Victor Osimhen snubs Galatasaray’s number 9 shirt: Two reasons he prefers 45

Victor Osimhen has finally explained why he turned down the opportunity to inherit Galatasaray’s iconic number 9 shirt, choosing instead to continue wearing the number 45 jersey, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker had been widely tipped to take over the famous number nine shirt following Mauro Icardi’s departure, particularly after cementing his status as Galatasaray’s leading goalscorer.

Instead, Osimhen has remained faithful to the number 45 shirt he first wore at Sporting Charleroi, insisting that changing numbers is not something he currently wants to do.

Why Victor Osimhen turned down Galatasaray’s 9 jersey

1. No. 45 has become Osimhen’s good-luck charm

The biggest reason behind Osimhen’s decision that he believes the number has consistently brought him success.

The former Napoli striker admitted he understands the commercial appeal of switching to the iconic number 9 but feels more comfortable sticking with the jersey that has accompanied him through some of the most successful moments of his career.

“I expect you’ll sell more shirts, but I think you’ll understand me. Number 45 brought me good luck at Galatasaray.

“I want to continue with the same number,” Osimhen said via Sabah, while confirming he had refused to take the number 9 shirt.

Osimhen first wore the number 45 during his breakthrough spell at Belgian club Sporting Charleroi.

Although he picked up new numbers at LOSC Lille and Napoli, he reverted to the number 45 jersey when he arrived at Galatasaray because Mauro Icardi had taken up the number nine shirt.

With Icardi out of the picture now, and a free shirt to grab, Osimhen has chosen to stick with the number 45 jersey.

2. He wants to build his own Galatasaray legacy

Football’s number 9 shirt traditionally belongs to the club’s main striker, but it also carries enormous expectations.

At Galatasaray, that pressure is even greater after Mauro Icardi’s successful spell wearing the jersey.

Instead of stepping directly into Icardi’s shoes, Osimhen appears determined to create his own identity.

Supporters already associate the Nigerian with the number 45 after watching him lead the line throughout his first full season at Rams Park.

Changing to number 9 might have pleased shirt manufacturers and supporters eager to see the traditional striker’s jersey back in circulation, but it would also invite immediate comparisons with the Argentine forward.

By retaining number 45, Osimhen continues writing his own story rather than inheriting someone else’s.

Many elite footballers become attached to shirt numbers they believe have accompanied their biggest successes, and Osimhen has now openly admitted he falls into that category.

As Galatasaray prepare for another title defence, the Nigerian striker will once again lead the attack wearing the same number that first accompanied his rise at Sporting Charleroi after a tough spell at Wolfsburg.