Victor Osimhen: Nigeria’s highest-earning footballer and his journey to the top
Victor Osimhen, currently Nigeria’s highest-earning footballer, has seen a remarkable rise in his salary over the past seven years, thanks to his hard work, dedication, and consistent performances on the field. His journey from a promising talent in Nigeria to a star in Europe reflects his determination to excel at the highest levels of football.
In the Beiginning at Wolfsburg
Osimhen’s professional career began when he joined VfL Wolfsburg in 2017 after honing his skills at Ultimate Strikers Academy in Nigeria. At Wolfsburg, he signed a three-year contract with a modest weekly wage of €4,231, which amounted to an annual income of €220,000. This was equivalent to ₦7.5 million per week and ₦390 million per year in Nigerian currency. Adjusted to current value, his earnings at Wolfsburg were around €250,454 annually (₦444,466,830).
Charleroi: A Step Back to Move Forward
After struggling for playing time at Wolfsburg, Osimhen moved to Belgian club Charleroi on loan in 2018, where he eventually signed a permanent contract. Although his weekly wage dropped to €3,654 (₦6 million), amounting to an annual salary of €190,000 (₦337 million), this move proved to be crucial for his career. Adjusted earnings at Charleroi were €214,897 annually (₦381,227,278), reflecting the value of money today.
Lille: A Significant Pay Rise
Osimhen’s impressive performances at Charleroi caught the attention of Lille, a French Ligue 1 side. In 2019, Lille signed him for a reported €12 million transfer fee, and his salary increased substantially to €25,000 per week, earning him €1.3 million per year. This was a significant leap, with weekly earnings of over ₦44 million and annual earnings of over ₦2 billion.
Napoli: The Breakthrough
Osimhen’s move to Napoli in 2020 for a record-breaking €70 million transfer fee marked a turning point in his career. His initial salary at Napoli was €98,645 per week, translating to €5,130,000 per year. This saw him earning nearly ₦175 million weekly and over ₦9 billion annually.
Third Season at Napoli
Following two successful seasons, Napoli rewarded Osimhen with a slight raise, increasing his weekly wage to €104,808 and his annual salary to €5,450,000. His weekly earnings rose to over ₦185 million, with annual earnings of ₦9.6 billion.
Fourth Season at Napoli: Record Earnings
Osimhen’s stellar performance during the 2022–23 season, where he led Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades and won the golden boot, earned him another contract extension with a significant pay rise. His salary soared to €246,538 per week and €12,820,000 per year, equivalent to over ₦457 million weekly and over ₦22 billion annually.
Loan to Galatasaray – No Changes
In the summer of 2024, Osimhen secured a loan move to Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray, following interest from several clubs. While the details of his contract are not fully confirmed, it is expected that his salary will remain unchanged, with Galatasaray covering a portion of his wages.
