Victor Osimhen biography, career, net worth, achievements

Victor James Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer widely regarded as one of the best African strikers of his generation.

Currently playing for Turkish club Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, the Nigerian forward is known for his blistering pace, physical strength, and goal-scoring prowess.

Profile summary

Name: Victor James Osimhen

Date of birth: December 29, 1998

State of origin: Edo

Education: Ultimate Strikers Academy

Relationship status: Single

Career: Footballer

Background

Victor Osimhen was born into a humble family in Lagos State on December 29, 1998, as the youngest of six children.

His parents were originally from Edo State but settled in Lagos, where he grew up in Olusosun, a neighborhood near Oregun and Ojota.

From a young age, he displayed a passion for football, idolizing former Ivorian striker Didier Drogba.

His talent was evident early on, and he honed his skills playing on the streets before joining the Ultimate Strikers Academy.

Club career

Osimhen’s breakthrough came in 2015 when he starred at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, attracting interest from top European clubs.

He secured a pre-contract deal with German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg in January 2016 and officially joined them in January 2017.

However, he struggled for game time, making only 14 league appearances without scoring.

Seeking more playing time, Osimhen joined Belgian side Charleroi on loan for the 2018–19 season.

There, he rediscovered his goal-scoring form, netting 20 goals in 36 matches. Charleroi made his move permanent, but he soon secured a transfer to French club Lille in 2019.

In his only season at Lille, he scored 18 goals across all competitions, winning the Marc-Vivien Foé Award for the best African player in Ligue 1.

In 2020, Osimhen completed a club-record €90 million move to Napoli, making him the most expensive African footballer at the time.

His early years in Italy were plagued by injuries, but he gradually established himself as one of the deadliest strikers in Europe.

His defining season came in 2022–23, when he scored 26 goals in Serie A, winning the Capocannoniere (Serie A Golden Boot) and leading Napoli to their first league title in 33 years.

He also became the highest-scoring African in Serie A history, surpassing George Weah.

Osimhen’s remarkable performances earned him the Serie A Best Striker award, and he finished eighth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or ranking, the highest-ever finish for a Nigerian player.

In 2024, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, where he has continued his goal-scoring form, netting 20 goals in 22 matches.

International career

Osimhen first gained international recognition at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with 10 goals, leading Nigeria to the title.

He made his senior debut in 2017 and has since become Nigeria’s second all-time leading goal scorer.

He has represented Nigeria at AFCON 2019 and 2023, playing a key role in the 2023 AFCON final.

In 2023, he was honored as a Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari for his contributions to Nigerian football.

Personal life

Despite his global fame, Osimhen keeps his personal life private. He has been linked to several relationships but prefers to stay focused on his career.

He is known for his philanthropic efforts,  supporting underprivileged children and grassroots football in Nigeria.

His signature goal celebrations and protective mask, worn since a facial injury in 2021, have become part of his identity.

Net worth

Victor Osimhen is currently estimated to be worth about$30 million. His wealth comes from football contracts, bonuses, and endorsement deals with brands like Nike.

His Napoli contract and lucrative sponsorship deals have significantly boosted his earnings.

Awards

Serie A Champion (2022–23) – Napoli

FIFA U-17 World Cup Winner (2015) – Nigeria

CAF African Footballer of the Year (2023)

Serie A Footballer of the Year (2023)

Serie A Best Striker (2022–23)

Serie A Golden Boot (Capocannoniere)(2022–23) – 26 goals

Marc-Vivien Foé Award (2020) – Best African player in Ligue 1

Lille Player of the Season (2020)

FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Boot & Silver Ball (2015).