1990-wc-gift-houses/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{NFT |14807|accessdate=21 June 2018}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|Cup
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="3"|Eclair de Douala
|1968–69
|rowspan="2"|[[Elite One|Première Division]]
|28||1||||||||
|-
|1969–70
|29||5||||||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!57!!6!!!!!!!!
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Léopard Douala]]
|1970–71
|rowspan="4"|Première Division
|29||25||||||||
|-
|1971–72
|30||20||||||||
|-
|1972–73
|28||19||||||||
|-
|1973–74
|30||25||||||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!117!!89!!!!!!!!
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Tonnerre Yaoundé]]
|1974–75
|rowspan="3"|Première Division
|29||23||||||||
|-
|1975–76
|28||26||||||||
|-
|1976–77
|30||20||||||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!87!!69!!!!!!!!
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Valenciennes FC|Valenciennes]]
|[[1977–78 French Division 1|1977–78]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Ligue 1|Division 1]]
|0||0||||||||
|-
|[[1978–79 French Division 1|1978–79]]
|28||6||1||1||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!28!!6!!1!!1!!!!
|-
|[[AS Monaco FC|Monaco]]
|[[1979–80 French Division 1|1979–80]]
|Division 1
|17||2||8||3||||
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[SC Bastia|Bastia]]
|[[1980–81 French Division 1|1980–81]]
|rowspan="4"|Division 1
|30||9||9||8||||
|-
|[[1981–82 French Division 1|1981–82]]
|23||8||6||3||||
|-
|[[1982–83 French Division 1|1982–83]]
|29||13||2||0||||
|-
|[[1983–84 French Division 1|1983–84]]
|31||5||3||1||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!113!!30!!20!!12!!!!
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne]]
|[[1984–85 French Division 2|1984–85]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Ligue 2|Division 2]]
|31||22||8||3||||
|-
|[[1985–86 French Division 2|1985–86]]
|28||9||2||2||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!59!!31!!10!!5!!!!
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Montpellier HSC|Montpellier]]
|[[1986–87 French Division 2|1986–87]]
|Division 2
|33||18||2||1||||
|-
|[[1987–88 French Division 1|1987–88]]
|rowspan="2"|Division 1
|33||12||4||3||||
|-
|[[1988–89 French Division 1|1988–89]]
|29||7||2||0||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!95!!37!!8!!4!!!!
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[JS Saint-Pierroise|Saint-Pierroise]]
|1989
|
|||||||||||
|-
|1990
|[[Réunion Premier League|D1 Pro]]
|23||8||||||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!23!!8!!!!!!!!
|-
|rowspan="5"|Tonnerre Yaoundé
|1990–91
|rowspan="4"|Première Division
|29||22||||||||
|-
|1991–92
|30||19||||||||
|-
|1992–93
|27||23||||||||
|-
|1993–94
|30||25||||||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!116!!89!!!!!!!!
|-
|[[Pelita Jaya]]
|[[1994–95 Liga Indonesia Premier Division|1994–95]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Liga Indonesia Premier Division|Premier Division]]
|23||23||||||||
|-
|[[Bali United F.C.|Putra Samarinda]]
|[[1995–96 Liga Indonesia Premier Division|1995–96]]
|12||18||||||||
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!747!!413!!47!!25!!794!!438
|}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="RSSSF">{{cite web|title=Albert Roger Mooh Miller "Milla" - Goals in International Matches|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/rogermilla-intlg.html|website=RSSSF|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="18"|[[Cameroon National Football Team|Cameroon]]
|1973||3||0
|-
|1975||3||1
|-
|1976||8||7
|-
|1977||6||4
|-
|1978||1||0
|-
|1979||2||3
|-
|1980||1||1
|-
|1981||7||9
|-
|1982||6||0
|-
|1984||8||2
|-
|1985||2||2
|-
|1986||5||4
|-
|1987||4||3
|-
|1988||5||2
|-
|1990||5||4
|-
|1991||1||0
|-
|1992||5||0
|-
|1994||5||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!77!!43
|}

:''Scores and results list Cameroon's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Milla goal.''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Roger Milla
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|style="text-align:center"|1
|{{dts|19 November 1975}}
|[[Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium]], [[Yaoundé]], Cameroon
|{{fb|Zaire}}
|style="text-align:center"|—
|style="text-align:center"|2–1
|[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Zaire, 19 November 1975|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-zaire-19-november-1975-233580/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|2
|{{dts|7 July 1976}}
|[[Stade d'Angondjé]], [[Libreville]], Gabon
|{{fb|Rwanda|1962}}
|style="text-align:center"|5–0
|style="text-align:center"|5–0
|[[Football at the Central African Games|1976 Central African Games]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Rwanda v Cameroon, 07 July 1976|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/rwanda-v-cameroon-07-july-1976-233830/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|3
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|10 July 1976}}
|rowspan="2"|Stade d'Angondjé, Libreville, Gabon
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Burundi}}
|style="text-align:center"|—
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|5–0
|rowspan="2"|1976 Central African Games
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Burundi, 10 July 1976|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-burundi-10-july-1976-233841/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|4
|style="text-align:center"|—
|-
|style="text-align:center"|5
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|14 July 1976}}
|rowspan="2"|Stade d'Angondjé, Libreville, Gabon
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|CGO|1970}}
|style="text-align:center"|—
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–2
|rowspan="2"|1976 Central African Games
|rowspan="2"|{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}
|-
|style="text-align:center"|6
|style="text-align:center"|3–2
|-
|style="text-align:center"|7
|{{dts|17 October 1976}}
|[[Alphonse Massemba-Débat Stadium|Stade de la Revolution]], [[Brazzaville]], Congo
|{{fb|CGO|1970}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–2
|[[1978 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|1978 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Congo Brazzaville v Cameroon, 17 October 1976|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/congo-brazzaville-v-cameroon-17-october-1976-233990/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|8
|{{dts|31 October 1976}}
|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|{{fb|CGO|1970}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–2
|1978 FIFA World Cup qualification
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Congo Brazzaville, 31 October 1976|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-congo-brazzaville-31-october-1976-234008/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|9
|{{dts|26 January 1977}}
|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|{{fb|CGO|1970}}
|style="text-align:center"|—
|style="text-align:center"|2–2
|Friendly
|<ref name="RSSSF" />
|-
|style="text-align:center"|10
|{{dts|13 March 1977}}
|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|{{fb|CGO|1970}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|[[1978 African Cup of Nations qualification]]
|<ref name="RSSSF" />
|-
|style="text-align:center"|11
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|27 December 1977}}
|rowspan="2"|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Rwanda|1962}}
|style="text-align:center"|—
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–0
|rowspan="2"|[[Football at the 1978 All-Africa Games – Men's qualification|1978 All-Africa Games qualification]]
|rowspan="2"|<ref name="RSSSF" />
|-
|style="text-align:center"|12
|style="text-align:center"|—
|-
|style="text-align:center"|13
|rowspan="3"|{{dts|10 April 1979}}
|rowspan="3"|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|rowspan="3"|{{fb|Guinea}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"|3–0
|rowspan="3"|[[1980 African Cup of Nations qualification]]
|rowspan="3"|<ref name="RSSSF" />
|-
|style="text-align:center"|14
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|15
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|16
|{{dts|29 June 1980}}
|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|{{fb|Malawi}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|[[1982 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|1982 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Malawi, 29 June 1980|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-malawi-29-june-1980-235952/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|17
|rowspan="3"|{{dts|5 April 1981}}
|rowspan="3"|[[Reunification Stadium]], [[Douala]], Cameroon
|rowspan="3"|{{fb|Togo}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"|4–0
|rowspan="3"|[[1982 African Cup of Nations qualification]]
|rowspan="3"|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Togo, 05 April 1981|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-togo-05-april-1981-236455/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|18
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|19
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|20
|rowspan="3"|{{dts|26 April 1981}}
|rowspan="3"|Reunification Stadium, Douala, Cameroon
|rowspan="3"|{{fb|Zaire}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"|6–1
|rowspan="3"|1982 FIFA World Cup qualification
|rowspan="3"|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Zaire, 26 April 1981|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-zaire-26-april-1981-236496/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|21
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|22
|style="text-align:center"|6–1
|-
|style="text-align:center"|23
|{{dts|16 August 1981}}
|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|{{fb|Madagascar}}
|style="text-align:center"|5–1
|style="text-align:center"|5–1
|1982 African Cup of Nations qualification
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Madagascar, 16 August 1981|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-madagascar-16-august-1981-236684/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|24
|{{dts|15 November 1981}}
|[[Kenitra Municipal Stadium]], [[Kenitra]], Morocco
|{{fb|Morocco}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|1982 FIFA World Cup qualification
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Morocco v Cameroon, 15 November 1981|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/morocco-v-cameroon-15-november-1981-236885/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|25
|{{dts|29 November 1981}}
|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|{{fb|Morocco}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–1
|style="text-align:center"|2–1
|1982 FIFA World Cup qualification
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Morocco, 29 November 1981|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-morocco-29-november-1981-236932/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|26
|{{dts|10 March 1984}}
|[[Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium]], [[Abidjan]], Ivory Coast
|{{fb|Ivory Coast}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|[[1984 African Cup of Nations]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Ivory Coast v Cameroon, 10 March 1984|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/ivory-coast-v-cameroon-10-march-1984-238344/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|27
|{{dts|30 July 1984}}
|[[Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium]], [[Annapolis, Maryland|Annapolis]], United States
|{{fb|Yugoslavia}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–2
|[[Football at the 1984 Summer Olympics|1984 Summer Olympics]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Yugoslavia v Cameroon, 30 July 1984|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/yugoslavia-v-cameroon-30-july-1984-238559/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|28
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|15 September 1985}}
|rowspan="2"|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Saudi Arabia}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–1
|rowspan="2"|[[1985 Afro-Asian Cup of Nations]]
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Saudi Arabia, 15 September 1985|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-saudi-arabia-15-september-1985-239448/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|29
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|30
|{{dts|8 March 1986}}
|[[Alexandria Stadium]], [[Alexandria]], Egypt
|{{fb|Zambia}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|3–2
|[[1986 African Cup of Nations]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Zambia, 08 March 1986|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-zambia-08-march-1986-239746/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|31
|{{dts|11 March 1986}}
|Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt
|{{fb|Morocco}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|1986 African Cup of Nations
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Morocco v Cameroon, 11 March 1986|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/morocco-v-cameroon-11-march-1986-239756/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|32
|{{dts|14 March 1986}}
|Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt
|{{fb|Algeria}}
|style="text-align:center"|3–1
|style="text-align:center"|3–2
|1986 African Cup of Nations
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Algeria, 14 March 1986|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-algeria-14-march-1986-239767/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|33
|{{dts|17 March 1986}}
|Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt
|{{fb|Ivory Coast}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|1986 African Cup of Nations
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Ivory Coast, 17 March 1986|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-ivory-coast-17-march-1986-239771/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|34
|{{dts|29 March 1987}}
|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|{{fb|Uganda}}
|style="text-align:center"|5–1
|style="text-align:center"|5–1
|[[1988 African Cup of Nations qualification]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon vs. Uganda|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/34300/Cameroon_Uganda.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|35
|{{dts|5 July 1987}}
|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|{{fb|Sudan}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|1988 African Cup of Nations qualification
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon vs. Sudan|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/34306/Cameroon_Sudan.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|36
|{{dts|15 November 1987}}
|Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon
|{{fb|Ghana}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|style="text-align:center"|2–2
|[[Football at the 1988 Summer Olympics – Men's African Qualifiers|1988 Summer Olympics qualification]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon vs. Ghana|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/34312/Cameroon_Ghana.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|37
|{{dts|14 March 1988}}
|[[Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium]], [[Rabat]], Morocco
|{{fb|Egypt}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|[[1988 African Cup of Nations]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Egypt, 14 March 1988|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-egypt-14-march-1988-240972/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|38
|{{dts|17 March 1988}}
|Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
|{{fb|Nigeria}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|1988 African Cup of Nations
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon vs. Nigeria|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/22151/Cameroon_Nigeria.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|39
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|14 June 1990}}
|rowspan="2"|[[Stadio San Nicola]], [[Bari]], Italy
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Romania}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2-1
|rowspan="2"|[[1990 FIFA World Cup]]
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Romania, 14 June 1990|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-romania-14-june-1990-242426/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|40
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|41
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|23 June 1990}}
|rowspan="2"|[[Stadio Diego Armando Maradona|Stadio San Paolo]], [[Naples]], Italy
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Colombia}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–1
|rowspan="2"|1990 FIFA World Cup
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon v Colombia, 23 June 1990|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/cameroon-v-colombia-23-june-1990-242448/|website=11v11|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|42
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|43
|{{dts|28 June 1994}}
|[[Stanford Stadium]], [[Stanford, California|Stanford]], United States
|{{fb|Russia}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–3
|style="text-align:center"|1–6
|[[1994 FIFA World Cup]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Russia vs. Cameroon|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/20506/Russia_Cameroon.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|}

==Honours==
===Player===
'''Léopards Douala'''
*[[Elite One|Cameroon Première Division]]: 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74<ref name=classic/>

'''Tonnerre Yaoundé'''
*[[African Cup Winners' Cup]]: [[1975 African Cup Winners' Cup|1975]]<ref name=classic/>
*[[Cameroonian Cup]]: 1991<ref name=classic/>

'''Monaco'''
*[[Coupe de France]]: [[1979–80 Coupe de France|1979–80]]<ref name=classic/>

'''Bastia'''
*Coupe de France: [[1980–81 Coupe de France|1980–81]]<ref name=classic/>

'''Montpellier'''
*[[Ligue 2|Division 2]]: [[1986–87 French Division 2|1986–87]]<ref name=classic/>

'''Cameroon'''
*[[African Cup of Nations]]: [[1984 African Cup of Nations|1984]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/84a-det.html|title=African Nations Cup 1984 - Final Tournament Details|access-date=August 9, 2025|language=en}}</ref> [[1988 African Cup of Nations|1988]];<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/88a-det.html|title=African Nations Cup 1988 - Final Tournament Details|access-date=August 9, 2025|language=en}}</ref> runner-up, [[1986 African Cup of Nations|1986]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/86a-det.html|title=African Nations Cup 1986 - Final Tournament Details|access-date=August 9, 2025|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Afro-Asian Cup of Nations]]: [[1985 Afro-Asian Cup of Nations|1985]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.besoccer.com/competition/squads/copa-naciones-afro-asiatica/1985|title=Afro-Asian Cup of Nations 1985-Squad Lists|access-date=August 9, 2025|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/asafr.html#85|title=Afro-Asian Cup of Nations-Final 1985|access-date=August 9, 2025|language=en}}</ref>

===Individual===
*[[African Footballer of the Year]]: 1976, 1990<ref name=classic/>
*[[Africa Cup of Nations]] best player: [[1986 African Cup of Nations|1986]], [[1988 African Cup of Nations|1988]]<ref name=classic/>
*Africa Cup of Nations top scorer: 1986, 1988<ref name=classic/>
*[[FIFA World Cup awards#Golden Boot|FIFA World Cup Bronze Boot]]: [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/90full.html|title=World Cup 1990 - Scorers' list|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=11 March 2016|archive-date=21 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421181034/http://www.rsssf.com/tables/90full.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[FIFA World Cup awards#All-Star Team|FIFA World Cup All-Star Team]]: [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990]]<ref name="FIFA World Cup Awards: All-Star Team">{{cite web|url=http://football.sporting99.com/fifa-world-cup-all-star-team.html|title=FIFA World Cup Awards: All-Star Team|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=30 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630203237/http://football.sporting99.com/fifa-world-cup-all-star-team.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[FIFA 100]]<ref name=classic/>
*[[Confederation of African Football|CAF Best African Player of the last 50 years]]: 2007<ref name=classic/>
*[[Golden Foot#Award legends|Golden Foot Legends Award]]: 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goldenfoot.com/legends.php?l=en|title=Legends|publisher=Golden Foot|access-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925120930/http://www.goldenfoot.com/legends.php?l=en|archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
*[[IFFHS]] Legends<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iffhs.de/iffhs-has-announced-the-48-football-legend-players/|title=IFFHS announce the 48 football legend players|publisher=IFFHS|date=25 January 2016|access-date=14 September 2016|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924082150/https://iffhs.de/iffhs-has-announced-the-48-football-legend-players/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[World Soccer (magazine)#Greatest Players of the 20th century|World Soccer]]: The 100 Greatest Footballers of All Time<ref name="World Soccer Players of the Century">{{cite web|url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamHons/HonsWldSocPlyrsCent.html|title=World Soccer Players of the Century|work=World Soccer|access-date=22 October 2018|archive-date=4 April 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210404034430/http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamHons/HonsWldSocPlyrsCent.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Confederation of African Football#CAF Golden Jubilee Best Players poll|CAF Golden Jubilee #1 Best Player]]

'''Orders'''
*[[Knight of the Legion of Honour]]: 2006<ref name=Legion/>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Football in Africa}}
* [[List of footballers with 500 or more goals|List of men's footballers with 500 or more goals]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{FIFA player}}

{{Navboxes
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| title = Awards
| list1 = 
{{1990 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{1986 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament}}
{{1988 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament}}
{{Africa Cup of Nations top scorers}}
{{Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament}}
{{African Footballer of the Year}}
{{FIFA 100}}
{{Golden Foot Legends Award}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Cameroon squads
|bg=#007A5E
|fg=#FCD116
|bordercolor=#CE1126
|list1=
{{Cameroon squad 1982 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Cameroon football squad 1984 Summer Olympics}}
{{Cameroon squad 1986 African Cup of Nations}}
{{Cameroon squad 1988 African Cup of Nations}}
{{Cameroon squad 1990 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Cameroon squad 1994 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Milla, Roger}}
[[Category:1952 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Yaoundé]]
[[Category:Cameroonian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Cameroonian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:African Footballer of the Year winners]]
[[Category:Africa Cup of Nations–winning players]]
[[Category:Tonnerre Yaoundé players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:Ligue 2 players]]
[[Category:Valenciennes FC players]]
[[Category:AS Monaco FC players]]
[[Category:SC Bastia players]]
[[Category:AS Saint-Étienne players]]
[[Category:Montpellier HSC players]]
[[Category:JS Saint-Pierroise players]]
[[Category:Madura United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Putra Samarinda F.C. players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Monaco]]
[[Category:Cameroonian expatriate sportspeople in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Cameroon men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Olympic footballers for Cameroon]]
[[Category:Footballers at the 1984 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:1982 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1990 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1994 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1982 African Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:1984 African Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:1986 African Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:1988 African Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:FIFA Men's Century Club]]
[[Category:FIFA 100]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Knights of the Legion of Honour]]
[[Category:Cameroonian expatriate sportspeople in Monaco]]
[[Category:French sportspeople of Cameroonian descent]]
[[Category:Naturalized citizens of France]]
[[Category:Black French sportspeople]]