Victor Osimhen

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Galatasaray v Adana Demirspor – Turkish Super League
Current clubGalatasaray
Shirt Number45
PositionCentre-forward
NationalityNigeria
Born onDecember 29th 1998 in Lagos
Height186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
WeightApprox 78kg (171 lbs)
Net Worth$12m
Trophies WonSerie A 2023, Turkish Super Lig 2025, Turkish Super Cup 2025
International caps40

Victor Osimhen’s rise to prominence began in 2015 when he led the Golden Eaglets to victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring a record 10 goals to win the Golden Boot. That tournament propelled him into the European spotlight, earning him a move to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. However, his time in Germany was far from smooth, as injuries and limited opportunities saw him struggle for form.

A loan spell at Belgian club Charleroi reignited his career, with Osimhen scoring 19 goals in a single season. That form secured him a €15 million move to Lille, where he impressed with 18 goals in his debut campaign. 

Napoli then made him the most expensive African player at the time, paying €70 million for his services. In Italy, Osimhen cemented his status as an elite striker, firing Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years and finishing as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals. His performances earned him the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year award.

Osimhen later joined Turkish side Galatasaray on loan for the 2024-25, during which he scored 37 goals in 41 as the team won the Super Lig and the Turkish Cup.

After a long summer of speculation in 2025, during which he was linked with a host of Europe's top clubs — including Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea — Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a permanent deal.

Galatasaray broke their club transfer record by paying Napoli a fee of €75million — a deal that also reaffirmed Osimhen's status as Africa's most expensive footballer.

After signing him, Galatasaray took an unusual step by revealing exactly how much they are paying Osimhen in terms of his salary. It works out at €403,846.15 per week before tax, including a loyal bonus and image rights.

Standing at 6'1″, Osimhen is a physically dominant striker known for his blistering pace, aerial ability, and lethal finishing. His trademark mask, worn after a facial injury in 2021, has become synonymous with his never-say-die attitude.

Off the pitch, the Lagos-born footballer remains grounded. He frequently gives back to his community and inspires young Nigerian footballers with his remarkable journey from the streets of Lagos to global stardom.

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Solace Chukwu

Editor Site Coordinator

Solace Chukwu is one of Africa's foremost football columnists, with over a decade of experience working with various media outlets including Goal, Guardian UK, Pulse Sports and NewFrame News. While football is his first love, he also follows and comments on boxing and tennis.