Victor Osimhen at 26: A Journey that gets better every year
SportsRation celebrates Victor James Osimhen, MON, MFR as he celebrates his 26th birthday today, marking another milestone in a career that continues to ascend with remarkable achievements year after year. The Nigerian striker, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli, has solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific forwards in world football.
Osimhen’s rise has been nothing short of inspirational. Born on 29 December 1998 in Lagos, Nigeria, his journey began in the streets of Olusosun before blossoming into a global footballing icon. His combination of pace, strength, athleticism, and clinical finishing makes him a nightmare for defenders and a delight for football fans worldwide.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom
Osimhen’s professional career kicked off in 2017 when he joined VfL Wolfsburg in Germany. Although his time in the Bundesliga was challenging, a loan spell at Belgian side Charleroi in 2018–19 reignited his spark, as he netted 20 goals in 36 appearances. This form earned him a move to Lille in France, where he scored 18 goals in his sole season and caught the eye of Napoli.
In 2020, Napoli secured Osimhen for a club-record €70 million, a transfer that would become one of the best decisions in the club’s history. His contributions in Italy were nothing short of legendary. He won the Serie A Best Young Player award in 2021–22 and the league’s Best Striker and Footballer of the Year titles in 2022–23 after leading Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years.
Osimhen also set records, including becoming the highest-scoring African player in Serie A history and the league’s top scorer with 26 goals in a single season—a feat never before achieved by an African player.
International Success
On the international stage, Osimhen has been just as impactful. From winning the Golden Boot at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup with a record-breaking 10 goals to becoming the joint-second all-time top scorer for the Nigeria national team, he continues to carry the hopes of a football-loving nation.
Osimhen’s contributions helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly lost to hosts Ivory Coast. His relentless pursuit of greatness has inspired a generation of Nigerian footballers.
A Resilient Fighter
Osimhen’s journey has not been without challenges. From injuries to off-field controversies, he has faced each obstacle with resilience. Despite a tumultuous 2024 summer transfer window, where moves to Saudi Arabia, Chelsea, and PSG fell through, Osimhen secured a loan move to Galatasaray. Since joining the Turkish side, he has continued to prove his class, scoring crucial goals in both domestic and European competitions.
Celebrating a Bright Future
As he turns 26, Victor Osimhen is at the peak of his powers. With honours like the African Footballer of the Year award, a top-ten finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings, and a Member of the Federal Republic title from Nigeria’s president, his legacy is already cemented. Yet, Osimhen’s hunger for success suggests that the best is yet to come.
Comment from SportsRation’s Nsikakabasi Akpan
“Victor Osimhen is undoubtedly one of the most prolific strikers in world football today. His consistent improvement, record-breaking feats, and leadership on and off the pitch make him a rare gem. At just 26, he’s achieved what many can only dream of, and there’s no doubt he will continue to get better every year. He’s an inspiration not just to Nigerians but to football fans everywhere.”
“As we celebrate Victor Osimhen’s 26th birthday, one thing is clear: his journey, already glittering with achievements, promises even greater heights in the years to come.”
