Victor Osimhen – From Lagos to Galatasaray 

ByCaesar

Short Biography and Early Career

Victor Osimhen was born on 29/12/1998, in Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up in the Olusosun area, known for housing one of Africa’s largest dumpsites, Osimhen’s early life was shaped by resilience and determination. He began his football journey at the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos, where his talent quickly became apparent. His performances at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball, propelled him into the international spotlight. According to the latest news on Xoilac TV.

In January 2017, Victor Osimhen signed with German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg. However, his time in Germany was brief, and he moved to Belgian side Charleroi on loan in 2018, where he scored 12 goals in 25 appearances. His impressive performances earned him a move to French Ligue 1 club Lille in 2019. At Lille, Osimhen continued to develop, scoring 18 goals in his sole season with the club.

In 2020, Victor Osimhen transferred to Serie A side Napoli for a club-record fee of €80 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring 26 goals in the 2022–23 season, helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years. His achievements included becoming the highest-scoring African player in Serie A history and winning the Serie A Footballer of the Year award.

Achievements

Club Success

  • Serie A Champion (2022–23): Osimhen’s 26 goals were instrumental in Napoli’s league title victory.
  • Turkish Süper Lig Champion (2024–25): On loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen scored 37 goals, setting a record for the most goals by a foreign player in a single Turkish league season.
  • Turkish Cup Winner (2024–25): His two goals in the final secured the cup for Galatasaray.
  • African Footballer of the Year (2023): Osimhen became the first Nigerian to win this prestigious award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

Individual Honors

  • Serie A Best Striker (2022–23): Awarded for his outstanding goal-scoring performance.
  • Serie A Player of the Month (March 2022, January 2023): Recognized for his exceptional performances during these months.
  • TM-Player of the Season (2023, 2025): Named the best player in both Italy and Turkey.
  • Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations Golden Boot (2015): Top scorer in the tournament.
  • FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Boot (2015): Top scorer in the tournament.
  • FIFA U-17 World Cup Silver Ball (2015): Second-best player in the tournament.

Read more: Serie A schedule of match fixture on Xoilac

Preferred Position

Victor Osimhen is a right-footed centre-forward known for his physical presence, athleticism, strength, directness, runs into space, eye for goal, and link-up play. His strongest attributes are his explosive pace and strong aerial ability. Standing at 1.85 meters tall, Victor Osimhen’s wide frame and ability to hold up the ball make him an effective target man, capable of bringing others into play and contributing to the build-up of attacking moves. He is also known for his close control inside the box.

Transfer Value

As of October 2025, Victor Osimhen’s market value is estimated at €75 million. In July 2025, he completed a record-breaking transfer to Galatasaray for €75 million, making him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. The deal included a four-year contract with a net annual salary of €15 million, a €1 million yearly loyalty bonus, and €5 million annually for image rights. Napoli also retains 10% of any future profit from Osimhen’s next transfer.

Current Team

Victor Osimhen currently plays for Galatasaray in the Turkish Süper Lig. He joined the club in July 2025 after a successful loan spell during the 2024–25 season. Since his arrival, Osimhen has continued to impress, scoring goals and providing assists in key matches. His performances have been instrumental in Galatasaray’s strong start to the 2025–26 season, and he is expected to play a pivotal role in the club’s pursuit of domestic and European success.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen’s journey from a young talent in Lagos to one of Europe’s top strikers is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural ability. His achievements at Napoli and Galatasaray have solidified his reputation as a prolific goal scorer and a key player for both club and country. As he continues his career at Galatasaray, Victor Osimhen’s potential remains limitless, and he is poised to achieve even greater success in the coming years.

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